Greene County Medical Center announces the addition of a new counselor for Behavioral Health services. Mary Jo Koch, a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), will begin her new role Wednesday, Jan. 31.
Koch has lived nearly her entire life in Greene County. She was born and raised in Churdan, leaving only briefly to attend college in Ankeny. This strong connection to her home base is what propelled her toward a new opportunity. “I want to be able to see the area residents in a professional capacity and help those people right here at home,” Koch said.
Having spent nearly 10 years training and working in a mental health counseling capacity, the timing of her career transition was initiated with the onset of the pandemic. Koch was counseling patients of all ages when COVID-19 required her work status become remote. When it came time to return, she opted to accept a position with Better Help Online and has been serving patients that way since.
However, there was one thing she wanted back. “I really missed the face-to-face interaction,” she said, “and I really want to work with people from our communities.”
Koch received an associate degree from Iowa Central Community College, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services and sociology from Buena Vista University and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University. She holds a variety of different certifications, and in addition to being licensed to practice in Iowa, she holds a Florida license as well. “This means that anybody who would like to begin therapy here in Iowa and travels to Florida can continue to see me via telehealth,” Koch explained.
Her behavioral healthcare interests encompass serving patients of all ages with a special focus in geriatric care. She would like all her patients to know that she is dedicated to creating a comfortable, open and judgement-free environment of care that exceeds all expectations of medical confidentiality.
Koch and her husband Ryan have two daughters and a four-month-old grandson. In their free time, they enjoy gardening, bird watching, crafting with friends and camping.
Common reasons to see a behavioral health provider include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief, family or relationship problems, substance abuse and more. Persons who want too schedule an appointment with Koch can call 515-386-0500.
