In Blaine, MN, individuals seeking assistance for life stressors or life challenges may find suitable support through various counseling services. These services, provided by licensed professionals such as mental health practitioners and marriage family therapists, are designed to cater to the unique needs of each individual or family. Approaches like person-centered therapy, which emphasizes understanding and adapting to the client's perspective, and dialectical behavioral therapy, often used to address issues such as obsessive compulsive disorder, are just a few examples of the techniques employed.
Additionally, the dynamics within a family system can significantly influence individual wellbeing. Therapists in Blaine are equipped to explore these family dynamics and offer guidance that can improve interpersonal relationships. For younger clients, play therapy is another technique that may be utilized to facilitate expression and coping strategies.
Professionals in this area also have experience with clients from the foster care system, providing tailored support to help navigate the unique challenges that may arise from such backgrounds. For those who practice therapy in Blaine, this expertise can be especially helpful.
Whether addressing common life difficulties or more complex psychological issues, the therapeutic services available in Blaine aim to help clients develop coping mechanisms and strategies that enhance daily functioning and personal growth. Please see the therapist profiles below for more information on the different therapists available online.
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.
Leah Pavela-Mullins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!
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!
Amanda Thooft
Amanda specializes in supporting individuals and couples navigating life transitions and relationship challenges. Whether you’re adjusting to a new stage of life, experiencing changes in family dynamics, or wanting to build healthier, more fulfilling connections, Amanda provides a safe and supportive space to explore what’s most important to you. Her approach is strengths-based and flexible, tailored to your unique needs and goals. Amanda believes therapy works best when it feels collaborative and personal, and she draws from a variety of methods to create a style that fits you—not the other way around. Clients who work with Amanda often appreciate her compassionate, encouraging, and direct style. She offers both warmth and honest feedback, helping people move through uncertainty with clarity and confidence. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Amanda is passionate about helping clients grow through change, strengthen their relationships, and step into a life that feels authentic and meaningful.
Rachel Samuelson
Hey there, I'm Rachel. I have been a social worker for over eight years and have experience working with individuals from different backgrounds and various challenges. Much of my experience has been working with individuals with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and adjustment to everyday life challenges. My counseling style is warm, empathic, and nonjudgmental. I have received feedback that clients feel they can be their authentic selves with me. I will help you navigate the difficulties you are facing with compassion, honesty, and respect. My therapeutic approach is integrative and person-centered with evidence-based strategies. I pull from cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness therapeutic techniques. I firmly believe that the most significant indication of successful therapy comes from the relationship between therapist and patient. I will take the time to listen and get to know you better to create a trusting and comfortable environment for the client to utilize their strengths, unique capacities, and accountability. I am willing to work in whichever format you feel most comfortable with! My availability is mainly in the late afternoon/evening, but I can check and answer a few messages throughout the day. I know how hard it can be to ask for help, but I am here to help you navigate these challenges, and if you are ready to take the initial steps towards changing your life, 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.
Kim Putz
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Minnesota. I work best with clients who are experiencing emotional problems that are impacting their daily lives and want to make changes. I have a special interest in working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, or relational problems and parenting concerns. My client will experience a therapist who is empathetic, authentic, and caring. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained to treat individuals (children, adolescents and adults), couples and families. I am certified in Prepare/Enrich, a program designed to prepare couples for marriage and to enrich those already in a relationship. I look forward to working with you.
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.
Mary Gales-Wenz
Mary Gales-Wenz has been a Licensed Independent Social Worker for 40+ years and has practiced in a variety of Behavioral Health environments during that time. After obtaining a Master’s Degree in Social Work she was employed for 20 years with The Department of Veterans Affairs @ both the St. Cloud and Minneapolis hospitals in Outpatient and Inpatient settings. Her career path after The Department of Veterans Affairs included providing Mental Health services with Hazelden Center for Youth and Families, Allina Behavioral Health Clinics, Central MN Mental Health Clinics, Clinical Supervision of Residential Treatment for Department of Corrections, Behavioral Healthcare Management for a local MN insurance company and maintaining a small private practice since 2009. Mary has worked with adults, seniors, and adolescents in Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Treatment facilities, addressing PTS, Anxiety, Sexual and Physical Trauma, Depression diagnoses, to name a few. Mary continues to keep her skills updated in regards to new research and treatment modalities. She has a particular interest in the mind-body connection and therapies that clients better understand this. She is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy that helps to process the entire emotional and cognitive experience for individuals.
Patricia Hanson
I am licensed in Minnesota with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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. David Smith
My professional background includes over 25 years experience as a clinical provider, professor, healthcare consultant, executive, researcher, and writer. My most recent publication "Grace and Authenticity: Uncovering the Authentic Self" offers a glimpse of the approach and method(s) used to reduce stress and anxiety and improve your perceptions, see new opportunities, and draw on your existing strengths to live your desired life. Uncovering your internal healing ability and resilience helps you to develop your own approach to overcome obstacles and barriers that may be blocking your growth. Discovering the life that is meant for you is to find great treasure. We will primarily use cognitive, psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, and systems therapy approaches to help you reach your goals. Growth is simple, but not always easy. It is always worthwhile. Seeing your self from a new perspective can change your entire life - I have witnessed this over and over, and it is possible for you.
Darren DeVries
I am licensed in Minnesota with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with depression. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Ashley Peugh
Hi there, and welcome! I'm a licensed therapist in Ohio with over five years of professional experience. My approach goes beyond textbooks—I’m a real-life therapist who values open-mindedness and practicality in addressing life’s challenges. I specialize in helping individuals navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, tailoring our conversations and treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life is a courageous decision, and I’m here to walk that path with you. Together, we’ll create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to make the changes you desire. Let’s get started on this journey—your best life is waiting.
Tamera Mensink
As a licensed therapist in Minnesota, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on compassionate counseling that honors each person's unique journey. I have extensive experience helping clients work through depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions with a focus on healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. My therapeutic practice is deeply rooted in understanding the intersections of mental health, personal identity, and spiritual well-being. I'm particularly passionate about supporting women, veterans, and individuals experiencing workplace challenges or midlife transitions. My work emphasizes building resilience, developing healthy communication strategies, and cultivating self-compassion. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, process challenging emotions, and develop meaningful strategies for personal transformation. My goal is to walk alongside you as you rediscover your strength, purpose, and inherent worth.
Find a Therapist Near You in Blaine , 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 Blaine.
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.