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Category: Mental Health

Stewart Memorial Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Expanded Behavioral Health Services Space in Lake City

Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting and open house for its new Pod D Behavioral Health Services space at the Lake City Clinic on Friday, May 8, at 3:00 p.m.

Community members, staff, healthcare leaders, and local officials gathered to celebrate the expansion of behavioral health services and Stewart Memorial’s continued commitment to increasing access to mental health care in rural Iowa. Guests toured the newly renovated space, met behavioral health providers, and learned more about the growing services available through Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics.

Special guests included Wendy Larson, who serves Iowa House District 7, and Jacob Bossman, who serves as Regional Director for U.S. Senator Charles Grassley and represents Iowa House District 14. During the event, Larson and Bossman joined Stewart Memorial leaders and staff in discussing the importance of behavioral health services in rural Iowa and the continued need to ensure patients and families have access to quality mental health care close to home.

Stewart Memorial leadership also highlighted the challenges many rural communities face in accessing timely behavioral health services, including provider shortages, transportation barriers, and long wait times. The new Pod D Behavioral Health Services space was designed to help meet those growing needs while creating a welcoming and supportive environment for patients and families.

The newly completed space features three therapist offices, a private waiting area, a dedicated play therapy room, a Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) room, and an adjacent camera system observation space that allows therapists and parents to participate in evidence-based family therapy sessions in a safe and supportive setting.

The ribbon cutting also marked a significant milestone in the rapid growth of Stewart Memorial’s mental health service line. In 2023, behavioral health services at the Lake City Clinic included just one therapist. Today, the Lake City location has expanded to three therapists, with a total of five therapists an two behavioral health medication providers now serving patients across Stewart Memorial’s rural health clinics.

“This new space represents our continued commitment to expanding access to mental health care in the communities we serve,” said Darci Peterson. “Mental health care is an essential part of overall health, and individuals in rural communities deserve the same access to quality services as those in larger urban areas. We are proud to continue growing our services to better support children, families, and adults close to home.”

Stewart Memorial leaders expressed gratitude to the community members, staff, and local leaders who attended the event and supported the continued expansion of behavioral health services throughout the region.

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Maintenance Department Receives Q2 Team Award for Contributions to Pod D Remodel

Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics is proud to recognize its Maintenance Department as the recipient of the Q2 Team Award, honoring their exceptional contributions to the successful completion of the Pod D remodel.

Nominated by the Pod D team, the Maintenance Department played an essential role in transforming the space into a functional, welcoming environment for both patients and staff. Their dedication, craftsmanship, and consistent support were evident throughout every phase of the project.

From assembling furniture and installing locks to troubleshooting unexpected challenges, the team approached each task with professionalism, technical skill, and attention to detail. Their willingness to address both large-scale needs and smaller requests ensured the final space aligned with the vision of the Pod D team.

Throughout the remodel, the Maintenance staff demonstrated a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach. They remained responsive, adaptable, and committed to excellence, contributing significantly to the success of the project.

As noted in the nomination, “Every single member of the Maintenance Department played a meaningful role in this project. Quite simply, we would not have the space we have today without their hard work and commitment.”

To celebrate the completion of the remodel and the expansion of services, Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics will host a community open house:

Mental Health / Pod D Open House
1351 W Main St
Lake City, IA 51449

Friday, May 8
3:00 to 5:00 PM

Community members are invited to tour the newly renovated space, meet the care team, and learn more about the expanded mental health services now available. The event reflects Stewart Memorial’s ongoing commitment to enhancing access to care and supporting the well-being of the communities it serves. Refreshments will be provided.

Stewart Memorial Honors Glenna Nockels as January Path to Excellence Awardee

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Glenna Nockels, LISW, as the January Path to Excellence Awardee. This recognition celebrates employees who exemplify Stewart Memorial’s core values while demonstrating meaningful growth and leadership throughout their time with the organization.

Glenna Nockels is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who provides clinical therapy services to patients at the Lake City Clinic. She joined Stewart Memorial in 2023, bringing with her a strong passion for community-based mental health care and a deep personal connection to the organization.

“I was initially drawn to Stewart Memorial because of the positive, supportive interactions I had with the organization,” Nockels shared. “As a local resident, my own family has received care here. When the opportunity came to join the team, I felt proud to become part of an organization that has meant so much to my community.”

