Welcome to Mountain West Behavioral Health
Support You Can Rely On
We are committed to providing the best possible experience in behavioral health services. We pride ourselves on a client-centered approach that supports you in creating a fulfilling lifestyle that meets your needs. Browse our website to learn more about us.
Clinic Staff
Meet Our Team
Alexis Pearson, LCSW
Director/Clinical Supervisor
I have worked in the mental health field since 2010 and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction and am master trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I also utilize a variety of therapy interventions to assist with skill development, effective communication, improving relationships, and increasing self-confidence. I am very passionate about helping others to create a fulfilling lifestyle that supports their goals and happiness!
Jessica Pedraza, LMSW
Clinician
Hi! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and have been working with adolescents for the last 8 years. I specialize in trauma, depression, anxiety, and all things adolescent. I am trained in ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) and Theraplay for families. My work started out in an adolescent group home, working with runaway and at-risk youth. I was then able to extend my education at a psychiatric hospital in Washington State, working with kiddos 12-18. After graduating with my Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice I was fortunate enough to work with youth in the juvenile justice system. Soon after, I received my Master's Degree in Social Work and am lucky enough to continue my work with adolescents in the community. I strive to provide the youth I work with a calm, authentic, and encouraging environment to guide them through life's journeys.
Amy Prestin, LCPC
Clinician
I am a licensed, board-certified professional counselor. I am also a trained EMDR clinician. I believe the therapeutic environment is a unique space and time for you to be able to focus on yourself with no distractions. I truly enjoy helping my clients feel safe, empowered, and encouraged as they sort through problematic, traumatic, or distressing life events, and make new shifts in their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. I believe there is a strong connection between the mind and the body, and that unprocessed traumatic events can lead us to become “stuck” and stressed, or even make us feel sick, in our present lives. In turn, stress can be a contributing factor in fear, anxiety, depression, anger, and a variety of other issues.
In my practice, I have enjoyed helping with issues relating to trauma, anxiety, depression, stress management, self-esteem, phobias, life transitions, interpersonal conflict, grief and loss. I utilize EMDR and other trauma-based approaches, family systems, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), client centered, and gestalt techniques. I often use guided visual imagery for stress reduction and tension release. My therapeutic approach is open, compassionate, and based on a dual collaboration with my clients. I strive to provide a warm, authentic, and healing environment where you will feel encouraged, and capable of doing great things.
Lori Ludlow, LMSW
Clinician
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and have been working in mental health for the last 5 years. I specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma, and take clients starting at age 14 to adults. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and I like to also use aspects of psychodynamic and humanistic approaches in sessions, depending on what works for you. I am committed to making our sessions feel safe while still challenging, and collaborating to ensure your goals are my goals, too.
Tiara Williams, LMSW
Clinician
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and a graduate from Boise State University. I have been providing clinical services in Twin Falls since graduating in 2019. I have been trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and grief counseling.
Since 2001, I have worked with individuals with developmental and intellectual delay in several different helping roles, such as in the group home and community integration settings, in Twin Falls, Boise, and Washington, D.C. This is a population that I care deeply about and continue to work closely with in the clinical setting. In addition, I have experience working with children and adolescents ranging in ages from 4-17, as well as women and single mothers, with challenges including oppositional defiant disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Empowerment, self-efficacy, and advocacy are concepts I strive to incorporate in my practice. I pride myself on allyship and ensuring that uniqueness is celebrated. I want my clients to feel seen, heard, and have power over their own lives. I am dedicated to being a supportive force in other’s achieving their goals and living their life to the fullest!
Deborah Gurley, LPC
Clinician
Hello, I am Deborah Gurley, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated from
Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Licensed Professional Counseling in 2019.
I have had the pleasure and the blessing of working with struggling children, adolescents and
adults trying to learn how to navigate their world through their eyes. I believe
that everyone is more than a diagnoses. I have been blessed to walk side by side with them as
they find their superpowers. I utilize CBT, play therapy and Theraplay techniques as well
as Adlerian and Client-Centered approaches.
Rachel Knight, LMSW
Clinician
Hello! I am a Master of Social Work graduate. While my journey to the mental health field wasn't a straight path, my life passion has always been helping others.
Because I believe every person is born with innate strengths and is the expert of their life, my approach is client-centered and collaborative. Therapy is about you and what you want to get out of it. Since you are the expert, I am not here to tell you what to do; instead, I will offer support, other perspectives, and ideas. My goal is to assist you in harnessing those strengths and increasing insights while creating a space where you feel safe and welcomed so you are better equipped to navigate the difficulties you face.
I am passionate about working with adults and youth experiencing difficult emotions or experienced trauma. My background includes serving in the U.S. armed forces, which has given me a unique perspective on helping military members and their families.
I am humbled and honored to walk alongside you on this journey.
Kim Grata, LPC, CADC
Clinician/SUD Counselor
I am a certified alcohol and drug counselor and a mental health counselor committed to helping individuals learn to build a happier and healthy life that is less affected by trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and substance use. My work focuses on targeting the negative self-beliefs caused by past trauma and everyday life. I believe in a person-centered, strength-based approach in therapy. I have been counseling in addiction since 2017 and transitioned to mental health in 2022. I am very fortunate to work with one of the best supervisors who is strengthening my skills to be mindful of my client’s needs and provides the guidance I need to be of great service to those I am privileged to work with.
