Meskwaki Behavioral Health Services

05/29/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month
What is a Mental Health Therapist?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

A Mental Health Therapist helps us understand our feelings, manage difficult emotions, solve problems, and develop strategies for being healthy in our mind, body, and spirit. They provide us with a safe, confidential, and private space to talk through challenges. They can help us identify patterns in our thinking and actions to help us with things like managing stress, anxiety, or sadness.

Mental Health Therapist are trained to provide therapeutic care while working with individuals and families as a team, including:

• Mental Health Assessment/Evaluations to help us identify what we want to work on
• Treatment planning to help us set goals and objectives to make the changes we want
• Weekly, every other week, or monthly sessions to help us be heard, cope, and get another person’s perspective
• Treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions
• Support for stress, grief, trauma, and life transitions
• Coordination of care with primary care providers and other specialists

At the Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic, care is provided in a respectful and supportive environment that recognizes the importance of community, culture, and family in healing and wellness.

Meet A Mental Health Therapist:

Ryan Keller, LMFT
Director of Behavioral Health and Mental Health Therapist

Ryan Keller is the Meskwaki Behavioral Health Services Director. He earned a dual bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. Ryan is trained in CBT, DBT, EMDR, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, trauma-informed interventions, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. He works with individuals, couples, families, and groups from childhood through adulthood, using a collaborative, strengths-based approach to support individuals, families, and communities toward the overall health of the body, mind, and spirit. He values building genuine connections with those he serves and brings practical, real-world perspective into his work. Ryan is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Meskwaki community and looks forward to supporting individuals and families on their healing journeys.

Mental health challenges are common, and effective treatments are available. If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out for help can be an important first step.

Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the Meskwaki community.

05/27/2026

Meskwaki Behavioral Health Services will be hosting a Mental Health Awareness Walk/Run on Friday, June 12 at the Meskwaki Rec Center. Registration opens at 5:00PM and the Walk/Run starts at 5:30PM. A presentation and food will be served following the walk/run.

💚 It's okay to not be okay - you are not alone in your struggles

💚 Happiness depends upon ourselves

💚 It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop

If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out for help can be an important first step!

Meskwaki Behavioral Health (641) 484-9482

05/27/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month
What is a Substance Abuse Counselor?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

A Substance Abuse Counselor (often called an addictions counselor) helps individuals of all ages break free from harmful dependencies on drugs, alcohol, or behaviors in order to be healthy in our mind, body, and spirit. Think of them as guides for healthy living, helping individuals understand why they use substances and teaching them new, positive ways to handle stress and emotions without turning to drugs, alcohol, or harmful behaviors. They provide us with a respectful, compassionate, safe, confidential, and private space to talk through challenges. They can help us identify patterns in our thinking and actions to help us with things like managing stress, anxiety, or sadness.

Substance Abuse Counselors are trained to provide therapeutic care while working with individuals and groups as a team, including:

• Substance Use Evaluations to help us identify what substance or behaviors we need to work on
• Treatment planning to help us set goals and objectives to make the changes we want
• Weekly, twice a week, every other week, or monthly sessions to help us be heard, cope, and get another person’s perspective
• Lead groups sessions to help us learn from our own experiences and the experiences of others
• Help us as family members learn about addictive behaviors and how to support a loved one through recovery
• Coordination of care with other mental health professionals, primary care providers, and other specialists

At the Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic, care is provided in a respectful and supportive environment that recognizes the importance of community, culture, and family in healing and wellness.

Meet A Substance Abuse Counselor:

Kyle Crist, CADC
Substance Abuse Counselor

Kyle M. Crist is a Substance Abuse Counselor with the Meskwaki Settlement Behavioral Health Department. Originally from outside Philadelphia, PA. He brings both professional experience and personal resilience, living with cerebral palsy. Kyle holds a master’s degree in professional School Counseling and has a background in spiritual counseling. He takes a relational, person-centered approach, with experience in public schools and nonprofit settings where he has mentored and supported individuals and families. He looks forward to building connections and serving the Meskwaki community.

Mental health challenges are common, and effective treatments are available. If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out for help can be an important first step.

Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the Meskwaki community.

