Lisa Rivers
As a licensed therapist in Minnesota with nearly three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions with compassion and expertise. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental approach to help clients navigate difficult experiences such as trauma, social anxiety, workplace stress, and interpersonal dynamics. My therapeutic work centers on empowering individuals to develop healthier communication patterns, rebuild self-esteem, and discover meaningful personal growth strategies. My expertise spans a wide range of concerns including mood disorders, caregiver stress, young adult challenges, and women's issues. I am committed to creating a safe, affirming space where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and develop resilient coping mechanisms. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet individual needs with genuine empathy and professional insight. Together, we can work towards understanding your strengths, addressing challenges, and creating positive, sustainable change in your life.
Katherine Bonham
I've been working in mental health and addictions since 2010 and licensed since 2013, working completely in the state of Minnesota, but with a range from Moorhead to Minneapolis through my career. I love the work I do and can genuinely never say "I've seen it all." Things are constantly changing in the field and I'm really driven to keep up with the shifts. I have a BA in psychology and earned my MS in counseling with a graduate certificate in addictions studies in 2013. My first experience in the mental health field outside of the classroom was doing research for trauma-informed care in a group therapy setting and since then I have pursued additional training and would consider myself a trauma specialist. Aside from trauma I'm a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and have extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, change of life stage concerns, and stress management. The only thing you need to work with me is a willingness to try and the ability to be honest with me and with yourself. Through my time in the field I have worked with clients as young as 5 and as old as 97 with nearly every diagnosis in nearly every setting. I am passionate about teaching individuals skills that they can practice daily and providing psycho-education to make sure the individual I'm working with understands what I'm doing, why I'm doing it, and how it's going to help them specifically. Outside of the professional realm I really work to practice what I preach. I make my best efforts to go to the gym regularly, connect with my friends and family,, and spend quality time with my dog and my hobbies. I love trying new recipes and exploring the extensive "green spaces" in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. A former weightlifting coach of mine said "If you can do it for a minute, you can do it for a lifetime." He was talking about weighted walking lunges, but it applies to any changes you want to make to your life. If you'll have me, I'd love to join you on whatever journey you're looking to take.
Valerie Marsh
As a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified clinical trauma specialist, my passion is helping my clients discover their strengths. learn new skills, and empower them to create a joy-filled and purpose-driven life. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to release negative emotions and resolve challenges in your life that are preventing you from attaining your personal goals. Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, positive psychology, somatic therapy, I guide my clients who are weighed down by life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment and relationship struggles, so that they don't have to face it alone. I provide a compassionate space for my clients to learn new skills, strengthen their resilience, and build more loving relationships, both with others and themselves. If you are seeking greater self-confidence, joy, peace, and contentment in your life, maybe it's time for a different approach and a breakthrough! Let's work together to create a plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am here to support and empower you achieve personal growth and meaningful change in your life. I look forward to working with you!
Jamie Finkelstein
As a licensed therapist with 11 years of experience in Colorado, Arizona, Maine and Minnesota I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore their unique challenges and strengths. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, offering expertise in areas such as depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ+ experiences, and personal growth. My therapeutic practice is deeply committed to understanding each individual's journey. I focus on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, address social anxiety, and work through challenging life transitions. Whether you're struggling with relationship dynamics, workplace stress, or personal identity exploration, I provide supportive guidance tailored to your specific needs. I believe in a holistic, person-centered approach that honors your individual experiences, religion, and empowers you to create meaningful change. My goal is to walk alongside you, offering compassionate support as you develop resilience, insight, and strategies for personal transformation.
Michael (Mike) Arieta
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker licensed in Minnesota and Arizona. I am also an adoption competent Therapist credentialed with the CASE foundation and the Training in Adoption Competence program along with certification through the University of Minnesota's center for advanced studies in child welfare. I have been practicing for over ten years with many clients facing a wide variety of issues. I am trauma trained and competent and my counseling style connects clients to their bodies first. I am an engaging and dynamic therapist who sticks with clients until they have a sense of resolution to their issues. I approach clients with curiosity and engage with them to find out what is happening . I see each new problem as a process that the client and I work together to resolve. I look forward to working with you on your journey to a better life.
Dr. Mary Fawcett
I am a counselor licensed in Minnesota with over 10 years of experience working as a counselor and 21 years as a counselor educator and supervisor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, sexuality, job stress. I also helped many people who have experienced co-dependency or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, supportive and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and motivational interviewing. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Carol Polzin
I have experience providing therapy services to children and their families in community mental health setting, and, most recently, I was a residential owner and therapist at ASA House. Then went to Eunoia, however they closed. So I now have my own therapy practice in my home. I have worked with older children, adolescents, and adults primarily who struggle with mental illness, developmental disorders, chemical dependency, behavioral problems, trauma, self -harm, fetal alcohol , and attachment issues. I have lived in various areas of Minnesota throughout my life, and currently reside in Gaylord, MN, with my husband and three children. I enjoy traveling, and all the experiences that go along with it. I have had the pleasure of providing mental health and other related services to individuals and families in various settings for the past 12 years, and find my truest passion lies in providing direct counseling services to those in need.
