Meet Tierra: Mental Health Therapist at YSS

Tierra Smith always knew she wanted to be a mental health therapist.

“Therapy had always been my plan,” says Smith. “I always knew I wanted to do this. When I was a kid, if I read a book where there was a therapist, I thought, ‘I’m going to be that!’”

Smith attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, where she completed her undergraduate degree in psychology and received her master’s in social work.

After graduating in 2020, Smith started working at YSS of Hamilton County in Webster City. For three years, she has helped individuals and families overcome their obstacles. Smith provides therapy for kids, teenagers, and adults, although her primary focus has been on younger clients.

“I just want to see my clients meet their goals, and I figure out how I can do to assist that,” Smith explains. “That can be challenging, but it’s rewarding.”

Recently, Smith completed the supervision and test to receive her license for independent social work (LISW). She says the best part of her job is helping people—building trusting relationships and getting to know clients.

Smith also likes being part of YSS because the organization offers a wide variety of services and therapy techniques. YSS of Hamilton County offers counseling, as well as psychiatric medication management and aftercare services for youth who have aged out of foster care. Smith also explains YSS doesn’t just focus on kids; the clinicians see clients of all ages.

“I just want people to be aware that we have more to offer than maybe what they’ve heard,” Smith says.