From a young age, Bobby Jo Salm faced the burden of chronic disease, the loss of her mother and the painful experience of abuse and addiction.
She describes her life as a series of uphill battles filled with insurmountable challenges, but her fierce determination has helped her rise above those circumstances.
Now she wants to create a better future for herself and others. That’s why three months ago she expanded the Beacon of Hope Counselling Center into Wilton.
“Growing up I yearned for support and guidance, particularly in matters of mental health,” says Bobby Jo, “However, during those trying times, access to mental health services was limited and resources were scarce.”
“That’s why I embarked on a journey to create a safe space for individuals seeking solace and healing,” says the Licensed Independent Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist.
In 2020 Bobby Jo opened Beacon of Hope in Coralville, Iowa, where she provided compassionate care and therapy for those who walked through her door.
During that time, she recognized a pressing need for mental health services in rural communities, where accessibility is often a challenge.
So, driven by her passion for reaching out to those in need, Bobby Jo expanded her practice into
Wilton, a rural community that she believes has been overlooked for far too long.
“Life is difficult, but no one should face it alone,” she says. “Mental health is not a luxury, but a necessity for overall well-being.”
“With my practice I want to convey that mental health services are now available and accessible, even in the most remote corners of Iowa,” she adds.
Bobby Jo grew up in West Liberty. At age four she was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. At age six she lost her mother. She has a history of witnessing domestic abuse and addiction during her childhood, and she has also experienced these issues herself.
Through it all she fostered an interest in mental health. Bobby Jo began her professional career as a psychiatric nursing assistant for five years at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Bobby Jo is married to Andrew and has three children, Jacob, 21, Joseph, 18, and Jackson, 14.
After taking a break to raise those children, she worked as a clinical anesthesia technician for eight years at the same hospital. It was then she realized her true passion was in mental health.
While working full-time with three children Bobby Jo went back to school, where she eventually graduated with a bachelor's degree in social work from Mount Mercy University.
In 2018 she earned her master's degree from the University of Iowa. She worked for Gracie Mae Advocate Center before opening her own practice in 2020.
Around that time, she clarified her mission: “Let individuals know that they are not alone, that help is within reach, and that there is always a beacon of hope to guide them on their path to healing.”
Beacon of Hope has seven therapists between two locations. Four full-time therapists are in Coralville, one in Wilton and two travel between both. She is actively seeking another full-time therapist.
Bobby Jo is also open to expanding her practice into even more rural communities in the future, but for now the focus is on the recently opened Wilton location.
The center uses various forms of therapy depending on the situation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy helps with emotional regulation and interpersonal difficulties. Play Therapy provides a safe space for children to express themselves through play.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing helps process traumatic memories and reduce distressing symptoms.
Meanwhile, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy focuses on identifying strengths and solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Finally, she offers group therapy and sand tray therapy.
Collaboration is the cornerstone for Bobby Jo. She works to establish partnerships with schools to ensure that mental health services are accessible to everyone, including children and adolescents.
“By integrating mental health support within the educational system, I hope to break down the barriers that once prevented individuals from seeking help,” she says.
“It felt like an unattainable dream in my darkest moments,” she says. “Little did I know that my own struggles would ignite a passion to change the landscape of mental health services for those who needed it the most.”
Today, Beacon of Hope is a testament to Bobby Jo's unwavering spirit and commitment to making a difference. Her story isn’t about struggles or triumph but creating a community of support and healing.
“No matter how challenging life may be, there is hope, and there are people who genuinely care,” she says.
The Beacon of Hope Counselling Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., located at 1015 5th St., Suite 2, in Wilton.
To make an appointment either visit www.beaconofhopejourney.com or call 319-244-8376. You can also email info@beaconofhopejourney.com for more information.
They accept the following insurance providers: Amerigroup, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Iowa Medicaid, Iowa Total Care, Midlands Choice, Molina Healthcare, United Healthcare.