New Counseling Office Extends Christ-Centered Care In South Dakota

The city of Aberdeen will soon be home to a new source of hope and healing. This fall, Lutheran Family Service is opening a new counseling office, bringing professional and Christ-centered support to individuals and families across northeast South Dakota.

A community outreach of the LCMS churches in South Dakota, LFS relies on the support of caring Christians — with no government funding — ensuring its service remains rooted in Christ.

The new office comes to Aberdeen through a partnership with the Rural Gospel Initiative (RGI), a group of 14 LCMS congregations supporting regional outreach. Rev. Bret Bierman, pastor at St. John (Aberdeen), St. Paul (Stratford), and Trinity (Mansfield), and RGI board member, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“Pastors wear many hats, but very few are trained counselors. There have been times in counseling sessions with someone when it was apparent that this person had needs beyond my skills. I’ve also had parents seeking help for their child and wanted a counselor who was based in true biblical understanding. The RGI sought to find ways to help, and we are able and excited to have LFS join us in Aberdeen. We look forward to a successful venture and pray for God’s continued blessings and guidance.”

The new office is located inside St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in downtown Aberdeen. Services available at the new location — and throughout South Dakota via telehealth — include professional mental health counseling, marriage and family support, pregnancy counseling, and adoption services; as well as seminars, support groups, and online resources.

With existing locations in Sioux Falls, Deadwood, and Rapid City, Lutheran Family Service adds the Aberdeen office to its network, further expanding care across South Dakota.

Dreena Wertz will be serving the new Aberdeen office. With degrees from Northern State and South Dakota State Universities, Dreena works with a wide variety of issues and served at a community mental health center prior to Lutheran Family Service.

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

“I enjoy being able to walk alongside people and give them hope as they navigate life’s struggles. This partnership with RGI provides a connection with pastors and the community, and I look forward to seeing how God works through me and this ministry at LFS.”