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Our Location
315 6th St, Suite 100
Ames, Iowa 50010

 (515) 412-4110

1

Diagnostic
Evaluation

Comprehensive  assessment to identify mental health concerns, provide an accurate diagnosis, and make recommendations for a treatment plan.

2

Medication Management

Ongoing care to select, monitor, and adjust medications to optimize their effectiveness in treating mental health conditions. 

3

Individual
Psychotherapy

Person-centered sessions offer a safe space for clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors while starting their healing journey.

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Compassionate Care
for Beautifully Complex People

Quirky * Free-spirited * Introverts

Perfectionists * Overthinkers * Dreamer​s Neurodivergent * Overachievers * Outsiders * Sensitive * Creatives

We specialize in working with beautifully unique individuals, just like you.

​​​​​​Whether you’re navigating big life transitions, exploring your identity, shifting careers, or searching for acceptance, you deserve a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and valued.

 

We can help you reconnect with your authentic self and navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Together, we’ll focus on healing and creating a life that feels true to who you are.

​​​​

We treat individuals ages 5 to adult with mental health concerns and challenges, such as:

ADHD

Anxiety &

Stress

Depression & Mood

Identity &

Self-Esteem

Trauma & PTSD

Grief & Loss

Divorce

Anger Management

Life Transitions

Meet the Team

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Dr. Kristen Myers 
Ph.D, MPH, ARNP, PMHNP-BC
Owner & Chief Executive Officer
 

 Dr. Kristen Myers is a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience..

 

Dr. Myers sees patients ages 5 to adult for psychiatric diagnostic evaluations and medication management for a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, C-PTSD, bipolar, and borderline personality disorder.

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Lori Hikiji
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Registered Play Therapist 
TM

Lori is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play TherapistTM (RPT) who specializes in using play to help children (and parents!) express emotions, process experiences, and develop healthy coping skills..

 

She provides counseling and therapy services to children, teens, and adults who are parents of young children and seeking support for their own mental health needs.

Sophie Francksen
Mental Health Counselor &
Art Therapist

 

Sophie is a provisionally-licensed Mental Health Counselor (T-LMHC) and Art Therapist (ATR-P) who specializes in supporting individuals ages 16 to adult who are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma. Her approach is collaborative and strengths-based, incorporating talk therapy with elements of creativity, play, and imagination to support healing and personal growth.

​

Sophie is practicing under the clinical supervision of Tami Hunter, LISW, RPT-S.

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Amanda Thill
Licensed Practical Nurse

With a strong background in nursing and patient care, Amanda plays an essential role in supporting both patients and clinicians throughout the care process. She assists with clinical coordination, medication-related tasks, and day-to-day patient needs—helping ensure care is delivered safely, efficiently, and with genuine compassion.

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Aubrey Bantaculo
Office Assistant

With years of experience in both healthcare and customer service, Aubrey ensures every client feels welcomed from the very first contact. As the main point of connection for calls, texts, and emails, Aubrey expertly manages scheduling and serves as the vital link between clients and clinicians—keeping communication smooth, compassionate, and efficient.

Our Services

Our Services

Diagnostic Evaluation

All patients start with an initial intake appointment to discuss symptoms, history, and current concerns. This is the first step in a careful evaluation process. Additional visits are often needed for assessments, record review, lab work, and observation, ensuring accurate diagnosis and allowing time to review findings and plan next steps together.

Diagnostic Evaluation

Medication Mangement

Medication management involves your provider monitoring and adjusting medications to ensure they effectively treat your mental health needs. Regular follow-ups help track progress, manage side effects, and support your goals. Patients starting new medication or with newly diagnosed conditions usually have visits every 4 weeks at first, then less often as things stabilize.

​

We offer GeneSight testing to our patients to help take the guesswork out of finding the right medication. This simple cheek swab, done in our office, provides insight into how your genes may affect your response to psychiatric medications. *While most insurance plans don’t cover the test, GeneSight offers a self-pay option and will work with you directly on cost. 

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Medication Management

Individual Psychotherapy

Individual psychotherapy is a one-on-one process with a licensed mental health professional, offering a safe, confidential space to explore thoughts, feelings, and challenges. Regular sessions help clients gain insight, build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and work toward personal goals. Techniques are tailored to each person’s unique needs and experiences. 

Individual Therapy

ADHD Assessments

ADHD assessments are part of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment process. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine whether ADHD or another mental health condition may be contributing to symptoms and to develop appropriate treatment recommendations. The initial appointment is used to gather information and determine appropriate next steps. Additional appointments, rating scales, records review, collateral information, or treatment of other mental health concerns may be necessary before diagnostic clarification can occur.

 

Please Note:

Our practice focuses on psychiatric diagnosis and medically-necessary treatment, including medication management and psychotherapy when clinically appropriate. We do not provide comprehensive psychological, psychoeducational, or neuropsychological evaluations or testing for learning disabilities.

Getting Started is Easy!

To get started, click on Request Appointment below. You will be taken to a booking page where you can choose the provider you wish to see, whether they are accepting new patients, and their availability for an initial intake evaluation. 

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If you are seeking both medication management and therapy services, we recommend scheduling the initial intake evaluation with whichever service has the soonest available appointment.

Please only schedule ONE appointment.

We will contact you to schedule the other service.

Insurance We Accept

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Out-of-Network Plans

*Patient is responsible for checking OON benefits.

We also accept private/self-pay. Click here for our Self-Pay Service Fees.

We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid insurance plans.

My child has a strong, independent personality and Kristen's sessions make him feel in control.

Parent Testimonial, Client Age 17

Hours of Business

Monday - Friday 8AM -4PM​​

By appointment only

 

Address

315 6th Street, Ste 100

Ames, IA 50010​​

​

​Contact Us

Tel: 515-412-4110

Fax: 515-855-2550

hello@joyfulmindpsych.com​

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© 2025 by Joyful Mind Psychiatry

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