Elizabeth Marilla-Kapp, LISW

Why did you become a provider? My background prior to therapy is in emergency mental health and homelessness services. I am committed to improving the mental health and basic needs continuum of care for all.

Why did you decide to join UnityPoint Health?I have been working at the intersection of basic needs accessibility and mental health for my entire career and I appreciate how Abbe Center for Community Mental Health is committed to serving everyone.

Describe your typical patient: I specialize in mental health care for young people and their parents/caregivers. I offer child-centered play therapy for youth ages 3-10 and person-centered, acceptance and commitment (ACT)-informed support for parents/caregivers.

What would your patients say about you? I believe my patients would say I am kind, curious, creative, sincere and conscientious.

What would you like patients to know about you? I take time to allow clients to tell their own stories at their own pace. I am also deeply inspired by and indebted to thinkers, artists and activists in the feminist, LGBTQ+, antiracist, harm-reductionist, and body-liberation communities.

How would you describe the ideal provider/patient relationship? Collaborative, flexible and genuine.

What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy reading novels, poems and comics; watching movies in the theater; hiking and foraging; cooking and eating vegetarian food; thrifting; and learning to sew.

Do yo uhave any notable ties to the region? I was born and raised in Iowa! 

Describe your family: I live with my partner, my two children and my sweet and silly dog.