Julie Stevens - LMHC, MA, NCC

I attended Arizona State in 1974 majoring in psychology. After two years of college, I met my wonderful husband Jerry, and returned to Iowa to be married. We have been blessed with two wonderful daughters and I enjoyed being a stay at home mom when they were young. After they entered school, I went to work as a sales manager and then a vice president of sales at Allbee Printing and then Inland Color Graphic and Publishing Company.

During these years, I was very active in my church volunteering to teach bible studies, organizing outreach programs for women, serving on boards, serving as chairman of the drama team and singing in the choir. I also enjoyed volunteering at my daughters’ schools and served as a counselor and board member for a crisis pregnancy center. It was during this time that I became involved with a Christian Woman’s ministry developed by Jo Ann Wallace. I spoke to women groups, teaching women to appreciate their inner and outer beauty. I was trained through this program to be a professional speaker and I enjoyed my travels and experiences with them.

As our children began to leave home, I discovered my desire to return to college and finish my degree. I attended the University of Northern Iowa and completed my undergraduate degree in psychology. The completion of my degree was quite fulfilling, but it soon became apparent to me that I wanted to further my ministry by going to graduate school. I received my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling in May of 2006.

While attending school I continued working full time in sales. I completed my practicum at the UNI Counseling Center and my Internship was at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines Iowa (I was delighted to be under the leadership of Dr. David Kaptain in the DDU adolescent program and also a Behavioral Counselor in the ER triaging mental health patients). I served as a mental health counselor for New Life from 2006 through 2008. I have been trained to work with adolescents, children, individuals and families. I also have experience working with couples on marriage issues and with clients of all ages as they struggle with eating disorders. It is rewarding to work with them in their road to recovery.

I am a Nationally Certified Counselor, tested and certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors. I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Iowa, licensed by the Iowa Department of Public Health. For verification and confirmation of my credentials you are encouraged to visit their webpages. As required by law, these credentials must be updated and remain current through continuing education and the filing of appropriate documentation.

As well as partnering with Jackie Joens in opening New Hope in December of 2008, I am employed at Iowa Lutheran Hospital as a Behavioral Counselor. These positions have given me the opportunity to see all mental health problems, struggles and personal growth. In addition to enjoying being a wife of 30 (plus) years, I enjoy my daughters, my son-in-law and I have delighted in my first chance at grand-parenting with the addition of a wonderful grandson. During my free time, I enjoy knitting, reading, golf and travel.