Heather Kriken, LCSW, PMH-C

I was drawn to social work because of its core belief that everyone deserves support, dignity, and access to opportunity—especially those who have been marginalized, underserved, or navigating difficult circumstances. After earning my degree, I began my career working with families involved in the child welfare system, where I gained a deep understanding of trauma, resilience, and the complexities many families face. From there, I transitioned into clinical roles within hospital and school settings, where I continued supporting individuals and families through mental health challenges, life transitions, and crisis. These experiences shaped my passion for providing compassionate, practical support that helps people move through difficult seasons of life.

As someone who was born and raised in Lake County, expanding access to mental health care in this community is deeply important to me. Living in a rural area can make it difficult to find support, and many families here are working to break cycles of generational trauma while trying to build healthier futures. Being able to offer care in the community that shaped me is something I feel incredibly grateful for.

I’m also a mother to two young children, which has given me a personal understanding of the beauty, intensity, and transformation that comes with parenthood. This experience has deepened my compassion for parents navigating the emotional shifts that can come with pregnancy, postpartum, and raising young children. My hope is to create a space where people feel supported, understood, and empowered as they work toward healing and growth.