Kennedy LaVille Thoren, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C

Specialty: Mental Health

Affiliation: Story County Medical Center

Joined Story Medical in: 2025

Certifications: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Postpartum Support International as a Perinatal Mental Health Provider (PMH-C)

Education & Accomplishments: Kennedy earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of Iowa in May 2020. She has completed advanced training in advanced practice provider leadership through the University of Pittsburgh, medically complex adult and geriatric care through a fellowship program at George Washington University, and perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. 

Additional Information: Kennedy LaVille Thoren is a doctoral-prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing compassionate, individualized mental health care to children, adolescents, and adults at Story Medical. She believes that meaningful mental health care begins with a strong therapeutic relationship and a space where patients feel heard, respected, and comfortable being themselves.

Kennedy takes a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, she works alongside each patient to understand their unique experiences, goals, strengths, and concerns. She values shared decision-making and believes patients should feel informed and empowered in decisions about their mental health and treatment.

Her clinical experience includes evaluation and treatment of a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions, and other psychiatric concerns across the lifespan. 

Kennedy also has specialized training in perinatal mental health and is certified as a Perinatal Mental Health provider through Postpartum Support International. She is passionate about supporting individuals through the emotional and psychological changes that can accompany pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and the transition to parenthood.

Above all, Kennedy strives to create a warm, welcoming environment where patients feel genuinely cared for. She recognizes that seeking mental health care can feel difficult or vulnerable, and she works to make the process approachable, supportive, and grounded in trust. Her goal is for every patient to leave an appointment feeling heard, understood, and confident that they have a partner in their care.