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Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Mental Health Therapy Solutions in Yankton, SD
Founded in 1991, Heartland Psychological Services has been a trusted provider of mental health therapy in southeastern South Dakota and northeastern Nebraska for over three decades. Our team of licensed professionals brings extensive experience in clinical psychology, social work, and counseling to address the diverse needs of clients across all age groups. We specialize in evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and play therapy, tailored to individual, couples, and group sessions. Our mission focuses on alleviating emotional distress through compassionate care, fostering resilience, and empowering clients to achieve their full potential.

With multiple locations in Yankton and Vermillion, we prioritize accessibility and convenience for our community. Our therapists maintain ongoing education in best practices to ensure the highest quality of care. We serve a wide range of mental health needs, from anxiety and trauma to developmental disorders and chronic pain management. Our non-profit status reflects our commitment to ethical service and community well-being. By combining professional expertise with a supportive environment, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Clients consistently recognize our team for their dedication, expertise, and personalized approach to mental health care.
Services
Individual Therapy Play Therapy Bariatric Evaluations Couples Counseling Trauma Treatment Child Behavioral Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group Therapy Sessions Chronic Pain Management Developmental Disorder Support
Details
  • Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
  • We offer over 30 years of experience in mental health therapy.
  • Our team includes licensed professionals with specialized training in trauma and behavioral disorders.
  • We utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to individual needs.
  • We serve clients of all ages across southeastern South Dakota and northeastern Nebraska.
  • Our non-profit status ensures a commitment to ethical, community-focused care.
Services
Individual Therapy
Our licensed therapists provide personalized one-on-one sessions addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Using evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, we help clients develop coping strategies and emotional resilience. Sessions focus on individual goals for improved mental health and daily functioning.
Play Therapy
Specially trained therapists use play-based techniques to help children and adolescents express emotions and resolve behavioral issues. This approach addresses developmental disorders, trauma, and social challenges through age-appropriate therapeutic activities. Proven effective for youth aged 11 and under in individual and group settings.
Bariatric Evaluations
Comprehensive psychological assessments for bariatric surgery candidates examine emotional readiness and coping mechanisms. Our specialists identify factors affecting long-term success and provide recommendations to support surgical outcomes. This service ensures patients receive holistic mental health preparation for weight loss procedures.
Trauma Treatment
Specialized care for trauma survivors, including PTSD, sexual abuse, and domestic violence recovery. Therapists use evidence-based modalities like EMDR and dialectical behavioral therapy to process traumatic experiences. Treatment focuses on building resilience and restoring emotional stability through personalized recovery plans.
Child Behavioral Therapy
Targeted interventions address behavioral disorders, ADHD, and social skill deficits in children. Therapists collaborate with families to implement effective behavior management strategies. Services include parent coaching and school coordination to create supportive environments for positive behavioral change.
People
Danelle Pennock
Director
Director since 2009 with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University. Specializes in individual and family therapy for children and adults, bringing over 15 years of clinical experience to her leadership role.
Mary Sternhagen
Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor with 20+ years of experience in trauma recovery and veteran support. Holds a Master's in Counseling from the University of South Dakota and specializes in eating disorders and chronic pain management.
Tonja Koenigs
Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25+ years in mental health services. Former Executive Director of West Iowa Community Mental Health Center, providing therapeutic support for all age groups since joining HPS in 2007.
Sherry Gaskins
Therapist
Dual Master's holder in Clinical Psychology and Social Work with experience in veteran affairs and behavioral health. Specializes in general practice therapy for adults, bringing diverse clinical expertise from multiple healthcare settings.
Stephanie Kramer
Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering person-centered treatment for teens, adults, and couples. Combines five years of experience in mental health and addiction services with a Master's in Social Work from the University of South Dakota.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral disorders, chronic pain, and developmental challenges using evidence-based approaches like CBT and play therapy.
Do you serve children and adolescents?
Yes, our therapists specialize in child behavioral therapy, attachment disorders, and developmental support for youth and families.
Are your therapists licensed and qualified?
All therapists hold state and national accreditations with advanced degrees in clinical psychology or social work.
Where are your offices located?
We have two Yankton locations and one in Vermillion, SD, serving southeastern South Dakota and northeastern Nebraska.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call 605-665-0841 for Yankton locations or 605-672-1000 for our Vermillion office to book an appointment.
Do you offer specialized therapies?
Yes, we provide bariatric evaluations, play therapy, social skills groups, and trauma-focused treatments including PTSD care.