Kelly J. Betsworth, LISW

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2004-2005 - House of Mercy - Mercy Hospital 

Resident Counselor

Patient Services Coordinator 

2005-2012 - Orchard Place

PACE Early Services Project Caseworker

Child Guidance Center School Based Therapist

PMIC Campus Therapist

PACE Substance Abuse Services Program Supervisor

2012-2017 - Youth Homes of Mid-America

Lead Therapist

Counseling Center Program Manager

Clinical Director & Trauma Informed Care Trainer

2017-2024 - ChildServe

Mental Health Therapist

Behavioral Health Team Lead

Behavioral Health Manager

2024 - Present - Birchwood Wellness, LLC

Mental Health Therapist & Consultant

I received my Bachelor's Degree from Simpson College in 2003. I majored in Criminal Justice while there and also obtained Social Work and Psychology minors. I was voted Outstanding Senior in Criminal Justice in 2003 by my faculty and professors; an honor which means a great deal to me. I was a member for Delta Delta Delta sorority where I held various offices including Philanthropy Chair and Continuing Education Chair. I completed practicum experiences at Young Women's Resource Center and Gift of Love International Adoption Agency.

After graduation I went on to study Social Work at the University of Iowa Des Moines Campus. As a newly wed, working full time, I attended part time and completed the program in 2007 with my Master's of Social Work. During my time with the University of Iowa I completed practicum experiences with the House of Mercy and Orchard Place PACE. My foundation practicum at House of Mercy turned into a full time job, during which I obtained a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential. 

I was initially trained in EMDR in 2015 and I became Certified in 2020.  Following this I participated in Basic Training a second time in 2020 before beginning to provide consultation and participate in Consultation of Consultation.  In 2024 I received EMDRIA approval as an EMDR Consultant.

I have participated in advanced EMDR trainings in attachment, addictions, sand tray, and play therapy.  I am a Certified EMDR Child Specialist through the Agate Institute.  I am Certified in AutPlay Therapy and was recently trained in Theraplay.  I have completed a 20 hour DBT training program through the Linehan Institute.

I have participated in train the trainer programs through the Child Welfare Institute in Trauma Informed Care and provided multiple professional trainings on this topic as well as family engagement, substance abuse within the family system, youth problem sexual behavior, self-care and more.  I have participated in family and community education events on mental health, reducing stigma, trauma informed care, resiliency, behavior management and more. 

I am trained in the DC:0-5 diagnostic manual and the ASAM as well as the DSM5 and have extensive experience with and passion for comprehensive assessment and diagnosis.

I have been involved in the early development stage of three agency level behavioral health programs and participated in writing of policies and procedures, form development within an EHR program, choosing curriculum and outcome measures, budgeting, and staff hiring and development.

I am a heterosexual Caucasian female living a somewhat traditional life and possessing strong liberal beliefs and values.  My pronouns are she, her and hers.  I have been married to my husband, Matt, since 2003.  We live in Ankeny and have two sons; Jackson, and Asher.  I volunteer for school and other community activities as time allows.  My youngest was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder at age 5 and has received PT and OT services.  My oldest is gifted and participates in AELP.  We love animals and have a golden retriever named Leia Lou.  I am a proud social worker and an empath to the core.  I am an honest and straight-forward introvert who gains energy from building deep connections and shared knowledge.  I learn from all of my peers, mentees and clients and I hope to never stop.

* Curious * Empathic * Discerning * Perspective * Creative * Open-Minded * Honest * 

To provide hopeful, helpful interventions that are personal, creative and trauma informed.