Promise Community Health Center integrates mental health services with medical care as an essential component of meeting the holistic needs of patients. Our mental health team works with our patients to assess current coping skills, address emotional needs and work through lifelong patterns. These services are provided on-site by our own mental health department and Michelle van Beek, our Mental Health Coordinator and Interpreter.


MENTAL HEALTH TEAM
Promise Community Health Center Mental Health Team includes a part-time therapist, Yaby Doornink, full-time, bilingual therapist, Osiris Ordaz. Michelle Van Beek also translates and sets up appointments for our Mental Health patients.

Dr. Valerie Stokes, PhD, LISW – Clinical Mental Health Supervisor
Dr. Stokes is a trusted professional with years of experience. She is a licensed clinical social worker who also holds a PhD in Educational Psychology/Human Development. She is trusted, professional and compassionate. Dr. Stokes serves as our Clinical Behavioral Health Supervisor for Promise’s therapy providers.
She earned a Ph.D. in Human Development & Educational Psychology at the University of South Dakota in 2008, and she is a (LISW) licensed independent social worker. She received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Northwestern College in 1993 and earned a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Nebraska in Omaha in 1997. She is a licensed mental health therapist. She has taught at Northwestern College since 2008, and she is a tenured professor and conference speaker. She was the 2012 recipient of the college’s Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. Stokes’ therapeutic approach is relational, strengths-based, and solution-oriented. The therapeutic relationship is a powerful conduit for change. When you are with her, you feel validated and heard. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic treatment strategies with a highly personalized approach. She incorporates a variety of theoretical models in her work with clients including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Skills, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Life Span Integration Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Attachment Theories and Psychoeducation of the Neurobiological Response System. She uses a strengths-based approach with a trauma informed lens to join clients on their journey toward health and wellness. Dr. Stokes welcomes clients of all diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, belief systems, genders and sexual orientations in working to overcome stressors and symptoms affecting their life.

Yaby Doornink, LMSW – Mental Health Therapist
Yaby received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. She then went on to receive her Master of Social Work from University of Iowa. Yaby brings with her years of working with adults, children and families. She is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained for working with people who have been impacted by trauma, anxiety, depression and other issues. Yaby deeply enjoys working with her patients along their journey and providing them with a safe, compassionate place to heal and learn.

Osiris Ordaz, LMHC – Mental Health Therapist
Osiris is a creative intuitive and bilingual in English / Spanish. She is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). She earned a master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling at Adler University in 2020 and received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Art in 2017 from Northwestern College. Before PCH, Osiris was the Art Therapist Counseling Intern at North Park University where she worked as an individual therapist seeing young adults.
As a Mexican immigrant, Osiris is passionate about identity wholeness and dismantling mental health stigmas. She practices from an Adlerian and art theoretical perspective that is rooted in holistic treatment, cultural humility and social equity. She believes in the power of story-telling, human connection and creativity. Osiris is here to walk alongside all peoples from all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and ethnicities as they heal and grow.

Michelle van Beek, B.A., CMI-Spanish – Mental Health Coordinator & Interpreting Services Coordinator
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Individual therapy at Promise Community Health Center consists of sharing any struggles with our therapist and creating a plan for coping. This is accomplished by meeting on a regular basis with the therapist who will lead the process of sharing, exploring, and effective coping skills. At every point in the treatment, you may express a desire to change the goals or treatment. Our Promise behavioral health therapist is there to support you with what you identify as most important. If you desire, our therapist will collaborate with other providers in order to create the best outcome for you.
Are you interested in meeting with our behavioral health therapist, set up an appointment today care@promisechc.org or call 712-722-1700.
CHILD THERAPY
Our therapist at Promise Community Health Center works with children ages 8 and older, through all types of life stressors, such as adjustment, difficult life situations, and coping with trauma. Promise’s therapists have received training and certifications in various areas regarding treatment for children and their families. When working with children, the therapist discusses concerns with the parents or caregivers and develop a plan together to meet the needs of the child. Some of the therapy work may include one-on-one sessions with the therapist, and much of the therapy will also include the caregiver. Promise is here to help children and their families by providing professional and compassionate support.
Set up an appointment today with our behavioral health therapist care@promisechc.org or call 712-722-1700.
ADOLESCENT THERAPY
Adolescents undergo a huge number of changes in their lives. These changes can lead to tension and conflict in priorities within themselves and sometimes with those who care for them. When additional life stressors are put on top of these changes, talking things out and professional help can be beneficial. Our Promise Community Health Center behavioral health therapist is honored to get to know the adolescents who attend therapy and assist them in navigating difficulty.
If your teen is needing help navigating changes or difficult and stressful times contact Promise today care@promisechc.org or call 712-722-1700.
COUPLES THERAPY
Our Promise Community Health Center local therapist works with married and unmarried couples across a wide spectrum. Whether you need help getting “unstuck” or you are looking for better communication skills, we are here to help. We provide services to support families and address tensions that can arise within couples.
If you are ready to work with our behavioral health therapist and translator contact Promise at care@promisechc.org or call 712-722-1700.
WOMEN'S ISSUES THERAPY
Promise Community Health Center understands the struggles living as women. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to get support and deal with various issues. Gender-related issues may be sensitive subjects to men or other women who have not been marginalized or affected similarly. Promise offers training and support to help you, or someone you know, overcome female-gender related issues.
Contact Promise today to meet with our behavioral health team about any issues you may be dealing with alone, we are here for you care@promisechc.org or call 712-722-1700.
TRAUMA SERVICES & POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
When an event makes you feel helpless or hopeless, it can seem to haunt you from your past. Promise Community Health Center can help you if you are concerned about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms you may see in yourself or a loved one. We can also help & support you if you have recently encountered or are going through a traumatic experience. Symptoms from a traumatic experience could be increased negative emotions, reliving the situation, flashbacks, fear or mistrust.
Our Promise Community Health local behavioral health therapist is here for you with experience and kindness. Make an appointment today care@promisechc.org or call 712-722-1700.