Meet Our Team
At Merten's Counseling in Kearney, our team is led by Emily Mertens, who brings a compassionate approach to every session. Our skilled counselors specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, and more, dedicated to supporting your journey to wellness. Experience the caring and professional counseling available at Merten's Counseling in Kearney.
.png)
LIMHP, CMFT, PLADC
Emily Mertens
Emily is currently accepting new clients to her waitlist
Client Ages & Types: Ages 19+, Individuals
Areas Of Focus: Childhood trauma, complex trauma, single event trauma, anxiety; specialized training in EMDR
Education: Masters Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Kansas State University
Additional Info: Emily has been EMDR trained for over 10 years and regularly utilizes this approach in helping clients struggling with past trauma move from surviving to thriving. In her spare time, Emily enjoys exploring new places with her family, binging reality tv shows, reading
a good psychological thriller, and creating meaningful connections with the people closest to her.
.png)
LIMHP, LCSW
Jessica Luttrell
Jessica is currently accepting new clients to her waitlist
Client Ages & Types: Ages 12+, Individuals
Areas of Focus: Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress management, life transitions, personal growth, parenting and family support; specialized training in DBT & EMDR
Education: Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas
Additional Info:
Jessica is a mental health therapist with over 11 years of experience serving children, adolescents, adults, and families in child welfare, correctional, and school-based settings. Using a person-centered approach and CBT and DBT techniques, she helps clients develop coping skills, improve emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and create lasting change.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys camping, boating, fishing, and hunting with her family, as well as caring for goats, potbelly pigs, and chickens on her small hobby farm.
Insurance: UMR, UHC, BCBS
.png)
LIMHP
Sara Klingelhoefer
Client Ages & Types: Ages 19+, Individuals
Areas of Focus: Anxiety, OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder), habits and tics, depression, stress management, sleep, life transitions, personal growth, coping with a cancer diagnosis and the emotional challenges of treatment and recovery, parenting, and family support.
Education: Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Additional Info:
Sara has over 11 years of experience helping children and families address behavioral concerns and build practical skills for lasting change. She is expanding her work to support adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and personal growth. Her action-oriented approach focuses on realistic strategies clients can use in everyday life.
Outside of work, Sara enjoys her children’s activities, family time, home improvement projects, and documentary series. She is also passionate about raising cancer awareness and supporting individuals and families through the unique emotional challenges of a diagnosis.
MSEd, PLMHP
Courtney Hughbanks
Client Ages & Types: Ages 19+, Individuals
Areas of Focus: Anxiety disorders, depression and mood disorders, OCD, trauma, stress management, emotional regulation and reactivity, self-esteem and self-worth concerns, body acceptance and dysmorphia, life transitions, relocation and major life changes, college and graduate student concerns, perfectionism, burnout, attachment and relationship patterns, parenting challenges, family dynamics
Education: Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska
Additional Info: Whether clients want to delve into deeper issues, work through relationship challenges, or find short-term solutions and resources, Courtney understands the importance of meeting clients where they are. In her free time, Courtney enjoys traveling with family and friends, discussing all things TV shows, podcasts, and movies, and spending time with Tilly, her fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Raquel Martinez
FRONT DESK ADMIN.
Hi! I'm Raquel and I'm excited to be a part of the Mertens Counseling team. I look forward to greeting clients, scheduling, and other office needs. I am passionate about helping and supporting others!
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.