Ericka Bassey
I am a clinically licensed social worker, LICSW, who has been providing emotional health services in a variety of settings since 1994. I graduated with an MSW from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work in 1994. I obtained my LICSW in 2010. I have both clinic and hospital based experience. I have also done a lot of community based mental health work. I am interested in holistic approaches to health and healing. I am open and operate with kindness and compassion. I enjoy partnering with others in their journeys to health, wholeness and well-being. I am practical and my approach is always tailored to the needs of my clients. I always meet my clients where they are and allow them to define their problems and/or crisis.
Brittany Renando
As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor I believe in providing all of my clients with the best therapy possible by using an approach that fits who they are as a person. I want my clients to have a safe, open space to be themselves, ask for what they need, and feel comfortable every time they come in. Therapy is a place of vulnerability that only works if the client can fully engage in the process and feel confident in their therapist. I strive to help clients reach a space where real healing is achieved and to have them leave sessions feeling understood and closer to their goals. While I do provide more traditional talk therapy to those that prefer that therapeutic method, I also believe in trying other approaches to healing. My goal is to provide other paths to recovery and healing by combining different therapeutic tools and approaches to fit the needs of the individual. I see my clients holistically and care for their overall health and wellness. Having an integrative approach helps me to meet my clients where they are at in a non-judgmental space and find an approach that works for them. In my career I have worked with adults, children, families, and couples all with diverse backgrounds and mental health concerns. I have specialized in autism, anxiety, depression, crisis, parenting skills and relationship repair. My passion is in therapy and helping others to find the quality of life they are looking for.
Dr. Pa Vang
I have nineteen years of experience providing individual, group, family, and couples therapy to clients of all ages. I use a variety of methods in my work including EMDR, CBT, Trauma Informed Practice, Solution Focused Therapy Methods, Narrative Therapy, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. I use a social justice orientation and recognize the impact of social stressors on the lives of individuals. I also use a systems approach to understanding and intervening in any problems faced by my clients. You’ll often hear me talk about the personal ecosystem. I use a collaborative approach and start first by listening to understand. I am certified in Teletherapy.
Dr. Leia Twigg-Smith
I am a licensed psychologist in Minnesota. I have been working with Veterans and first responders for the past five years. Prior to moving to Minnesota in 2019, I was working with active duty military personnel and their dependents. As a master's level mental health professional, I worked in a Level 3 prison for two years. I also worked in community mental health for three years, providing clinical services to Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians, and in private practice doing assessments for police department candidates. In my current practice, as a Health Psychologist, I help clients manage health behaviors such as disordered eating, quitting smoking, vaping, dip, alcohol abuse, exercise habits, and sleep problem. Of course, I also manage mental health problems like stress and anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and some personality disorders. I practice Emotionally Focused Couple's Therapy (EFT), which is an attachment-based approach designed to increase physical and emotional bonds between partners. Treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion is part of my ethics code. You can expect me to tailor your sessions and treatment planning to meet your unique and specific needs. The first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life requires insight. It also takes courage to make that first step, and dedication to see the changes through. I am here to support you on your journey to a better you. Let's get started!
Dr. Declan Amadi
As a licensed therapist in Nevada, I bring over a decade of experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. I specialize in addressing a wide range of emotional experiences, including depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and self-esteem challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in supporting diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and those navigating complex personal transitions. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop meaningful communication skills, overcome isolation, explore life purpose, and heal from past experiences. I'm committed to providing culturally responsive care that honors each individual's identity, background, and personal strengths. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship challenges, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm here to support your path toward emotional wellness.
Laura Cole
I am licensed in Minnesota with 14 years of professional work experience providing therapy, with a mental health career that spans 30 years. I provide help to those who are dealing with stress, anxiety, conflicts, relationship issues, family dynamics, trauma, abuse, addiction, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions and so much more. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Dr. Bruce Friedman
Trained in intergenerational family therapy with a specialization in substance use disorders. Developed a smoking cessation program and done extensive work with disabilities and the elderly. Use of spirituality issues to assist people in understanding.
Find a Therapist Near You in Afton , Minnesota
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Minnesota can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Minnesota is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Minnesota, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Minnesota (MN). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Minnesota, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Minnesota with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Minnesota
When searching for a therapist near me in Minnesota, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Minnesota, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Minnesota.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Minnesota want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Minnesota
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Minnesota without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Minnesota (MN)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Minnesota
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Minnesota, including residents in Afton.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Minnesota do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.