05/26/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month
What is a Mental Health Therapist?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

A Mental Health Therapist helps us understand our feelings, manage difficult emotions, solve problems, and develop strategies for being healthy in our mind, body, and spirit. They provide us with a safe, confidential, and private space to talk through challenges. They can help us identify patterns in our thinking and actions to help us with things like managing stress, anxiety, or sadness.

Mental Health Therapist are trained to provide therapeutic care while working with individuals and families as a team, including:

• Mental Health Assessment/Evaluations to help us identify what we want to work on
• Treatment planning to help us set goals and objectives to make the changes we want
• Weekly, every other week, or monthly sessions to help us be heard, cope, and get another person’s perspective
• Treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions
• Support for stress, grief, trauma, and life transitions
• Coordination of care with primary care providers and other specialists

At the Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic, care is provided in a respectful and supportive environment that recognizes the importance of community, culture, and family in healing and wellness.

Meet A Mental Health Therapist:

Nicolette “Nikki” Nefzger, MA, LMFT, RPT
Mental Health Therapist

Nicolette is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is credentialed as a Registered Play Therapist. She is passionate about supporting children, teens, and their families. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD-related challenges, parenting concerns, pregnancy/postpartum, and grief, and is continuing to build her knowledge in OCD, BDD, and eating disorders. Nicolette takes a systemic, family-centered approach and incorporates modalities such as play therapy, EFT, EMDR, family therapy, and mindfulness, while creating a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space for clients.

Mental health challenges are common, and effective treatments are available. If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out for help can be an important first step.

Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the Meskwaki community.

05/22/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month
What is a Substance Abuse Counselor?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

A Substance Abuse Counselor (often called an addictions counselor) helps individuals of all ages break free from harmful dependencies on drugs, alcohol, or behaviors in order to be healthy in our mind, body, and spirit. Think of them as guides for healthy living, helping individuals understand why they use substances and teaching them new, positive ways to handle stress and emotions without turning to drugs, alcohol, or harmful behaviors. They provide us with a respectful, compassionate, safe, confidential, and private space to talk through challenges. They can help us identify patterns in our thinking and actions to help us with things like managing stress, anxiety, or sadness.

Substance Abuse Counselors are trained to provide therapeutic care while working with individuals and groups as a team, including:

• Substance Use Evaluations to help us identify what substance or behaviors we need to work on
• Treatment planning to help us set goals and objectives to make the changes we want
• Weekly, twice a week, every other week, or monthly sessions to help us be heard, cope, and get another person’s perspective
• Lead groups sessions to help us learn from our own experiences and the experiences of others
• Help us as family members learn about addictive behaviors and how to support a loved one through recovery
• Coordination of care with other mental health professionals, primary care providers, and other specialists

At the Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic, care is provided in a respectful and supportive environment that recognizes the importance of community, culture, and family in healing and wellness.

Meet A Substance Abuse Counselor:

Sherry Hall, IADC
Substance Abuse Counselor

Sherry Hall joined the Behavioral Health Department as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. She is honored to be part of the team and looks forward to supporting individuals on their path toward recovery and wellness. Sherry lives on a small acreage south of Williams, Iowa, and brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to her work. She can be found in Office #8 in the Behavioral Health Services wing and welcomes visitors to stop by and say hello.

Mental health challenges are common, and effective treatments are available. If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out for help can be an important first step.

Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the Meskwaki community.

05/20/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month
What is a Mental Health Therapist?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

A Mental Health Therapist helps us understand our feelings, manage difficult emotions, solve problems, and develop strategies for being healthy in our mind, body, and spirit. They provide us with a safe, confidential, and private space to talk through challenges. They can help us identify patterns in our thinking and actions to help us with things like managing stress, anxiety, or sadness.

Mental Health Therapist are trained to provide therapeutic care while working with individuals and families as a team, including:

• Mental Health Assessment/Evaluations to help us identify what we want to work on
• Treatment planning to help us set goals and objectives to make the changes we want
• Weekly, every other week, or monthly sessions to help us be heard, cope, and get another person’s perspective
• Treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions
• Support for stress, grief, trauma, and life transitions
• Coordination of care with primary care providers and other specialists

At the Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic, care is provided in a respectful and supportive environment that recognizes the importance of community, culture, and family in healing and wellness.

