Kate Ernstrom, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C (she/her)

I am a psychotherapist and Director of Clinical Operations at Wildflower. In my role as Director of Clinical Operations I oversee and manage all aspects of Wildflower’s clinical services. I also work with staff to make sure they have a foundation of solid clinical skills and expertise. I am passionate about cultivating an environment for clinicians and clients firmly rooted in ethical and evidence-based care in order to most effectively meet the needs of individuals, couples, and families.

As a clinician, I aim to provide space for people to mindfully connect with their values in order to develop a more fulfilling and values-driven approach to life. My goal is to help each client start making progress starting with their very session. We may not solve all of your concerns in one session, of course, however, we can assess, start formulating a plan, and begin the process to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.

The most common presentations I work with are concerns related to reproductive mental health, sexual health, and mood and anxiety concerns. I work with any matter related to sex, intimacy, and gender identity. I welcome LGBTQIA+, Queer, Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, gender-expansive, non-monogamous, kink, BDSM, and polyamourous clients. Celebrating the diversity of sexual identity and expression is a central focus of my practice, and I believe that everyone deserves happiness and satisfaction in this core area of life. I believe psychotherapy works best when a collaborative and trusting relationship serves as its foundation, and this is what I aim to foster with all our clients and clinicians. I use humor to connect while creating a safe and validating therapeutic space in order to explore vulnerable topics. Clients can expect to gain new perspectives and skills in psychotherapy with me which will enable them to make the changes they want to see in their life. I guide my clients towards discovering their own voice — their authentic self — so they can create a life truly worth living.

I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Cornell University and later obtained my Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Loyola University, Chicago. In 2019 I became a Perinatal Mental Health Certified Clinician, and more recently I completed University of Michigan’s Sexual Health Sex Therapy Certification track. I have extensive training in treating perinatal and reproductive mental health issues, mood and anxiety disorders as well as trauma and complex trauma reactions through evidence-based practices. I draw on many theories and approaches in alignment with psychodynamic psychotherapy alongside Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO-DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help facilitate personal growth and sustainable change. I am dedicated to ongoing professional growth and development to stay up to date and informed on the most effective treatment protocols to address any of your presenting concerns within the realm of reproductive mental health, sexual health, and mood and anxiety concerns.

LCSW License Number: 149018053
Type 1 NPI Number: 1568710424
Accepts: Lyra, self-pay and out of network clients

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Pronouns

she/her/hers

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Selected training and affiliation

Sexual Health Certification program through University of Michigan
Perinatal Mental Health Certified Clinician
Extensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy Trainings
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy Trainings
Gottman Training for Couples Therapy
EMDR Level 1 Training
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Clinician
Extensive Exposure Response Prevention Trainings
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

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Key beliefs

Emotions are messengers just waiting to be heard.
We are doing the best we can, and we can always work to do better.
Lean into the discomfort, and ask yourself: “What is there to learn here?”

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More about me

I am an avid reader, and am always looking for my next great read.
I used to live in the Pacific NW, and feel the most at home and at peace in nature.
Hot coffee, a warm fireplace, comfy blankets, and cold rainy days – these are a few of my favorite things.