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!
(SHE/HER/HERS)
JOURNEY STORK, LMSW
I am a Licensed Master of Social Work who provides therapy for women 18 and older throughout the state of Iowa. Through personal and professional experience, I have exposed a deep desire to empower women yearning to manage their anxiety, depression and other related stress – before, during, and after some of life’s most vulnerable, transitional moments. Additionally, I have a profound passion for working with women who may experience people-pleasing, perfectionism, or who feel like there is simply not enough time in a day and feel discouraged.
My therapeutic approach could be defined as holistic and eclectic – pulling from a variety of tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with a person-centered view. I genuinely believe in the concept that the answers you need are often inside of you; you only have to become quiet enough to hear them. This can be accomplished by putting in the work and nurturing our innate potential of growing and trusting yourself.
During a session with me, you can expect me to show up as a human first and therapist second, with genuine empathy and occasional humor, creating a trusting, therapeutic foundation that fosters authentic, open and honest conversation.
I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work, receiving my bachelor’s degree at Briar Cliff University and master’s degree at St. Ambrose University with a focus on empowerment. I have interned and worked in a variety of settings with clients spanning from birth to end-of-life, and all of the significant life events in between. I have spent a majority of my time in the hospital setting on the labor, delivery, postpartum and recovery unit, the behavioral health unit, and with patients at end-of-life, guiding those impacted by the loss as they experience grief.
Outside of our sessions, you can find me trying to keep up with my husband and three children, planning our next vacation, listening to a podcast, or trying out a new recipe. Happy you are here!
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
