Nikki McIntyre

Nikki Gartner (maiden name)


Human First

My name is Nikki. I’m a cis-gender, queer female; my pronouns are she/her. I grew up a city girl in southern Minnesota and in recent years have discovered my love for country living. Now I live in Saint Peter, MN with my wife, two dogs, two cats, and 50ish chickens. Who knew little Nikki would grow up to build a chicken coop and enjoy ice fishing?

Let’s not get carried away though- I’m still a neurodivergent introvert to my core. I enjoy listening to podcasts and books, always researching things and learning. I love quiet hour in the morning with coffee, making lists, baking, and gardening.

Therapist Second

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #3625) in Minnesota. My therapy approach is trauma-focused, social justice-informed, holistic, and above all… person-centered.

My role as a therapist is to empower you to reach your goals- to listen, validate, encourage, give perspective, and gently challenge. That means I will be your biggest hype girl and I will also tell you when to get out of your own way.

Boundaries are kind of my thing. Let’s learn and practice together.

Strengths Based | Somatic | Intuitive Eating
Culturally Sensitive | Family Systems
Motivational Interviewing | Person-Centered
Boundaries | Accelerated Resolution Therapy

I bring:

  • Validation

  • Ideas and skills to share

  • Education

  • Recognition of patterns/themes

  • A mirror- for both good and bad

You bring:

  • Expertise in you

  • Feelings

  • Memories and stories

  • Both challenges and wins

  • Questions

Intake Process for New Folks

1. Email me to request a brief phone consult to see if we’re a good fit.

Please include: your name; age; phone number; health insurance carrier; goals/previous mental health diagnosis; and best times for a phone call.

2. If we decide we are a good fit, I will send you electronic paperwork through the Simple Practice portal.

3. Once you complete the paperwork and upload your insurance card, you can see my availability and self-schedule.

In-Person Sessions

Human connection is so important- I invite all of my clients to attend therapy in-person whenever possible.

My office is located in downtown Mankato, Minnesota across from the YMCA and West High School.
There is a small, private parking lot with plenty of parking, including accessible spots. Our suite is wheelchair accessible and we have a single room unisex bathroom for client use.


Virtual Sessions

Online therapy is a great option to create accessibility when folks have barriers related to transportation, schedule limitations, health concerns, and/or inability to travel because of Minnesota weather.

Established clients are encouraged to request to switch to a virtual session when needed (i.e., to avoid missing a scheduled appointment, transportation issue, illness exposure, etc.).

My Experience

Education:
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato (2015)

Current Roles:
Therapist/Practice Owner of SOS Mental Health (2021-present)
Mental Health Consultant for Blue Earth County Family Dependency Treatment Court (2019-present)

Professional Memberships:
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
International Association for Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

Other Relevant History:
Diagnosing and Treating Young Children ages 0-5 and Providing Play Therapy
Therapist at a Community Mental Health Center- All Ages/Families (3 years)
Therapist at a Private Practice- Children/Families (3 years)
In-Home Skills Worker- CTSS (1 year)