Andrew Beer Headshot

Graduate Programs

Andrew Beer

Adjunct Faculty

Education

  • PhD University of Iowa
  • MA Mount Mercy University
  • BA Mount Mercy University

About

Andrew Beer was always aware of his passion to help others—in turn, motivating his journey into a psychology career.

During his senior year of college at Mount Mercy, Beer’s professor, Dr. Lyle, spoke during a class and inspired Beer to apply for the psychology program. After transitioning into the program, psychology has become a part of his life ever since.

Beer started his professional career at Tanager Place in Cedar Rapids, where he spent six years as a therapist and supervisor. He later went on to become a contract therapist for Ascent Therapy Group in Marion, which is operated by Tanager Place. In addition to his teaching position at Mount Mercy University, Beer also provides play therapy and general clinical supervision for individuals in Iowa. Notably, he was elected into the Iowa Board for Play Therapy and hopes to impact the play therapy community in many ways.

As for his interests in his career field, Beer is fascinated by the diversity of cases he receives and the variety that the field provides. He has specialized training in working with families and children, though his passions extend to a number of areas in the field.

In his free time, Beer loves to play and watch Iowa sports year-round—especially during the warmer months, when he tends to golf often. When he is not enjoying sports, he spends quality time with his wife, Caitlin, and their dog, Herky.

Professional background

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, IowaAAMFT Approved Supervisor
Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (Association for Play Therapy) 
Therapist, Ascent Therapy Group (Marion, IA) 

Bachelors

Introduction to Psychology

Masters

Play Therapy and Family Therapy
Expanded Family Lifecycles

Publications

Addressing the Needs of Military Connected Children Through Family-Based Play Therapy Sories, F., Maier, C. A., Beer, A. R., and Thomas, V. (under review) Contemporary Family Therapy.

2013 | Family Intervention and Health Care Costs for Kansas Medicaid Patients with Schizophrenia, April Jacob D. Christenson, D. Russell Crane, Andrew R. Beer, Katherine M. Bell, and Harvey H. Hillin. Published in the Journal of Marriage and Family Therapy

Presentations & Posters

2015 | Developing Cultural Competencies for Working with LGBT Individuals in Therapy and Education, Sories, F., & Beer, A.

2015 | Approaches to Queer Therapy: A Conversation, Yeckley, T., Beer, A. & Sories F. Presentation at LGBT Health and Wellness Conference, Des Moines, IA.

2014 | Increasing Gay-Affirmative Behaviors in Schools Utilizing the Emotional Intelligence Quotient, Rausch, M. A., & Beer, A. Roundtable discussion at the Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues Conference, New Orleans, LA.

2014 | Examining Experiences of Adverse Childhood Events and Intimate Partner Violence in Lesbian Relationships, Ecological Theory, Rausch, M. A., & Beer, A., Roundtable discussion at the Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues Conference, New Orleans, LA.