Since joining Stewart Memorial, Nockels’ role has evolved significantly alongside the growth of the organization’s mental health services. What began as a single therapist position has expanded into a full mental health team of five providers. During this time, Nockels has played a key role in onboarding and training new therapists and now serves as a clinical supervisor for newly licensed staff, helping build long-term, sustainable mental health resources for rural communities.

The core value that resonates most strongly with Nockels is compassion. “Compassion is at the heart of my work every day,” she said. “I love meeting people where they are and supporting them through difficult seasons of life. I also see that same compassion reflected throughout Stewart Memorial in how employees support one another and how leadership prioritizes work-life balance. That allows me to stay renewed and present for my patients.”

Nockels credits her colleagues and the organization for supporting her professional development. From administrative leadership to psychiatric prescribers, family practice providers, and nursing staff, collaboration has been central to the success of mental health services. “Breaking down stigma happens when trusted providers talk openly about mental health,” she noted. “That teamwork makes a real difference for our patients and our community.”

One of her proudest accomplishments has been helping establish a fully integrated mental health department across Stewart Memorial’s locations. “Seeing mental health treated with the same importance as other medical specialties and having the spaces, support staff, and leadership to back it up means everything to me,” Nockels said. “It reflects my values and shows our community that mental health care truly matters.”

Darci Peterson, RN, Mental Health Services Director, shared, “Glenna’s dedication and compassion make a meaningful difference every day at Stewart Memorial. Her willingness to help, her depth of knowledge, and the positivity she brings to every interaction strengthen our team and elevate the care our patients receive. She is truly an invaluable asset to our organization.”

Nockels stays motivated by witnessing the impact of her work and by Stewart Memorial’s continued investment in community health. “When you feel supported, it is easy to give back,” she shared. “That alignment between my values and the organization’s mission keeps me inspired to keep growing, both professionally and personally.”

Stewart Memorial congratulates Glenna Nockels on being named the January Path to Excellence Awardee and thanks her for her compassion, leadership, and dedication to advancing mental health care in the community.

Mental Health Services Announcement

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics would like to inform patients of upcoming changes within our mental health department. Effective December 31, Melinda Engelman, LISW, and Kate DeWall, LISW, will be departing from Stewart Memorial. We are grateful for the compassionate and dedicated care they have provided to our patients and community, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.

To ensure a smooth transition and continuity of services, Stewart Memorial has a strong team of mental health providers available across all locations. Patients in Gowrie may continue their care with Audrey Hood, T LMHC, and Carrie Goodwin, DNP, PMHNP BC.

Additional providers serving Lake City, Lake View, Rockwell City, and Gowrie include Emily Sliefert, LMHC; Anne Souder, LMHC; Audrey Hood, T LMHC; Stacie Daily, LMHC; and Glenna Nockels, LISW, all of whom are prepared to support ongoing mental health needs.

Stewart Memorial remains committed to offering comprehensive mental health care through both in-person and telehealth visits to ensure accessibility for every patient. To schedule an appointment or connect with a provider, please call 712-464-4268.

Stewart Memorial Welcomes Mental Health Therapist Audrey Hood, T-LMHC

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital and Clinics is pleased to welcome Audrey Hood, T-LMHC, to its growing Mental Health Services team. Audrey will provide counseling services primarily in the Lake City clinic, with additional availability in Gowrie and Rockwell City.

Audrey is a Temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with understanding and compassion. Her clinical interests include transitional issues, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns. She strives to create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where patients feel supported and empowered in their personal growth.

A native of Lohrville, Iowa, Audrey is proud to return to her home region to serve the communities that shaped her. “I’ve always wanted to come back to my community and help where I saw the gaps,” she shared. “I’m passionate about breaking down barriers and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.”

Audrey earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand View University and gained experience working in behavioral healthcare prior to joining Stewart Memorial. She approaches therapy by prioritizing trust and connection with each client, combining empathy with gentle challenge to encourage progress.

Her decision to pursue a career in mental health was inspired by a lifelong desire to help others. During her time in college, Audrey discovered how integral emotional well-being is to overall health and knew she wanted to make a difference through mental health counseling.

Stewart Memorial is thrilled to welcome Audrey to the team as part of its continued commitment to expanding access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care across our community.

For more information about Mental Health Services at Stewart Memorial, visit www.stewartmemorial.org.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics Honors Darci Peterson, RN, as September Path to Excellence Employee

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Darci Peterson, RN, as the Path to Excellence Employee for September 2025. This monthly recognition highlights team members who embody the hospital’s mission and values through outstanding service, compassionate care, and leadership.

