Sarah Crouse, MA, LMHC, PMH-C
(She/her/hers)
I am a licensed mental health counselor who provides therapy for women ages 18+ in Iowa. I have a special place in my heart and in my training for women during the perinatal period (which encompasses both pregnancy and postpartum). In my practice, I offer individual and group telehealth therapy. Part of my practice includes connection and collaboration with other mental health clinicians.
I received my bachelor's of arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014. I then received a master's of arts degree in psychology and a master's of arts degree in clinical mental health counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP). I am also trained in treating perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International (PSI).
I've worked in various locations ranging from a psychiatric inpatient facility, to schools, to outpatient care. I've found my passion in working with women who are either in college, graduate school, trying to conceive or are new mothers navigating all of the physical, mental and emotional challenges of being a mom.
I am a mom of two sweet babies (I suppose toddlers now), a 4 year old and a 2 year old. I enjoy my hobbies such as flipping homes, designing new spaces, and photography.
I love spending time with my family, watching the Cubs play baseball, going on long walks and vacationing in Florida with my husband and kids when we get the chance!
Emilie Sommers, LMHC
(She/her/hers)
I am a licensed mental health counselor who works with clients 16 and older in the state of Iowa. Through my experience in various clinical settings, I have found a passion for working with perinatal mental health and supporting women and families throughout their journeys around parenthood. I have experience working with clients who are attempting to conceive, currently pregnant or postpartum, navigating birth/NICU-related trauma, and struggling with perinatal OCD, anxiety and depression. I also have a special interest in supporting clients who are experiencing infertility, pregnancy loss and infant loss as they navigate this unique grief experience.
Additionally, I enjoy working with late teens and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, eating disorders/disordered eating, and young adults/college students navigating this often transformative life state.
I received my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Iowa and also have bachelor's degrees in art (printmaking) and social innovation. I am originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, but have loved calling Iowa home for the past 10+ years.
In my time outside of counseling, I enjoy time with friends and family, playing with my mini dachshund, being active and spending time outdoors, cheering on the Iowa women's basketball team, reading, sewing and drawing.
I look forward to meeting you!
Lexi Flaherty, TLMHC
(SHE/HER/HERS)
I am a licensed mental health counselor who works with women 16+. After spending 4 years as a licensed school counselor, I decided to pivot into mental health counseling. I earned my master's degree in school counseling from the University of Iowa, and recently pursued a master's certificate in mental health counseling from the University of Northern Iowa.
My passion lies in supporting the perinatal population, moms navigating life transitions and hardships, and college/graduate students navigating stress, anxiety, or just normal life struggles. My experience as a school counselor has lead me to enjoy working with a variety of people going through different life transitions. I would love to work with you through the difficult times and cheer you on during your triumphs. I find fulfillment in creating safe, validating spaces where individuals can explore and heal.
Outside of work, you'll find me with my family. I love hanging out with my 2-year old daughter, our dog, Melly, and my husband, Ben. When I have downtime, I unwind with an episode of New Girl, go on a long walk, cheer on Iowa football at Kinnick Stadium, or simply savor a slow morning on the couch with a cup of coffee.
Let's connect and explore how I can support you on your journey to mental wellness!
Natalie Christensen, ARNP, FNP-C, PMH-C
(SHE/HER/HERS)
I am a certified Family Nurse Practitioner and hold an additional certification in Perinatal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International. I provide medication management services for women 18+ suffering from anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, certain sleep disorders, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD).
I developed an interest in mental health as it has such an impact on all aspects of life and overall health. I enjoy connecting with my clients and sharing the challenges, milestones, and triumphs that one may experience throughout life. I strive to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment where we can work together towards attainable health goals. I enjoy working with all women but specifically perinatal clients, college aged students, and young adults. Additionally, perinatal mental health has become a
true passion of mine. I understand motherhood can be a difficult, vulnerable, and demanding experience. The journey through motherhood is unique to each person, and I hope to help clients successfully navigate through this stage of life and the mental
health challenges that may occur.
I am married and a mom of two young children. I love to spend time with my family and try to capture the beauty in the simple, everyday life moments. Our family enjoys activities within our community such as farmer’s markets, festivals, sporting events (Go Hawkeyes!), and anything else that keeps us active! I look forward to working with you on your mental health journey.
Additionally, I am unable to provide treatment for certain complex psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, uncontrolled bipolar disorder, psychosis, and/or borderline personality disorder.
Training and Education:
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, Clarkson College, Omaha, Nebraska
BSN, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Board Certifications:
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Family Nurse Practitioner
Postpartum Support International, Perinatal Mental Health Certification
Lydia Kratovil, LMHC
(SHE/HER/HERS)
I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor providing therapy for women and girls ages 16 and up. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Iowa State University in 2019 and my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Iowa in 2021.
I have experience, expertise, and passion for working with clients struggling with self-esteem concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship stressors, as well as life changes and adjustments. I love providing unconditional support, guidance and empowerment for my clients and helping them work towards finding unconditional love for themselves throughout life’s tough moments.
Providing therapy for teenagers is a passion of mine as I believe this is a pivotal age for self-love, growth, and a need for significant support as you navigate the difficulties of sometimes stressful friendships and peer relationships, peer pressure, and decision making. Working with college students is additionally an area I really enjoy, and I would be honored to support you as you explore your identity as a young adult while navigating the challenges of academic stress and the social pressures and difficulties that often accompany college life.
I additionally have professional experience and training surrounding perinatal care and infertility concerns and have become excited to work with this population especially through my own pregnancy journey. Pregnancy is so beautiful but can also be so hard. I am excited to support women struggling with anxiety, OCD, or depression throughout pregnancy and postpartum and surrounding the journey to parenthood. I have also experienced my own early pregnancy loss which led to a heartfelt desire to support other moms coping after loss. I am gaining professional experience, training, and supervision within the area of pregnancy loss and would love nothing more than to support you if you’ve experienced the devastating grief surrounding miscarriage.
My counseling technique centers around Person-centered Therapy, and utilises tools from methods including but not limited to Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I will always show up with genuine care for my clients and provide empathy, validation, and support within every appointment.
Outside of work, I love being outside in the sun- hiking, playing pickleball with friends, or resting in a hammock with a good book. I equally enjoy being cuddled up on the couch with my Fiancé and a bingeable TV show. I am currently expecting my first baby due May of 2025 and am so grateful and excited to be her mom!
