Berryhill Psychiatry offers welcoming space in Newton

A local advanced registered nurse practitioner is following in her father’s footsteps as she has opened up her own practice on First Avenue West.

Megan Berryhill was a young child when her father, Lee, practiced as a psychiatrist in Newton. When she was 5 years old, her family moved to Fort Dodge where she graduated high school.

Berryhill said she had a mid-life career change. She had received her bachelor’s degree in philosophy, but her interest in mental health policy pushed her to pursue something different.

“My father who is now retired always loved what he did,” Berryhill said.

Berryhill pursued a master’s degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago and returned to Iowa to practice in West Des Moines and Grinnell.

Berryhill is an ARNP, an advanced registered nurse practitioner with a board certification in children and family psychiatry, and a PMHNP, which is a psychiatry mental health nurse practitioner.

After practicing for 10 years, she decided it was time to take a new leap of faith. Berryhill’s only child, Evelyn, 19, had just gone off to college, and she felt a new opportunity was presenting itself.

“I thought to myself, you know what, I want to work for myself,” Berryhill said.

Now Berryhill practices one day a week in Grinnell and works in Newton four days a week and during the evenings and weekends. Those extended hours are a reflection of Berryhill’s dedication to be available for her clients at a time that is convenient for them.

“If someone is having trouble in school, the last thing I’m going to ask of them is to be away from the classroom to come to an appointment,” Berryhill said.

Although Berryhill conducts mental evaluations and gives diagnoses, what she really values is the personal connection and conversation with her clients. That’s why most sessions are at least 30 minutes long.

“If someone prefers to come in to get their prescription and leave that’s fine, but I prefer to get to really know them,” Berryhill said.

One thing Berryhill asks every client is what are you doing for fun, or who do you turn to for support.

“I want to help them max their quality of life,” Berryhill said. “No one comes to see me because everything is going great. Every family faces problems.”

Additionally, Berryhill said she is comfortable with bringing up topics with children, teens or adults that might be tough issues

“I feel honored to hear people’s difficulties,” she said.

Berryhill addresses mental health issues and addictions such as, drugs, alcohol and gambling. She also is open to addressing issues with children, age 3 and up.

To make an appointment call Berryhill at 641-275-7759. Berryhill Psychiatry is located at 709 First Ave. W.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at
641-792-3121 ext. 6513 or
klangmaid@newtondailynews.com