Peterson began her career at Stewart Memorial more than 12 years ago when she joined as a hospice supervisor. Having worked in hospice previously, she was eager to continue this meaningful work in a smaller, community-focused facility.

“I came to Stewart Memorial because I wanted to serve small communities like the one, I grew up in,” Peterson said. “Right away I noticed how welcoming everyone was. It felt homey, not like a large hospital, and that sense of family has stayed with me ever since.”

After several years in hospice, Peterson transitioned into care coordination, working as both a health coach and care manager for patients. In those roles, she guided individuals through their health journeys, ensuring they had the resources, education, and encouragement they needed. For the past six to seven years, she has been a trusted partner in patient care and advocacy.

Most recently, Peterson embraced a new challenge as Director of Mental Health Services, a position she accepted about six months ago. She is excited to help expand the department and bring new opportunities to patients who rely on Stewart Memorial for their behavioral health needs.

“I’m super excited to see how the department grows,” Peterson said. “Mental health is such an important part of overall wellness, and I look forward to building services that make a difference for our patients and community.”

When reflecting on Stewart Memorial’s core values, Peterson shared that compassion resonates most deeply with her.

“Being a nurse for more than 20 years has taught me how essential compassion is,” she explained. “As a hospice nurse, I’ve seen firsthand that not everyone’s circumstances are the same. Showing kindness and offering a listening ear can mean everything to a patient or family in a difficult moment.”

Peterson also expressed gratitude for her colleagues and leadership team, who have played an important role in her career development.

“The leadership team here gently pushes us to learn more and grow,” she said. “They give us support when we’re ready to take on something new, and they stand by us if we choose to stay where we are. That balance is rare, and it’s part of what makes this organization special.”

For Peterson, both her patients and her coworkers are a source of motivation and joy in her work.

“Stewart Memorial is really like one big family,” she said. “If you’re having a hard day, someone is there to lift you up. We lean on each other, and that support allows us to give the best possible care to our patients.”

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics congratulates Darci Peterson, RN, on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her years of dedicated service to patients, colleagues, and the community.

Stewart Memorial Announces Eating Disorder Therapy Group

 Stewart Memorial will offer a new Eating Disorder Therapy Group beginning September 9, 2025. Sessions will be held every Tuesday from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Willis Conference Center at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City.
The group will be led by Stacie Daily, LMHC, CADC, Mental Health Specialist at the Lake City Clinic. Daily has extensive experience treating a range of mental health concerns including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex trauma.
The therapy group is open to individuals age 16 and older diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), or OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder). Sessions are structured around three components: connection, education, and nutrition. Participants may attend weekly or as their schedules allow. Telehealth is also an option.
New patients and first-time participants are asked to call the Lake City Clinic at 712-464-7907 before attending their first session. Patients attending for the first time should check in at the hospital’s main entrance and will be directed to the Willis Conference Center. After the initial visit, patients may join the group without scheduling in advance. Participants are welcome to bring their lunch.
For more information or to register, call the Lake City Clinic at 712-464-7907.

Stewart Memorial Welcomes Stacie Daily, LMHC, CADC, to Lake City Clinic

Stewart Memorial is pleased to welcome Stacie Daily, LMHC, CADC, to the Lake City Clinic team beginning August 25, 2025. Daily brings extensive experience in mental health and substance use counseling and is passionate about supporting individuals and families throughout their healing journey.

Originally from Glidden, Iowa, Daily is excited to begin serving the Lake City area and surrounding communities. “I’m excited to join the team and bring my experience to the mental health clinic,” she said. She will provide mental health counseling services to children, teens, and adults.

Daily holds certifications in complex trauma and eating disorders and has special interest and experience working with individuals navigating depression, bipolar disorder, family dynamics, and children with unique needs, such as those on the autism spectrum. In addition to her mental health licensure, she is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), enabling her to support individuals struggling with addiction and recovery.

Her approach to care is patient-centered and collaborative. “I take time to listen to each patient’s concerns and consider their emotional well-being and lifestyle when developing a treatment plan,” Daily shared. “It’s important to me that care feels personal and empowering.”

Outside of work, Daily enjoys spending time outdoors. She and her husband live on an acreage where they care for a variety of animals and enjoy hiking and spending time in nature.

For more information about mental health services at Stewart Memorial, or to schedule an appointment with Stacie Daily, visit www.stewartmemorial.org or call (712) 464-7907.

