by Mari Radtke
Dr. Kathy Jochims has opened Alliance Adolescent and Children’s Therapy in Marcus. She has been working on her new facility sinnce July 2025 and it was complete in November. She spent years before that putting herself in a position to be able to put her knowledge, skills and abilities to work in a service she loves for children.
Dr. Jochims began her career over 30 years ago working with children in need as a forensic interviewer of abused children. She followed that up with working at Crittendon Center, in-home services, and then to AEA where she worked in special education and children with mental health needs.

“I want to correct some misconceptions why kids need therapy,” said Dr. Jochims. She wants to make the concept of mental health therapy for children more positive, with less of a stigma. She identified a few instances when therapy benefits the child: following a trauma such as a house fire or the death of a loved one, a car accident. The list list of possible traumas is endless. There are also considerations like anxiety, ADHD or Autism. “Self esteem is a big one,” said Jochims. There could be issues of body image or not good at sports, even family make up. She noted that it is important for therapy for younger kids. As a person grows they learn that therapy is much like going to the doctor for a physical health problem. And for children who have not learned healthy ways to deal with their issues often turn to destructive coping mechanisms in their early teens. She explained that if a child doesn’t learn how to cope with trauma early they may stop dreaming. “They are afraid of having nightmares.”
Dr. Jochims knows how hard it can be to get therapy. She noted that often a client for some service providers is less than adequate. They can’t be seen as often as necessary. That can be due to not enough providers or it can be due to the hardship of getting to a therapist. That was one of the driving forces that helped her decide to locate in Marcus. She looked in Cherokee and the surrounding area. “There was no place to rent,” she said. After meeting with Dr. Schachterle, who wanted to sell his chiropractic clinic building he was adamant that that building continue to be a place of healing. It was perfect.She purchased the place in July 2025. Masonry and extensive upgrades and remodeling were completed by November.

One thing Dr. Jochims is quick to point out is that she really would like to draw more therapists. Two offices are ready in addition to the play therapy space. The waiting area is more like a family room. “Just the way I want it,” said Jochims at that comment. She is looking for additional therapists who may use different modalities, have different personalitites, lean toward a different population of clients. Dr. Jochims focuses on 4-25 year olds. “I love what I do,” she said, adding “needs are still out there for married couples, older citizens, young parents.” Therapist fit with the individual and/or couple is imperative for therapy to be successful.
Dr. Jochims received her bachelors and masters in a traditional way. She earned her doctorate over 3 years from Walden University in 2025. It is an accredited online higher education source. “I was very impressed. It was rigorous and challenging,” is how she described her experience.
She worked on her disseration for three years. The online cohort with whom she worked were wonderful and helpful. Her disseration can be found through Google Scholar.
To learn more about Dr. Jochims, her philosphy and how to make an appointment you can go to “Phychology Today.” Or you can email drkjochims@gmail.com. She also accepts calls or text at 712-227-3738.
Kathy is quick to offer thanks to so many for where she is today. A big than you goes out to her husband, Jason “who has been the best partner and handyman – couldn’t be doing it without him!” Mike Olson, contractor, Rick Nelson, electrician, Marcus Lumber for materials and larger plumbing, Andy Harman for masonry, Susan Mulder for all her design and print work, Moeller Carpet for all the floor coverings and finally. “to the community, the businesses and all my friends for the warm welcome and lovely plants and balloons.” She currently offers appointments Tuesday – Thursday 11:00am to 8:00pm.