A Familiar Face, A New Role at All Care

A therapist with a background in musical theatre, yoga, and slam poetry probably isn’t going to take a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. For April Follmer, LMHP, LMHC, those experiences are part of a career built around finding different ways to connect with students here in Council Bluffs.

While April may be new to All Care, she is already a familiar face in Council Bluffs schools. For the past five years, she served as a school-based therapist with the Council Bluffs Community School District. As the district’s first employed school-based therapist, April helped expand and strengthen mental health services for students across the district. Her work in Council Bluffs is part of more than 15 years of experience in mental health care.

But experience is only part of what April brings to the role. Her background reflects someone who understands that connecting with a student can look different for everyone. Her approach can include expressive arts, drama therapy, and practical coping and self-regulation skills, giving students more ways to work through what they are feeling than simply sitting down and talking.

Asking for help isn’t always easy. Talking about mental health can feel even harder.

That first conversation can feel a little less intimidating when students know they will be heard. From there, April can meet them where they are and build an approach that feels right for them.

Now, April is bringing that experience to All Care, where she can continue building connections with students and helping them feel a little more comfortable asking for support.