Welcome to Mertens Counseling Kearney
Mertens Counseling is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based counseling services in Kearney, Nebraska. Led by Emily Mertens (LIMHP, CMFT, PLADC), our practice offers tailored support for individuals, couples, and families struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions. Whether you need EMDR THERAPY for post-traumatic symptoms or general counseling to improve daily functioning, our goal is to help you build the skills and resilience you need for better health and relationships.
Our Approach to Counseling Kearney
Personalized, Trauma-Informed Care
Every person’s path to healing is different. We use trauma-informed therapy approaches that prioritize safety and empowerment. For clients experiencing lingering symptoms from a traumatic event, EMDR THERAPY and trauma therapy approaches offer evidence-based ways to process painful memories and reduce symptom severity.
Integrative Methods for Mental Health
We combine cognitive-behavioral strategies, family systems perspectives, and EMDR when appropriate to address the behavioral, emotional, and relational aspects of mental health. Our team works closely with you to set goals, monitor progress, and adapt treatment to what works best for your life and schedule.
Helping you navigate life’s challenges with support and understanding. General counseling focuses on symptom reduction as well as skill-building—improving sleep, stress management, communication, and daily routines that support long-term mental health.
Offering effective strategies to manage depression and find hope. Depression therapy at Mertens Counseling integrates evidence-based modalities to treat low mood, loss of interest, and functional impairment. Treatment plans may involve behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, and trauma-informed care when early experiences or recent losses contribute to symptoms.
Providing techniques to reduce anxiety and restore peace of mind. Whether you struggle with generalized anxiety, panic, or health-related worry, we teach practical coping strategies including breathing and grounding, cognitive tools to challenge unhelpful thoughts, and exposure-based planning when appropriate.
Supporting you through the healing process with trauma-focused therapies. Trauma therapy includes assessment, stabilization, and processing phases designed to improve safety and reduce reactivity. We coordinate care for complex cases and emphasize slowing the pace so you can feel in control.
Tailored care for those dealing with prolonged or repeated trauma. For clients with complex trauma histories, treatment addresses relational patterns, attachment, and the cumulative impact on health and functioning. Sessions include pacing, skills training, and relational repair strategies to support family and interpersonal functioning.
An evidence-based approach that helps you heal from trauma and find lasting relief. EMDR THERAPY is effective for PTSD, single-incident trauma, and many trauma-related symptoms. During EMDR, we use structured protocols to help the brain reprocess memories so they become less distressing and less likely to trigger avoidance or hypervigilance.
Helping you heal from early life experiences to build a brighter future. Childhood trauma often affects adult relationships, self-image, and coping. Treatment focuses on integrating experiences, strengthening emotional regulation, and restoring healthy family dynamics when family therapy is indicated.
Convenient and confidential support from the comfort of your home. We offer telehealth sessions across Nebraska for clients who prefer remote care or live outside Kearney. Online therapy is secure, HIPAA-compliant, and an effective way to access EMDR-informed protocols and trauma therapy when in-person sessions aren’t possible.
INSURANCE, PAYMENT, AND ACCESS
We accept a range of insurance plans and offer sliding scale options for qualifying clients. If you have questions about coverage, co-pays, or session length, our intake coordinator can verify benefits and explain options so you can focus on care rather than paperwork. Many clients find short-term or ongoing therapy fits within their schedules by leveraging evening and online appointment options.
SCHEDULE YOUR COUNSELING APPOINTMENT TODAY
We make scheduling simple. Call our Kearney office or book online to find an appointment time that meets your needs. New clients receive an intake packet and a brief check-in call to make the first session as comfortable as possible.
The Mertens Counseling Difference
We are a small, local team focused on compassionate, practical care. Our clinicians combine advanced training in EMDR with family-centered and behavioral health practices to address both immediate symptoms and long-term well-being. We prioritize safety, transparency, and measurable progress.
Meet The Mertens Counseling Team
Emily Mertens, LIMHP, CMFT, PLADC — Primary clinician specializing in trauma therapy and EMDR. Additional clinicians on our team provide family therapy, child and adolescent services, and behavioral health interventions. Each clinician brings a collaborative and culturally-informed approach to care.
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Location and Hours
Our Kearney office is conveniently located for in-person appointments and easy to access from surrounding communities. We maintain flexible hours including early-morning and evening slots to accommodate work and school schedules. Call (308) to confirm current availability and to learn whether your insurance is accepted.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I expect in my first session?
Your first appointment focuses on understanding your current concerns, history, and what you hope to change. We discuss confidentiality, treatment options (including EMDR THERAPY and trauma therapy), and create a collaborative plan for next steps.
Is EMDR THERAPY safe for everyone?
EMDR is a widely-researched therapy and is safe when delivered by trained clinicians. We assess readiness and stabilization before proceeding and tailor the pace to your ne
Telehealth Therapy Available
Explore the convenience of flexible mental health care with Mertens' Counseling in Kearney. Our Telehealth services are just a click away wherever you are. Receive compassionate, expert care for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more—all from the comfort and privacy of your choice. Mertens' Counseling delivers the perfect blend of convenience and quality, with in-person and online sessions available. Embrace therapy that adapts to your life, offering relief and guidance exactly when and where you need it.
COMMUNITY AND FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
We partner with local health providers and community resources to support comprehensive care. If you need referrals for psychiatric evaluation, medication management, or family support services, we will connect you with trusted regional resources.
CONTACT & DIRECTIONS
To schedule: call our Kearney office or use the online booking tool. Our staff will help verify insurance, answer questions about EMDR and trauma therapy, and schedule your initial intake. We are proud to serve the Kearney, Nebraska community and nearby towns.
Mertens Counseling Kearney Office
CONTACT / FRONT DESK HOURS
Monday – Thursday, 8:45 AM–4:00 PM
COUNSELING APPOINTMENTS
May be scheduled outside of contact hours, depending on your therapist’s availability.
NEW CLIENT | EXISTING CLIENT