Central Iowa Psychological Services

Karen R. Ahrens, Psy.D.

Adolescents, adults and older adults in individual therapy with an eclectic approach based in Rational-Emotive-Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused therapy, and the Common Factors Theory. I also provide psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, adults and older adults. Testing may address emotional difficulties, learning difficulties, ADHD, memory, and brief driving evaluations.

I am a licensed psychologist with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Central College in Pella, IA and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. I have been in practice since 2001, three of which I worked with the National Health Service Corps working in underserved areas of rural Kansas. My experience is as a generalist seeing clients ranging in age from adolescence to end of life, with a multitude of concerns and varying severity. I have treated outpatients, provided diagnostic testing, completed presurgical screening/testing, consulted with local hospitals and physicians, worked in local nursing homes, done forensic evaluations, taught a divorce class, and run inpatient psychoeducational groups.

In my current position, I will continue to see adults and adolescents in therapy and will have a significant part of my practice dedicated to psychological testing for all ages and to working with older adults both in the community and within local nursing homes. My work with you would be influenced not only by my background, but also by my belief in the Common Factors Theory for therapy. In the Common Factors theory, the largest part of change is accounted for by the quality of the relationship you have with your therapist and your experience of hope. My approach is eclectic in nature and is meant to join you where you are and to walk with you to a more comfortable place. I look forward to meeting you.

Click here to see complete vita

For more information or to arrange an appointment, please contact us:
Central Iowa Psychological Services