Meet Stephanie Grade, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor who provides compassionate, faith-informed care for individuals, couples, and families. Drawing on extensive experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and crisis intervention, Stephanie helps clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, stress, and life transitions through personalized, evidence-based counseling rooted in hope and healing.

Location: Carroll, Iowa; throughout Iowa via telehealth

Email: [email protected]

Office/Scheduling: 712-276-9000

Every counselor has a unique story that shapes the way they care for others. Stephanie brings years of experience in mental health, addiction counseling, and crisis intervention, along with a lifelong faith that has always guided her heart for helping people.

We recently sat down with Stephanie to learn more about her path to counseling, why she’s excited to join Lutheran Family Service, and the encouragement she hopes every client will find.

You’ve worked in several different areas of mental health. Can you tell us a little about your background?

I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings throughout my career. Much of my recent experience has been in substance use counseling, but I’ve also worked in mental health therapy, child and adolescent crisis counseling, and in a juvenile detention center.

One of the things I’m most proud of is helping build a mental health program where I’ve been working for the past several years. When I started, they only offered substance use services. I was able to help develop their mental health assessment process so clients could receive more comprehensive care.

Each experience has taught me something different, and I’m excited to bring those experiences with me to Lutheran Family Service.

When did you know counseling was the right career for you?

Looking back, I think it was always my calling—I just didn’t recognize it at the time.

I remember having a close friend in elementary school who struggled with anxiety. I didn’t understand what she was experiencing back then, but I always wanted to encourage her and help carry some of those burdens.

One day I realized she didn’t have a Bible, so I asked my mom if I could give her one. I shared Matthew 6:25-34 with her, where Jesus reminds us not to worry because our Heavenly Father cares for us.

That’s always been part of who I am. I’ve naturally been someone who wants to encourage others and point them toward hope. Before college, I thought I wanted to become a veterinarian because I love animals, but just before I started school, I knew God was leading me toward psychology instead.

What excites you most about joining Lutheran Family Service?

For most of my career I’ve worked in secular settings, so I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to openly integrate my faith into counseling.

I grew up in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and my faith has always been the foundation of my life. No matter what I’ve gone through, I’ve always turned to God first.

I’m excited to work in a place where, when clients want that faith component, I can freely incorporate Scripture and remind them that God’s Word is a source of strength and comfort. The Bible isn’t just something we read once and set aside—it’s a tool we can return to every day.

What are you most looking forward to in this new role?

One thing I’m especially looking forward to is working with people who are actively seeking help.

In my current role, many of my clients are court-ordered or required to attend counseling. While meaningful change is certainly possible, it’s often difficult when someone isn’t ready or hasn’t chosen to be there.

I’m excited to meet with people who have taken that courageous first step of asking for help and who are ready to work toward healing. It’s a privilege to walk alongside people during that journey.

What do you hope every client experiences after meeting with you?

More than anything, I want people to leave feeling heard and valued.

So many people don’t feel truly listened to, even by those closest to them. Sometimes people are quick to offer advice or solutions when what someone really needs is for another person to simply listen.

I want my clients to know they have a safe place where they are accepted, where their story matters, and where they are treated with dignity and compassion.

Is there a Bible verse that has been especially meaningful in your life?

Isaiah 40:30–31 has been my favorite passage since confirmation.

It became especially meaningful after my aunt passed away around that same time, and it’s remained a source of encouragement throughout my life.

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Those verses remind me that even when we feel exhausted or overwhelmed, the Lord renews our strength. That’s a promise I’ve returned to time and again, both personally and professionally.

How do you like to recharge outside of work?

Right now, much of my free time is spent with my 15-month-old son, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I also love reading, spending time with my family, and being outdoors. My family enjoys vacationing in Colorado, and there’s something about being in the mountains that brings peace and perspective. When I lived in Chicago, that place was the lakefront. Now, it’s walking around the lake close to home.

Those quiet moments in nature help me slow down, reflect, and recharge before returning to care for others.

Stephanie sees clients in person in Carroll, Iowa, and throughout the state via telehealth.

[email protected] | 712-276-9000 | lutheranfamilyservice.org/contact