Meet Ashlie: YSS Mental Health Counselor

Ashlie Morgan started at YSS as a counseling intern in the summer of 2023 and became a full-time Mental Health Counselor this year.

Ashlie received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Iowa State University with a special education endorsement and even did some student teaching in Norway. She then attended Drake University where she obtained her master’s degree in counseling with concentration on school and mental health.

While teaching, she realized a lot of students needed mental health support. “I wanted to learn how to better support my students and colleagues and ended up finding that my career passion is in mental health,” says Ashlie.

At YSS, Ashlie’s daily responsibilities consist of assessments, counseling sessions, and much more. As new clients arrive, Ashlie is one of the professionals that may conduct a mental health assessment to determine which services would best fit the client’s needs. In her counseling sessions, she creates treatment plans that fit with the client’s goals, using a variety of approaches with an emphasis on psychotherapy, person-centered, strengths based, cognitive behavioral, and feminist therapies.

“Human beings are complex and each one of us is unique. Adjusting support along each person’s journey is crucial to the process.”

Ashlie says her favorite part of her job is working with teen and young adult clients. “I enjoy sharing their journey as they develop their identity and become their authentic self,” says Ashlie. Another aspect she enjoys is the one-on-one environment that she feels with each of her clients as it feels more purposeful and impactful. “I can focus on one person at a time, supporting them through their individualized goals.”

In the future, Ashlie hopes to have completed the requirements for full licensure and is excited to continue to learn and grow as she provides individual counseling. Ashlie also plans to study American Sign Language to increase the accessibility of her services. “The supervision I’ve received at YSS has also inspired me to consider pursuing supervision certification in the future.”

Outside of work, Ashlie loves music and sings in two community choirs, Good Company and Ames Choral Society. She enjoys crafting, playing ukulele, board games, reading, disc golf, basketball, traveling, and supporting local businesses and vendors. In the summer, Ashlie and her partner, Sarah, enjoy visiting the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market and local craft and vendor fairs.

Ashlie holds counseling sessions at the YSS Family Counseling and Clinic in Ames. To schedule an appointment with Ashlie or another of YSS’ awesome mental health therapists, call 515-232-4YSS or email intake@yss.org. In-person appointments are available in Ames, Boone, Marshalltown, Webster City, Mason City, and Des Moines. We also offer telehealth services and school-based therapy.