Anna Hurst

LISW

6600 Westown Parkway
Suite 240
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

(515) 402-4396

anna@515therapy.com

Appointments

Tuesday-Friday

Insurance Accepted

BCBS

Health Partners

Midlands Choice/Cigna

Taking New Appointments

Yes

No

Young Adult Only

Licensed Independent Social Worker

Master of Social Work- University of Texas at Arlington

Bachelor of Science in Child, Adult, and Family Services - Iowa State University

Ages

8-young adult

Experience

"After receiving my Bachelor’s Degree, I worked with children and adolescents with autism and comorbid diagnoses at Balance Autism, FKA The Homestead, as an ABA specialist before deciding to pursue higher education. As a social worker, I felt it important to be culturally humble and step out of the comfort zone that is small town Iowa. That desire led me to Dallas, Texas. While pursuing my Masters Degree, I worked as a direct care staff with children and adolescents at an emergency shelter- these teens were often involved in the child welfare system, the juvenile justice system, or both. After obtaining my Masters, I worked for Child Protective Services in hopes of supporting families at their most vulnerable; I quickly learned my clinical skills were better suited supporting them in a therapeutic setting. I worked with college-aged students for a short period at Texas Christian University as an IOP/PHP therapist through Mesa Springs Hospital before moving back home to Iowa. Since I’ve been back, I’ve found my niche as a pediatric and young adult therapist in an outpatient setting."

Specialities

"Depression, Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), Trauma, Adjustment/Transition through Life, Self-harm, Personal Growth, Stress Management, Grief and Loss, Family Dysfunction, Parent-Child Conflict"

My Approach

As a strength-based and client-centered therapist, I feel like it comes naturally to me to empower children, teens, young adults, and their families to utilize their own strengths and skills to manage both daily and historical stressors. We are social beings who thrive when feeling connected. I stress the importance of genuine connection, not only within the therapeutic relationship (be prepared for humor and authenticity from me) but also with one’s natural supports- i.e. family, friends, partners, etc. I help break down barriers to connection; whether that be maladaptive behavioral responses, difficulties with social/interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, ineffective communication, residual trauma symptoms, self-esteem challenges, and more. I pride myself on being able to balance empathy and support while also challenging my patients to grow. The most common question I get at the beginning of the therapeutic process is whether I feel that “things will get better.” My response is that I always have hope, and until you develop your own, you can borrow some of mine. We’re in this together.

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