Meet Cassie Beltz, LMHC a master’s-level prepared and experienced mental health counselor. She serves clients in-person in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Cassie can also serve clients located anywhere in the state of Iowa through telehealth/distance counseling.

Location: Oskaloosa, Iowa

Email:  [email protected]

Office/Scheduling:  515-251-4900

What is your role at Lutheran Family Service?

In my role at LFS, I see clients presenting with a variety of mental health issues. I also work on the project Male and Female He Created Them: Creation and Identity. This project seeks to help churches, individuals, and families better understand and respond to the gender identity issues that we are experiencing in our culture in a way that is rooted in God’s words to us.   

What drew you to the mental health field?

I took an elective psychology class during my undergraduate education. I was initially very intrigued by what I was learning in that class, and I then began working at a Pediatric Day Clinic for children with therapeutic needs. The combination of these two events helped lead me to a career in mental health counseling. In the mental health counseling field, I can use my knowledge to help others live more fully in the freedom that comes to us in the gospel of Christ.  

Tell us a bit about your background.

I received my both my Bachelor’s in Psychology (B.S.) and my Specialist of Education Degree (Ed.S) in Mental Health Counseling from Arkansas State University. I began my counseling career when I became licensed in Missouri in 2007, where I worked in a residential facility for children and adolescents. After moving to Iowa in 2011, I transferred my license and began practicing at Lutheran Family Service.  

Do you have a specialty?

I have experience in working with children and adolescents, adults, and couples on a variety of issues. I work primarily with individuals that are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and gender identity concerns.

How does your faith inform your practice?

My counseling practice is rooted in the gospel of Christ. Christ’s work of salvation for all of us has become the story through which I understand all that takes place in the lives of individuals I work with as well as why and how I can help them through difficulties that they experience in this life.

How might someone know when counseling would be a good thing to pursue?

My advice would be to seek counseling before you really need it. Talking with a compassionate, Christian counselor can give a great sense of comfort during times of distress. It can also help stave off times of great distress.

Why is the work you do important?

The work I do is important because we live in a sinful, broken world in which there is much suffering and distress. My hope is that through my work, I might point them to Christ in the midst of their suffering and distress. 

How will you live out the mission of LFS, to walk with people as God has been there for us, in your daily work?

By continually caring for the people that God has placed in my life. I hope to use the beautiful and rich theology of the Lutheran Church so that people I work with can more fully revel in and enjoy the peace that we have with one another and with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

What do you enjoy most about the people you work with?

Clients – I enjoy hearing their stories and entering into their world. It is very much a privilege and honor to be invited into their lives for the purpose of offering care and compassion. 

Co-workers – It is great to work with other Christian counselors who are seeking to provide care and counsel that is grounded in God’s Word. I appreciate the way that we, as a group, seek to continually point one another to Christ and His work for us as we ourselves try to point our clients to Christ’s work for us.

Pizza or tacos?

Pizza in all its forms, but no pineapple.

What’s your preferred coffee shop beverage?

In the AM, I go with a black coffee. In the PM, I go with a caramel latte.

If you or someone you know is in need of Christ-centered mental health or marriage counseling, refer to or contact us today.

Not located near Oskaloosa, Iowa? Visit our website to see if one of our other locations is near you, or, if telehealth/distance counseling is an option at: https://lutheranfamilyservice.org/mental-health-counseling/.

Lutheran Family Service walks with those experiencing difficult times through mental health counseling, marriage counseling, crisis pregnancy counseling, and adoption services.