Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Mental Health Therapy Services in Yankton, SD
Heartland Psychological Services has been dedicated to mental health care since 1991, serving southeastern South Dakota and northeastern Nebraska. Our agency was founded by Dr. Joe Blackinton with a mission to alleviate suffering and empower individuals through compassionate therapy. We employ highly qualified professionals trained in evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Our team includes licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, and mental health counselors specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. We serve clients of all ages, offering individual, couples, and group therapy sessions tailored to unique needs.Our therapists maintain national and state accreditations while pursuing ongoing education in best practices. We provide specialized services for veterans, individuals with chronic pain, and those facing gender identity challenges. Our bariatric evaluation program supports patients preparing for weight-loss surgery. We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans to ensure accessible care. With locations in Yankton and Vermillion, we remain committed to fostering hope and personal growth in our communities.
Services
Anxiety & Depression Therapy
Trauma Counseling
Couples Therapy
Child & Adolescent Services
Bariatric Evaluations
EAP Services
Play Therapy
Chronic Pain Management
Gender Identity Support
Veteran Mental Health
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience serving southeastern South Dakota communities
- Our team includes licensed psychologists and nationally certified counselors
- We utilize evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT for proven results
- We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans
- We offer specialized services for veterans and chronic pain patients
Services
Anxiety & Depression Therapy
Our licensed therapists provide evidence-based treatment for anxiety and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. We help clients develop coping strategies and address underlying causes. Treatment plans are personalized to individual needs across all age groups.
Trauma Counseling
Specialized trauma-informed care addresses PTSD, abuse recovery, and complex trauma. Therapists use EMDR and trauma-focused CBT to help clients process experiences. We support survivors of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and military trauma with compassionate care.
Child & Adolescent Services
Our clinicians specialize in treating developmental disorders, behavioral issues, and family conflict in children. We offer play therapy for young clients and parent guidance sessions. Services include ADHD management and social skills development for autism spectrum disorders.
Bariatric Evaluations
Comprehensive psychological assessments for bariatric surgery candidates. Our evaluations assess readiness and provide recommendations to ensure successful outcomes. We offer pre-surgery counseling and post-operative support for long-term success.
Veteran Mental Health
Specialized care for veterans and active-duty personnel addresses deployment trauma and service-related mental health challenges. Our therapists understand military culture and provide evidence-based treatments for PTSD and reintegration difficulties.
People
Danelle Pennock
Director
Dr. Danelle Pennock, Director of Heartland Psychological Services since 2009, holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She specializes in individual and family therapy for children and adults, with expertise in trauma recovery and behavioral interventions.
Mary Sternhagen
LPC-MH
Mary Sternhagen, with 20+ years of experience, specializes in trauma recovery, eating disorders, and veteran mental health. She earned her Master's in Counseling from the University of South Dakota and provides supportive therapy for all ages.
Tonja Koenigs
LCSW-PIP
Tonja Koenigs, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, brings 25+ years of experience treating adults, adolescents, and children. Her background includes executive leadership in community mental health and specialized trauma treatment for vulnerable populations.
Sherry Gaskins
LCSW-PIP
Sherry Gaskins holds dual Master's degrees in Clinical Psychology and Social Work. She specializes in veteran mental health and family therapy, with research experience in military deployment trauma and resilience factors at Minneapolis VA Hospital.
Heather Salis
LCSW-PIP
Heather Salis, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has 12 years of experience with Children's Home Society. She specializes in grief counseling, domestic abuse recovery, and medical social work at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital's Cancer Institute.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, chronic pain, and gender identity concerns. Specialized services include bariatric evaluations, play therapy, and veteran mental health support.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans. Our staff can help verify your mental health benefits and coordinate care with Employee Assistance Programs.
Are your therapists licensed?
All our therapists maintain state licenses and national certifications. Our team includes Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Doctorate-level Psychologists with specialized training.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (605) 665-0841 to schedule your initial consultation. Our office staff will help determine your insurance coverage and match you with the appropriate therapist for your needs.
Do you offer telehealth options?
We provide telehealth therapy sessions for clients who prefer remote access. Contact our office to determine if virtual sessions are appropriate for your specific treatment needs.
What ages do you treat?
Our services span all life stages from children (with play therapy options) through adults. We offer specialized interventions for developmental disorders in youth and life transition challenges in older adults.