Meet Dreena Wertz, LPC, a mental health therapist serving clients in and around the Aberdeen community in South Dakota, and throughout the state via telehealth.

Location:  Aberdeen, South Dakota

Email:  [email protected]

Office/Scheduling: 605-271-1081

What is your role at Lutheran Family Service?

I am a mental health counselor in the Aberdeen, South Dakota area.

What drew you to the mental health counseling field?

I have always had a passion for helping others. In addition to that, I have noticed the need for mental health counseling from experiences with people close to me.

Tell us a bit about your background (education, experience, credentials, etc.).

I received my bachelor’s degree through Northern State University in 2016 and master’s degree through South Dakota State University in 2019. Prior to Lutheran Family Service, I worked at a community mental health center for about five years. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Do you have a specialty?

I work with a wide variety of issues and utilize a variation of therapeutic modalities. I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy.

How does your faith inform your therapy practice?

My faith helps me to lead through God’s example.

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

It may be time for someone to pursue counseling if he or she is feeling down, having trouble with sleep, isolating, losing pleasure in activities, and/or worrying excessively.

How did you come to join the Lutheran Family Service team?

I heard about Lutheran Family Service through my pastor, Bret Bierman. I am very appreciative of him presenting this job opportunity to me!

What excites you most about the opening of the Aberdeen office, along with this partnership with the Rural Gospel Initiative?

The opening of the Aberdeen office will give people a local option for Christ-centered support. I think the partnership with Rural Gospel Initiative will allow a connection with pastors and provide a resource to those who need it.

Why is the work you do important?

Due to the rise in mental health cases throughout the world today, I think it is important for people to have a safe place to talk about their struggles.

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

I will live out the mission of Lutheran Family Service by creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment, encouraging growth, and offering support.

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

I enjoy being able to walk alongside people and give them hope as they navigate through life struggles.

What are you most looking forward to in your ministry journey at Lutheran Family Service?

I am looking forward to seeing how God plans to work through me and this ministry at Lutheran Family Service.

Is there a Bible verse or passage that’s particularly meaningful to you, personally or professionally?

The Bible verse that is meaningful to me is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Dreena sees clients in person in Aberdeen, SD and via telehealth throughout South Dakota. Reach out today.

[email protected] | 605-271-1081 | lutheranfamilyservice.org/contact