Our Specialty

Kirby Nelson (she/her) is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner serving adult patients experiencing mental health symptoms impacting their daily functioning. Kirby believes in a holistic, patient centered approach to psychiatric care and utilizes evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities. Kirby's area of expertise is reproductive and perinatal psychiatry and enjoys working alongside child-bearing individuals to improve their mental health and overall well being.

Kirby completed her doctoral degree (DNP) through the University of Minnesota School of Nursing in 2015 and has provided mental health care in primary care clinics and traditional mental health settings in Oregon, Iowa, and Minnesota. She has also received her certification in perinatal mental health.

Outside of clinical practice, Kirby enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She finds contentment when biking on her cargo bike with kids in tow, exploring natural spaces, doing yoga, and drinking coffee while reading a good book.

Sometimes it’s hard to be a human. Perhaps you are feeling isolated in new parenthood, unsure of yourself and feeling disconnected from the person you used to be.  Perhaps you are coping with trauma or a loss that has left you anxious, depressed, or just plain struggling to hold hope for the future.  No matter the specific nature of your symptoms or the circumstances that have caused you to seek therapy, you understand that things aren’t working and something has to change.  As a person-centered therapist, it is my goal to walk alongside you as you embark on a journey of discovery and increased self-awareness. Together we will examine your core beliefs, values, relationships, and patterns of behavior and explore how they are impacting your ability to reach your full potential, experience growth, and find joy in life.  We will also use techniques to improve your ability to cope with stressors in your life and increase your resilience.  I believe we are the sum of our experiences, both past and present, and this informs the lens through which we view the world.  I aim to provide a safe, nurturing, and nonjudgmental space where you can take a deep breath and ask the big questions: Who am I? What do I want? and What is my purpose?  If this resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out and connect so we can begin our work together.      

Claire (she/her) offers compassionate mental health support for people facing anxiety, grief, stress, depression, and many other areas of struggle. With decades of personal and professional experience, her approach is to meet you wherever you are and whatever is going on for you. Claire holds an undergraduate degree in social work from the University of Iowa, a master's in public health from Des Moines University, and a masters in social work from University of Iowa. Claire has specialized training in EMDR and perinatal mental health. Claire implements EMDR therapy in sessions with genuine respect and personalized care. Claire utilizes different evidence-based approaches depending on the needs of the individual, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, EMDR, and solution focused therapies. Whether navigating life-altering challenges or daily obstacles, Claire believes that your wellness and mental health matters and you are not alone!

Lizbeth (she/her) strives to create an affirming and collaborative space where clients can work towards goals that bring meaning and fulfillment to their lives. She believes that we must acknowledge the environmental stressors, childhood wounds, and social interests that may further complicate one’s mental health. Lizbeth utilizes a blend of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Adlerian Psychology in her sessions. Lizbeth’s passion for perinatal mental health began during her time at the Women’s Wellness Clinic in Iowa City, Iowa. Since then, she has gained additional experience in the areas of perinatal mental health, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and relationship and intimacy issues. She has also worked extensively with college-aged students navigating life transitions. Lizbeth’s passion work revolves around immigrant and refugee community challenges, specifically for birthing individuals facing acculturation concerns while navigating the perinatal period. 

Navigating the emotional landscape associated with pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, relationships, parenthood and general life stressors can be hard. Bethany (she/her) is passionate about empowering clients to find balance, achieve goals or find ways to better cope with transformative phases. She has experience working with children, adults and families in residential and community based settings. She has worked with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, other mood disorders, relationships and perinatal mental health. 

She gained interest in working with adults encountering a mood and anxiety disorder during pregnancy and postpartum (PMADs)  after having kids herself and realizing the need for services and advocacy. Bethany takes an integrative approach to counseling by incorporating CBT, Person centered, Narrative, Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) therapies tailored to meet unique needs of each individual. Her counseling philosophy is centered on creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their feelings and understand how they interpret their unique situations. Her dedication to her clients’ health and happiness is evident in her empathetic, evidence-based approach to counseling. If you are looking for someone to listen to you, validate you or for you to feel less alone in life’s journey, reach out. Your well being matters! 

Amanda (she/her) is Iowa Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Perinatal Mental Health provider (PMH-C) with over a decade of experience. Specializing in mood disorders, anxiety, and more, Amanda offers a person-centered, strengths-based approach, integrating mindfulness and wellness practices. She provides a safe and supportive space for your unique journey. Contact Amanda for compassionate and tailored mental health support during this transformative time. 

Missy (she/her)  is a passionate artist and art therapy intern, joining our clinic in January 2025. With a BFA in Studio Art from Coe College and the University of Iowa, she is completing her Master's of Art in Art Therapy at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

Missy brings over a decade of creative experience, including running a photography and design business, leading art camps, and facilitating art-as-healing workshops. She is dedicated to helping clients explore creativity as a path to healing and growth.

We believe interns should be paid; however, insurance companies do not pay for services provided by an intern. In order to ensure our interns can be paid for their time there is a $25 out of pocket charge per appointment.