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!
Augustina Garba
Hello and welcome! My name is Augustina Garba. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a master’s degree in Counseling in May 2002. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I started out working with adult mental health individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. During my internship, I was exposed to working with severely abused and neglected children. This experience was what inspired me to work with children and families. I now provide individual and family therapy sessions targeting anger management for children and at-risk teenagers. My passion has always been to help bring about changes in the lives of individuals and families while partnering with them to create hope in their future. In 2009, I went into Private Practice. I now work with children, adults, and families, providing individual and family therapy sessions. I also work with adult survivors of childhood abuse. My focus is to help them heal from their trauma and overcome related issues and problems that could develop due to their abuse. These could range from depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks and stress. I work with many individuals and couples in relationship building. I counsel couples with relationship and divorce issues, anger management and domestic violence. My focus in counseling is to work with you to resolve issues that challenge you and restore self-efficacy to couples, individuals and families. I am supportive in therapy and a good listener. I will collaborate with you, using teaching skills and give you tangible assignments to help you succeed in achieving your goals of finding a long-term meaningful solution. I am consistent and believe in building a trusting and reliable client-therapist relationship. 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.
Jamie Gordon
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor with experience supporting individuals through a wide range of mental health and substance use challenges. My approach is compassionate, client-centered, and rooted in evidence -based practices. I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where a client can explore their experiences, build resilience, and develop practical skills for lasting change. I believe in meeting people where they are and walking alongside them as they work towards healing and personal growth. I feel honored accompanying individuals on their journey toward growth, balance, and recovery.
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.
Kristine Edstrom
I am licensed in Minnesota with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Ardella (Della) VanDyke
As a licensed therapist in Minnesota, I bring two decades of compassionate mental health experience to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate transitions, emotional struggles, and personal growth—with specialized expertise in depression, self-esteem, career difficulties, and adapting to significant life changes. I offer a warm, supportive approach for individuals experiencing diverse challenges, including women's issues, caregiver stress, chronic health conditions, young adult transitions, and relationship dynamics. My therapeutic style emphasizes self-love, effective communication, and healing from experiences of isolation, guilt, and shame. My commitment is to create a nurturing environment where clients can explore their inner landscape, develop resilience, and rediscover their sense of purpose. Whether you're confronting midlife transitions, managing addiction, addressing family dynamics, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.
Stephanie Sligo-Baker
I am licensed in Minnesota with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I also work with fire fighter, police officers, first responders, healthcare worker who have experienced trauma on the job.
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!
Eugene (Gene) Taylor
As a licensed therapist in Minnesota, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My professional approach centers on addressing depression, anxiety, stress, and interpersonal dynamics with compassionate, evidence-based strategies. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, including young adults, caregivers, men navigating personal challenges, and individuals experiencing social anxiety or isolation. My therapeutic practice focuses on helping clients develop stronger communication skills, improve self-esteem, and navigate difficult transitions—whether in workplace settings, family relationships, or personal growth journeys. I understand the nuanced emotional landscapes of blended families, aging individuals, and those managing seasonal emotional shifts. With a deep commitment to creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment, I work collaboratively to help clients develop resilience, emotional insight, and practical coping strategies. My goal is to empower individuals to understand themselves more deeply and create meaningful, positive changes in their lives.
York Marlowe
I am an LPCC licensed therapist in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and I have about 8 years experience in the mental health field. I have worked with clients of all ages with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, trauma, and OCD. I see the process of therapy as a joint effort between client and therapist and all treatment interventions are chose based on the client's individual needs and interests. My specialized training and experience is primarily in trauma therapy. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and I'm adept at EMDR treatment for PTSD, anxiety, and phobias. Additionally, I am a certified Anger Management Therapist and have extensive experience treating clients with emotional dysregulation issues. In my free time, I like to spend my time with my wife and playing with my two cats. My hobbies include hiking, bowling, reading books, playing video games, and I am an avid chess player.
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.
Aaron Beaudry
As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting older adults through life's complex transitions. My practice focuses on addressing challenges such as isolation, life purpose, caregiver stress, and end-of-life counseling. I bring deep expertise in helping individuals navigate depression, anxiety, grief, and significant life changes. My approach is compassionate and tailored, recognizing the unique experiences of each person. I'm particularly committed to creating a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and those experiencing emotional challenges related to aging and personal transformation. Drawing from years of clinical experience, I offer a warm, understanding space where clients can explore their emotions, develop meaningful coping strategies, and rediscover personal strength. My goal is to walk alongside you, providing thoughtful guidance as you move through life's most challenging moments.
Find a Therapist Near You in Walker , 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 Walker.
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.