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Mental Health AssociatesMission & VIsion

Vision Statement

  • To provide quality care for our patients.
  • To treat each patient with dignity, respect, kindness and courtesy.
  • To serve our community through preventive services and education.
  • To have a smoothly functioning practice, where the staff and practitioners work together in a spirit of harmony and cooperation.
  • To have a practice that recognizes its responsibilities to its employees and understands that the work of the office is most productively and efficiently done in an environment of mutually understood guidelines.

The mission of Mental Health Associates is to provide the highest quality mental health services, with a commitment to each individual at any stage of their life, and to provide research-based therapeutic services by highly trained and independently licensed professionals.

Serving Siouxland Since 1998

Since 1998 Mental Health Associates has been dedicated providing excellence through patient care. We focus on delivering the best and most practical solution for all sorts of conditions. We treat a variety of age groups. From Just two-years old to geriatric mental health and conditions, we are equipped to provide you the tools and strategies to a better mental health state of mind.

Reasons Clients Continue to Choose Mental Health & Associates

Denise Marandola, PhD has over 20 years experience providing therapy and Psychological testing services.

 Michelle Buhman-Livermore, LISW is a certified Clinical Trauma Specialist-Family

Gladys Smith, LISW has over 30 years working with adolescents.

Melissa Lee, LISW Melissa has over 20 years of experience working with grief, life changes, and complex medical conditions.

Laura Malcolm, LMSW Laura’s areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, stress management, self-esteem, and relationship issues

Carmen Hoogers, MS, LMHC has 12 years of experience in both private and agency practice. She specializes in anxiety, OCD, depression, grief, life transitions, and relationship issues. She offers individual, couple, and family therapy.

Ashley Ewoldt, tLMHC, NCC has experience in using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Trauma, Adjustment Disorders, and sports performance

Denise Thelander, LISW integrates various therapeutic modalities, with a strong emphasis on somatic body-based trauma therapy. Denise guides clients in exploring physical sensations, releasing tension, and fostering emotional resilience. Her goal is to empower clients to reconnect with their bodies, process difficult experiences, and achieve lasting healing.

Mental Health AssociatesStaff

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Denise Marandola, Ph.D

Dr. Denise Marandola is a Clinical Psychologist who received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Morningside College. Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Dakota.

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Michelle Buhman-Livermore, LISW, CCTS-F

Michelle earned her master's degree in social work from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She is a licensed Independent Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist.

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Gladys Smith, LISW

Gladys has over 35 years of clinical experience in a variety of human services settings. She has provided individual, group and family therapy in inpatient, outpatient and residential settings.

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Melissa Lee, LISW

Melissa has a master’s degree from University of North Dakota. Melissa is certified in DBT and DBT-C. Melissa strives to continuously pursue training to enhance her ability to use evidence-based interventions to meet the needs of the clients that she serves.

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Laura Malcolm, LMSW

Laura has her degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa and is certified in trauma-based CBT and Eco therapy. Laura’s approach to therapy is to provide genuineness, empathy, and acceptance in a nonjudgmental environment.

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Carmen Hoogers, MS, LMHC

I work with adolescents and adults 16 and up. I offer individual and family therapy, as well as parental guidance. I am experienced in treating OCD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, behavioral issues, grief, adjustment issues, academic underachievement, ADHD, parenting issues, relationship distress, couples therapy, and improving peoples’ career and personal success.

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Ashley Ewoldt, tLMHC, NCC

Ashley prides herself in being a kind and compassionate person, and as always had a passion for helping others, all shapes and sizes from all different ages. With experience in using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Trauma, and Adjustment Disorders.

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Denise Thelander, LISW

Denise Thelander, LISW, incorporates a specialized focus on Trauma-Informed Care. With over three years of experience as a therapist and a diverse background working with children, families, and adults in both clinical and school settings. Denise is committed to helping clients heal through personalized approaches. Denise’s practice integrates various therapeutic modalities, with a strong emphasis on somatic body-based trauma therapy.

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Our excellent office staff that makes your appointments, and helps keep everything running smoothly for you and our providers.