About Us

We are dedicated to providing quality mental health counseling services to our clients. 

RICHARD

JOENS, LISW

Mental Health Therapist

Trauma, abuse survivors, LGBT issues, EMDR certified

I received my Master Degree In Social Work (MSW) from The University of Iowa.  I was licensed as an Independent Social Worker (LISW) in 1994 and practicing as such for 22 years.

CARRIE

PEITZMEIER, LISW, RD, LD

Mental Health Therapist

Eating disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse survivors

I received my Master Degree in Social Work (MSW) from The University of Iowa in 1996.  I have been licensed as an Independent Social Worker (LISW) since 1998. I worked on Iowa Lutheran Hospital's Eating Disorder Unit for 6 years before going into private practice in 2002.

KELLY

RENNICK O'BERRY, LISW

Mental Health Therapist

Adolescents, adults, depression, anxiety, attention deficit, learning disorders (dyslexia, ADHD), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)

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I received my Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from Columbia University, School of Social Work, in New York City.  I have been licensed and practicing in Iowa since 2005.

CATHERINE (CARNEY)

DERKSEN, LISW

Mental Health Therapist

Chronic and unresolved pain issues, caregiver support to adults and children with disabilities and dementia, anxiety, depression, recent single-event and complex trauma, life transition issues, EMDR trained, certified and licensed RN

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I received my Master Degree in Social Work from The University of Iowa in 2007. My recent experience includes indiviual therapy, crisis intervention, home care, individual and family support for families with disabilities, EMDR for pain and trauma.  I have practiced as a Social Worker in Iowa since 2007.

SARAH

PRICE, LISW

Mental Health Therapist

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Anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse survivors, grief
and loss, relationships

I received my Master Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, IA.  I have been practicing as an individual therapist for 7 years.

KEVIN

WEST, MSW, LISW

Mental Health Therapist

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Children 10 years old through adults with a focus in the areas of anxiety, anger control, parenting, ADHD, relationships and depression 

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I received my Master Degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Iowa.  I have taught at Simpson College and Mercy College of Health Sciences.  I have been working in the field of mental health in a variety of settings including private practice, inpatient treatment and public schools for over 20 years.      

ALICIA

WRIGHT, MSW, LISW

Mental Health Therapist

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I received my Master Degree in Social Work from St. Ambrose University.  I am trained in solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral trauma-focused care.  I have a holistic approach by exploring and educating clients about emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing.  I work with children, adolescents and adults.  I have a passion for giving every client an equal opportunity to thrive in their mental, emotional and behavioral realms.

THOMAS (TJ)

SUNDERMAN, LMHC

Mental Health Therapist

Anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, couples therapy,
EMDR trained, trained in the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model

I received my Master of Arts Degree (MA) in Mental Health and Marriage and Family Counseling from Gordon-Conwell in South Hamilton, MA.  I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have been practicing in Des Moines since 2008.  

ERIN

SUCHY-JOHNSON, LISW

Mental Health Therapist

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Adults and 16+ adolescents, anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, caregiver support, stress, pregnancy and post-partum mental health 

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I received my Master Degree in Social Work (MSW) from St. Ambrose University.  I worked at Unity Point for 7 years in hospital, home care, and clinical social work.  I have experience from Veteran's Affairs in their homeless and caregiver support programs.  I have been practicing as a social worker in Iowa since 2011.    

ALICIA

DOTSON, LMHC

Mental Health Therapist

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Anxiety, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, grief and loss, relationships and trauma.

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I received my Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University.  I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have been practicing in Des Moines since 2014.  I have provided therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults in both office and school-based settings.  I utilize a variety of clinical approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

CATHY

COCKAYNE

Office Manager

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I have been working in mental health hospitals, clinics and offices since 1991.

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LORI

WILBER

Receptionist