Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mental Health Therapy Partner in Yankton, SD
Heartland Psychological Services has been a trusted provider of mental health care in southeastern South Dakota since 1991. Our agency was founded by Dr. Joe Blackinton to address critical mental health needs in the region, and we continue to serve individuals, couples, and families from both southeast South Dakota and northeast Nebraska. Our team of licensed professionals brings decades of combined experience in clinical psychology, social work, and mental health counseling. We specialize in evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Play Therapy techniques tailored to clients of all ages. Our commitment to ongoing professional development ensures our practitioners remain at the forefront of best practices in mental health treatment.We maintain strong partnerships with local healthcare providers and community organizations to create comprehensive care networks for our clients. Our facility in Yankton and satellite location in Vermillion provide accessible mental health services to rural populations often underserved by specialized care providers. We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans to ensure financial accessibility for our community. Our mission remains unchanged since inception: to relieve suffering, restore hope, and help individuals reach their full potential through compassionate, professional care. This enduring commitment has established us as a cornerstone of mental health support in the region.
Services
Anxiety & Depression
Grief & Loss
Anger & Conflict
Trauma & Abuse
Bariatric Evaluations
Play Therapy
Couples Counseling
Substance Use Treatment
Chronic Pain Management
Gender Identity Support
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of experience in mental health therapy since 1991
- Our team includes state and nationally accredited therapists
- We utilize evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT
- We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans
- We provide services for all ages from children to adults
Services
Anxiety & Depression
Our specialized treatment programs address anxiety and depression through evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Our clinicians work with clients to identify root causes and develop personalized coping strategies. With over 30 years of experience treating mood disorders, we help individuals regain control of their mental health through both individual and group therapy sessions.
Trauma & Abuse
We provide comprehensive trauma-informed care for survivors of abuse, including PTSD treatment using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) techniques. Our therapists specialize in creating safe therapeutic environments for processing traumatic experiences. With specialized training in sexual abuse recovery and domestic violence support, our team helps clients rebuild their lives through compassionate, survivor-centered care.
Bariatric Evaluations
Our pre-surgical psychological evaluations meet all bariatric surgery program requirements for gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures. We assess readiness for lifestyle changes and provide ongoing support throughout the weight loss journey. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive comprehensive mental health support before and after surgery to maximize long-term success.
Play Therapy
Specially trained clinicians use play-based interventions to help children express emotions and develop coping skills. This evidence-based approach addresses behavioral issues, trauma, and developmental challenges through age-appropriate therapeutic activities. Our play therapy rooms are equipped to create engaging, non-threatening environments for children to work through emotional difficulties.
Substance Use Treatment
Our comprehensive addiction treatment programs address substance use disorders through individual counseling and group therapy sessions. We employ Motivational Interviewing techniques and relapse prevention strategies tailored to each client's needs. Our team works with clients to understand underlying causes of addictive behaviors and develop sustainable recovery plans.
People
Danelle Pennock
Director
Director with over 15 years of experience in clinical psychology. Specializes in individual and family therapy for children and adults. Holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University.
Mary Sternhagen
LPC-MH
Licensed therapist with 20+ years of experience in counseling. Specializes in trauma recovery, eating disorders, and veteran support. Holds a Master's in Counseling from University of South Dakota.
Tonja Koenigs
LCSW-PIP
Clinical social worker with 25+ years of experience. Specializes in adult, adolescent, and child therapy. Holds a Master's in Social Work from University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Sherry Gaskins
LCSW-PIP
Dual-licensed therapist with expertise in military family support and adult mental health. Holds Master's degrees in both Clinical Psychology and Social Work from accredited institutions.
Stephanie Kramer
LCSW-PIP
Licensed clinical social worker with specialization in mental illness and addiction treatment. Holds a Master's in Social Work from University of South Dakota. Experienced in working with all age groups.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, substance use, and behavioral disorders. Specialized services include play therapy for children and bariatric evaluations.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Our staff can help verify your mental health benefits before your first appointment.
Are your therapists licensed professionals?
All our therapists hold state and national certifications in their respective fields, including Clinical Psychology, Social Work, and Mental Health Counseling.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call our Yankton office at (605) 665-0841 during business hours to schedule an initial consultation. Our staff will help determine the best therapist match for your needs.
Do you offer telehealth options?
We provide telehealth therapy sessions for clients who prefer remote access to mental health services. Availability depends on your insurance coverage and location.
What ages do you treat?
Our services span the lifespan from early childhood through senior years, with specialized approaches tailored to each developmental stage.