I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and substance use disorder treatment. I am also certified in GAIN assessments and an approved DUI evaluator. I have a very strong passion for helping others live their best life!
Amy Johnson, LMSW
Clinician
Hello! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and a recent graduate of the University of Reno, Nevada. I know what it’s like to feel stuck and overwhelmed by what life throws at us. And it takes courage to reach out when you need help! No matter what your situation may be, there is hope for healing and change. Using an approach focused on individual strengths and empowerment, I collaborate with my clients to discover their potential for personal growth. With children, I use a play therapy approach. Play is our first language, and play therapy is a powerful and supportive tool for processing experiences and managing emotions and behavior.
Nicole Rietkerk, MSW
Clinician
My name is Nicole Rietkerk. I recently graduated with my Master's in Social Work. I have a history of working with children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in their homes as well as out in the community. I have also worked as a school social worker at the elementary school level here in Idaho. I am passionate about working with individuals as well as families when it comes to mental health and empowering others to live their best lives. I work with children from age 6 to adulthood and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Play Therapy strategies to help identify emotions and utilize coping mechanisms to help regulate emotions as well as our bodies. I also assist clients in creating ecomaps to identify environmental factors that have an impact on daily life and draw upon Mindfulness in working with all ages to identify barriers as well as solutions to problems we encounter. I believe the client is the expert on themselves and, as a counselor, I am here to partner with the client to draw from strengths to help best support them.
Anna Hawkins, LMSW
Clinician
Hello! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) specializing in adolescent and adult mental health. I graduated from Boise State University. I have a unique background working with at-risk youth in the juvenile justice system, which has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges these young individuals face. This experience has enabled me to support individuals at any age in navigating their circumstances.
I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which allows me to effectively help clients process trauma and promote emotional healing. I recognize that unresolved trauma can create significant barriers in adulthood, often manifesting as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders, difficulties in relationships, and a range of other mental health concerns. My passion lies in helping individuals navigate these challenges through a client-centered approach, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves.
By utilizing a variety of therapy modalities tailored to each client, I aim to foster resilience and support personal growth, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and guiding them on their journeys toward healing and self-discovery. I believe that the journey to healing is a partnership. Together, we will explore your unique experiences and work collaboratively to uncover the strengths within you.
Melissa Andrushko, CADC
Substance Abuse Counselor
I have worked in the substance abuse field for over 7 years and worked the majority of that time at an outpatient/intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment facility. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Addiction Studies in 2012 and began working in the substance abuse field in 2015. I obtained my Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification in 2018 and have extensive knowledge related to assessing individuals for the proper level of care that will result in the best outcome for their situation. I have compassion and hope for our communities as well as the client’s I work with, and recovery is possible!
Alexandra "Ally" Mora
Office Manager
I was born and raised in Twin Falls Idaho. My favorite thing to do is dance and bring smiles to others' faces! I studied at the College of Southern Idaho completing my Associate of Arts in Dance as well as my Associate of Arts in Social Work. I am currently living my dream working at two of the best places I know today! Teaching dance at Ovation Dance and working as an administrative staff at Mountain West Behavioral Health!
Madalyn Crider
Administrative Assistant
Hey there! I was raised in Twin Falls Idaho and love the cold! I am currently studying Psychology at College of Southern Idaho, and after I plan on furthering my education. I love to do crafts and go shopping! I am so proud to be working at Mountain West Behavioral Health!
Kimberly Bonagofski
Administrative Assistant
I was born & raised in San Francisco, but Twin Falls is now our forever home. My husband and I own a hot rod and love doing car shows all over Idaho. I’m a grandmother to 15 grandchildren & have 3 fur babies. I’m very excited to be part of the administrative staff at Mountain West Behavioral Health.
Marsha Holloway
Administrative Assistant
Hello, I am happy to introduce myself as part of the administration team here at Mountain West Behavioral Health. A few fun facts about me are, I was born and raised in California and although I have been living in Idaho for over 25 years, I still do not love the winters here. I have been married to my amazing husband for almost 30 years, and together we have raised four wonderful kids. Three are married and we now have one grand baby to love and spoil with another one on the way. I have worked in the senior care industry for the past 18 years. What I love most is getting to travel with my husband, my best friend. I am happy to be a part of this team and to be a smiling face to all that are here on their own journey.
Our Services
At Mountain West Behavioral Health, we are your trusted partners in your mental health. Our practices are dedicated to providing quality care by offering the highest level of service possible.
Individual Psychotherapy
Mental Health Assessments
Domestic Violence Evaluations
Drug and Alcohol Evaluations (GAIN-I)
DUI Evaluations
We accept most major insurances, employee assistance programs, state-funding (when applicable), and offer private-pay options
We offer both telehealth and in-person services
Contact Us
We’re here for you when you need us!
222 Shoshone St E
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Office: (208) 370-8288
Fax: 888-704-6850