Meet A Mental Health Therapist:

Amanda Papakee, Ph. D., LMFT
Marriage and Family Therapist

Amanda Papakee is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She developed a strong interest in understanding the human mind while attending Kirkwood Community College and later earned her degree in psychology from the University of Iowa. She completed her master's and PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with specialization in Neuroscience and Psychophysiology received at Mount Mercy University. Amanda’s counseling experience includes work in a group clinic setting, inpatient substance use treatment, and private practice. She takes a narrative approach to therapy, believing that each person has an important story to share.

Mental health challenges are common, and effective treatments are available. If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out for help can be an important first step.

Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the Meskwaki community.

05/18/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month
What is a Mental Health Therapist?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

A Mental Health Therapist helps us understand our feelings, manage difficult emotions, solve problems, and develop strategies for being healthy in our mind, body, and spirit. They provide us with a safe, confidential, and private space to talk through challenges. They can help us identify patterns in our thinking and actions to help us with things like managing stress, anxiety, or sadness.

Mental Health Therapist are trained to provide therapeutic care while working with individuals and families as a team, including:

• Mental Health Assessment/Evaluations to help us identify what we want to work on
• Treatment planning to help us set goals and objectives to make the changes we want
• Weekly, every other week, or monthly sessions to help us be heard, cope, and get another person’s perspective
• Treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions
• Support for stress, grief, trauma, and life transitions
• Coordination of care with primary care providers and other specialists

At the Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic, care is provided in a respectful and supportive environment that recognizes the importance of community, culture, and family in healing and wellness.

Meet A Mental Health Therapist:

Adonica Hennessy, LISW
Mental Health Therapist

Adonica Hennessy provides supportive, culturally sensitive mental health services to the community. She specializes in trauma and uses trauma-specific modalities to address the impact trauma has on the brain and body.

Mental health challenges are common, and effective treatments are available. If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out for help can be an important first step.

Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the Meskwaki community.

05/15/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month
What is a Mental Health Therapist?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

A Mental Health Therapist helps us understand our feelings, manage difficult emotions, solve problems, and develop strategies for being healthy in our mind, body, and spirit. They provide us with a safe, confidential, and private space to talk through challenges. They can help us identify patterns in our thinking and actions to help us with things like managing stress, anxiety, or sadness.

Mental Health Therapist are trained to provide therapeutic care while working with individuals and families as a team, including:

• Mental Health Assessment/Evaluations to help us identify what we want to work on
• Treatment planning to help us set goals and objectives to make the changes we want
• Weekly, every other week, or monthly sessions to help us be heard, cope, and get another person’s perspective
• Treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions
• Support for stress, grief, trauma, and life transitions
• Coordination of care with primary care providers and other specialists

At the Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic, care is provided in a respectful and supportive environment that recognizes the importance of community, culture, and family in healing and wellness.

Meet A Mental Health Therapist:

Tyra Wanatee-Flores, LMSW
Mental Health Counselor

Tyra Wanatee-Flores is a Mental Health Counselor with the Behavioral Health Department. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Northern Iowa and her master’s from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. Tyra specializes in CBT and DBT and has a strong interest in body-based approaches that help release stored trauma, believing that healing the body is just as important as healing the mind. She has experience working with children, teens, and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, life challenges, trauma, and grief. She is passionate about mental health and serving her community.

Mental health challenges are common, and effective treatments are available. If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out for help can be an important first step.

Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the Meskwaki community.

05/14/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month
What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is an important part of overall wellbeing. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions across the lifespan.

PMHNPs are trained to provide both medical and therapeutic care, including:

• Psychiatric evaluations
• Medication management
• Talk therapy and supportive counseling
• Treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions
• Brain health screenings
• Support for stress, grief, trauma, and life transitions
• Coordination of care with primary care providers and other specialists

At the Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic, care is provided in a respectful and supportive environment that recognizes the importance of community, culture, and family in healing and wellness.

Meet Your Provider

Larry Newman, DNP, AGNPPC, PMHNP, ARNP
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Larry Newman works with individuals to support emotional wellbeing, resilience, and recovery. His approach focuses on listening carefully to each person’s story and working together to develop a treatment plan that fits their needs and goals.

Mental health challenges are common, and effective treatments are available. If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out for help can be an important first step.

Meskwaki Behavioral Health Clinic
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the Meskwaki community.

05/12/2026