OUTPATIENT
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Dr. Ulmer graduated from Northcentral University with a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, with a specialization in military families and an emphasis on trauma. She received an MSW from the University of South Dakota in 2012 and a master’s degree in Agency Counseling and Human Resource Management from South Dakota State University in 2009.

A dedicated behavioral health leader and seasoned primary prevention professional, Dr. Ulmer has more than 20 years of experience serving military communities through strategic programming, clinical expertise and compassionate leadership. She served as Integrated Prevention Chief at Ellsworth AFB and is currently a Behavioral Health Officer for the South Dakota Army National Guard. Dr. Ulmer combines systems-level thinking with boots-on-the-ground impact—bridging gaps in care, enhancing force readiness and promoting total wellness. She has earned numerous medals, awards and honors.

Dr. Ulmer utilizes a wide range of evidence-based treatment modalities to address each patient’s concerns. She works with individuals across the lifespan—from children to adults—and especially enjoys working with couples and families. Her clinical specialties include trauma, anger management, sexual assault, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, risk assessment and suicide prevention. She has extensive experience working with personality disorders, bipolar disorders, and other serious and persistent mental health conditions.

Her professional background includes work in diverse settings such as private practice, community mental health, and residential treatment programs for adolescents with behavioral and chemical dependency concerns, as well as individuals with disabilities. Dr. Ulmer integrates Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-based approaches to provide individualized, compassionate care. Guided by her personal philosophy, “If there are no changes, then there'd be no butterflies,” she emphasizes growth through transformation.

Personal Mission: I believe prevention isn’t just strategy—it’s stewardship. Whether I’m building community coalitions, designing preventative models, or offering clinical support, I strive to meet people where they are and guide them to where they’re capable of going. Wellness isn't a destination—it's the ongoing journey of managing challenges with self-compassion and skillful action.

Master of Social Work (MSW), Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice (CSW-PIP), Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW), Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), EMDR Certified Therapist

Christie Lueth earned her MSW from the University of South Dakota in 2012 and her BSW from the University of South Dakota in 2005. She also completed specialized training in play therapy through South Dakota State University and became EMDR-Certified in 2022, further strengthening her trauma-informed clinical expertise.

As the Clinical Director of Outpatient Services, she provides oversight, program development, clinical supervision, and leadership to ensure high-quality, ethical, and effective care. A dedicated behavioral health leader and experienced clinician, Christie brings more than 20 years of experience working with individuals, children, and families across a variety of clinical and community-based settings. Her leadership experience also includes serving as Clinical Director and Director of Children and Counseling Services at Southeastern Behavioral HealthCare, along with extensive work in outpatient therapy, early childhood programming, and community outreach.

Christie utilizes a wide range of evidence-based treatment modalities to meet each client’s individualized needs. She provides services across the lifespan and has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. Her clinical work includes diagnostic and crisis assessments, treatment planning and both individual and family therapy. She incorporates approaches such as EMDR, play therapy techniques, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based interventions to support healing and growth.

Her professional background includes work in outpatient behavioral health, community mental health, home-based services, and residential and assisted living settings. She has provided clinical supervision to staff and interns, developed and implemented programs, and led initiatives aimed at improving behavioral health outcomes across communities. Christie is also deeply engaged in leadership and advocacy, previously serving as President of NAMI South Dakota and contributing to statewide behavioral health initiatives through advisory council work and clinical instruction.

Christie is passionate about empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and build resilience. Guided by her personal philosophy, “Live each day like there is no tomorrow,” she emphasizes intentional living, meaningful connection, and making the most of each opportunity for growth. Whether she is leading programs, supervising clinicians, or providing direct care, she strives to meet individuals where they are and support them in achieving lasting change and wellness.

Master of Social Work (MSW), BA

Cole Mills is a compassionate mental health professional dedicated to helping individuals and families heal, grow and thrive. Guided by his personal mission to “be the light you want to see in the world,” Cole approaches his work with empathy, integrity and a deep commitment to service.

Cole holds a BA in Psychology from Northwestern College and an MSW from the University of Nebraska–Omaha. He provides high-quality, trauma-informed mental health care to children and families, conducting comprehensive assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, and delivers evidence-based therapy through individual, family and group sessions. He works collaboratively with families and community partners to create supportive environments that foster healing, while closely monitoring progress and adapting care to ensure meaningful, lasting outcomes.

Prior to his current role, Cole served as a Behavioral Facilitator with the Sioux Falls School District, where he supported students in developing social, emotional and behavioral skills through individualized strategies and collaborative care with school staff. His previous experience also includes working as a homebased therapist and youth counselor, where he provided therapy in community settings, supported youth through trauma, and partnered with families and multidisciplinary teams to promote stability and growth.

Cole’s clinical training includes his work as a therapist intern with Volunteers of America, where he facilitated individual and group counseling, created treatment plans, and maintained high standards of ethical and professional documentation. Across all roles, he has built a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention and relationship-centered practice.

Beyond his clinical work, Cole has demonstrated strong leadership and a heart for service. From mentoring youth in Jamaica as a mission leader to coordinating service initiatives and leading teams in his collegiate experience, he has consistently invested in uplifting others and creating spaces for connection and growth.

At the core of Cole’s work is a desire to be a steady, positive presence—someone who brings light into challenging moments and empowers others to move forward with hope, resilience and purpose.