Holiday Stress and Seasonal Affective Disorder

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, many people experience a noticeable shift in their mood and energy levels. The holidays are usually seen as a happy time of the year, but the pressures of the season and separation from loved ones often make it a stressful time for many, particularly for those living with mental health conditions.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to the changing seasons, can also significantly impact mental health in the winter—especially during the holiday season. Symptoms of SAD typically occur in late fall when daylight hours reduce and can include fatigue, sadness, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, and a loss of interest in activities.

Treatment for SAD can include light therapy, medication, and/or individual therapy sessions.

“The holiday season can be particularly challenging,” said Stephanie Bellcock, ARNP, certified mental health nurse practitioner at McCrary-Rost Clinics of Lake City and Lake View. “It’s important to remember that seeking support is a sign of strength, and help is available.”

Coping Strategies for Mental Health During the Holidays

Mental health experts recommend several strategies to combat the symptoms of SAD and holiday-related stress:

  • Pay attention to your feelings: Remember it is okay to feel down. Recognizing how you feel is the first step to addressing your feelings.
  • Have a plan for when you feel stressed, sad, or lonely:Identify activities that help you feel better ahead of time. Having a plan can make difficult times more manageable. The plan could include anything that brings happiness like calling a friend or family member, going for a walk, or watching a favorite movie.
  • Stay active: Regular physical activity can boost mood and energy levels. Exposure to sunlight outdoors also helps reduce SAD symptoms.
  • Set realistic expectations: Simplify holiday plans to reduce stress and focus on meaningful moments.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs: The holidays can be difficult for people in substance abuse recovery with the social pressures of the season. Have a plan of how to navigate social events and periods of sadness. For family and friends, it is important to support and check in on loved ones who might be struggling this season.
  • Stay connected: Maintain relationships with friends and loved ones to combat feelings of isolation. Providing support to others who may be feeling down not only helps them, but it can also improve your own well-being.
  • Know when to seek professional help: If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider for therapy, counseling, or medication options.

Local Resources and Events

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital and McCrary-Rost Clinics offer support for those experiencing feelings of depression at all locations. Services include individual counseling and medication support to help individuals navigate the holiday season and winter months. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit https://www.stewartmemorial.org/services/behavioral-and-mental-health-services or call the following numbers for each location:

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Healing the Invisible Wounds: The Power of Mental Health Treatment for Veterans

In recognition of Veterans Day, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) and McCrary Rost Clinics are emphasizing the critical role of mental health treatment in addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans, particularly those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Many veterans who have served our country bravely often carry the invisible wounds of war, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These conditions can significantly impact their quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being. Whether a veteran’s service was one or 50 years ago, they don’t have to continue to suffer. Mental health treatment offers a powerful tool for healing and recovery. Stewart Memorial Community Hospital and McCrary Rost Clinics are dedicated to providing accessible and effective mental health services to veterans.

“We are very happy to provide both medication and therapy services because those definitely work hand in hand and are essential to improving mental health,” shared SMCH Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Carrie Goodwin, DNP, PMHNP-BC. “So, if you come in to see me and I think that you have some issues that need to be worked through in therapy, I will gladly refer you to one of our therapists and vice versa. If a therapist is seeing a medication need that isn’t being addressed in therapy, they will refer you to one of our medication providers. We work very well in coordinating our care as a team.”

SMCH mental health specialists commonly work with trauma patients, helping them find appropriate and effective coping skills to adapt.

How Mental Health Therapy Can Help Veterans:

  • Processing Trauma: Therapy provides a safe and supportive space for veterans to process traumatic experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
  • Managing Symptoms: Therapists can teach veterans strategies to manage symptoms of PTSD, such as hypervigilance, flashbacks, and nightmares.
  • Building Resilience: Therapy helps veterans build resilience, enabling them to cope with stress and adversity.
  • Improving Relationships: Therapists can help veterans improve their relationships with family, friends, and loved ones.
  • Reducing Suicidal Risk: Early intervention and ongoing therapy can significantly reduce the risk of suicide among veterans.

If you are a veteran struggling with mental health challenges, please know that you are not alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

“We have a crisis line number and a mental health area action team that people can call if they need immediate help,” said Goodwin. “Call the ER, call your primary care provider, call the clinic, call someone. There is no need to struggle in silence. We are here to help you. We are trained to help you. And we want to help you.”

Key Resources for Veterans in Need: