Lynsey Ward
Rapid City
Summary
Clinical Mental Health Counselor | Specialist in Motherhood, Child Development & Family Systems
With expertise spanning maternal mental health, child development, and family systems, I work at the intersection where the well-being of mothers, children, and families are deeply interconnected. My approach recognizes that supporting a mother’s emotional and psychological health directly influences her child’s development and the stability of the family as a whole.
I provide a blend of evidence-based interventions, including play therapy, trauma-informed care, and targeted maternal mental health treatment, ensuring that care addresses the needs of both parent and child. I collaborate closely with healthcare providers, educators, and community supports to bridge the gap between clinical intervention and everyday family life.
Whether helping a mother navigate identity shifts, stress, and emotional challenges, guiding a child through behavioral or developmental concerns, or strengthening family communication, my work centers on creating sustainable tools that build resilience, foster connection, and promote healthy, thriving relationships at every stage of family life.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Independent Employer
Rapid City
01.2023 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive patient consultations for mothers, children, and families, delivering accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
- Develop treatment goals aligned with current DSM standards, addressing mental health needs across postpartum, maternal, and pediatric populations.
- Provide counseling services to children, youth, mothers, and families to promote emotional well-being, healthy relationships, and resilience.
- Utilize play therapy as a primary methodology to engage young clients, foster trust, and facilitate emotional expression.
- Support postpartum mothers through evidence-based interventions addressing anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, and the transition to motherhood.
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Rapid City Counselors
Rapid City
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Collaborated with licensed professionals to design and refine individualized treatment plans.
- Conducted comprehensive intake assessments to gather client history, presenting concerns, and treatment needs.
- Applied play therapy techniques to effectively engage and build rapport with young clients, fostering emotional expression and trust.
- Facilitated individual and family counseling sessions to address a range of mental health challenges and strengthen family relationships.
Clincal Mental Health Counselor
Lutheran Social Services
Rapid City
05.2020 - 12.2020
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Montana
Missoula05-2020
Master of Science - Psychology
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD05-2018
Skills
- Advanced play therapy techniques to foster emotional expression and connection in children
- Comprehensive diagnostic assessment and evaluation skills for diverse client needs
- Expertise in conducting client intake evaluations to inform individualized treatment planning
- Evidence-based child counseling strategies tailored to developmental stages
- In-depth family dynamics analysis to address relational patterns and conflict
- Specialized postpartum mental health treatment supporting mothers’ emotional well-being
- Strong foundation in Family Systems for guiding therapeutic interventions
Certification
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Complex Trauma Certification Course
Specialized Trainings
- Play Therapy: Innovative Attachment-Based Intervention to Treat Trauma, Emotional Dysregulation, And Behavioral Challenges
- Self-Regulation: Strategies & Interventions for Children
- Perinatal Mental Health Disorders: Early Identification Treatment Tools
- Maternal Mental Health 101: What To Know
- Maternal Mental Health 201: How To Help
Timeline
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Independent Employer
01.2023 - Current
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Rapid City Counselors
12.2021 - 05.2022
Clincal Mental Health Counselor
Lutheran Social Services
05.2020 - 12.2020
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Montana
Master of Science - Psychology
Black Hills State University
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