Fergus Falls is named for the river falls that occupy a part of the city area. While the falls can be calming, and a great tourist attraction combined with the parkland, they may not be calming to everyone. Some people may feel sadness, anxiety, or stress even when in the thrall of such natural formations. If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, there is help available.

Counselors in the Fergus Falls area are available now to help you and offer support. These confidential and licensed therapists can provide a listening ear and teach you coping skills to help you through your times of trouble. Contact a counselor today.

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Cody Granda

Offering therapy in MN
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Do you tend to think in all or nothing thinking? Are you all in or all out? Super happy or feel really down? Do you see your thoughts and/or behaviors impacting your relationships or peace within yourself? I am so excited helping people restore that balance! This lack of balance can play out in many ways: chaotic relationships, work stress, lack of self esteem, poor body image, unusual eating habits, creating rules for yourself to feel like you’re staying in control. Together, we will learn to vanquish the illusion of no-control and shift you towards living an authentic life. I want you to be empowered and trust in yourself to make the choices that are best for you. Although most people look for guidance or help when things are going wrong, it’s also helpful to find what is going well in your life to compliment the hard work you’ll be embarking on. I excel at helping people find and practice gratitude, recognize their natural strengths, laugh more, find peace and increase their hope. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of Minnesota and Colorado, focusing on issues that arise through relationships and interpersonal problems. I am certified as an Expert Level Life Coach, and am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as well Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I am also a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) as a Certified Instructor, so provide and incorporate Animal-Assisted therapy. I specialize in Eating Disorder treatment, which is a unique niche for truly understanding the thoughts, body image, and co-occurring disorders that happen with ED's. DBT credentials provide knowledge and experience to help manage moods swings and tolerating emotions. TF-CBT skills teach grounding skills, and CBT-E is a specific and well-rounded approach to interrupting Eating Disorder Behaviors. Being a PATH instructor certifies that I can use horses in a session safely as well as therapeutically to provide biofeedback about emotions, assertiveness, and relationships. Educationally, I hold a Masters degree in Human Service, specializing in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling from Capella University. I obtained her Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in Art at University of Wisconsin- Stout. My experience has since focused on eating disorders and dual diagnoses, knowing this can bring anxiety, trauma, grief, etc, and I have done so in outpatient level of care as well as Intensive Outpatient, Partial Hospitalization and Residential levels of care.

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Nicolette Ulstrom

Offering therapy in MN
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I obtained a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University in Eagan, Minnesota in 2012 and have been licensed since 2016. My previous work experience has been in a family residential treatment center where families healed together by self growth and an increase in self awareness. I focus on a person’s strengths and building upon this to find new ways of living a life of joy and fulfillment. I have over eight years of experience working with substance use disorders, anxiety, women's issues, self-esteem and self worth. My goal is to offer a supportive environment so together we take steps at finding your true self. I believe one needs a safe environment to be able to look at the challenges they are experiencing. I value one's experiences in how it shaped the person they are today and who they want to become. Learning our stories, we allow ourselves to be able to find how we want our stories to look moving forward. I believe people have the courage to start to unweave their challenges to find themselves when they have encouragement and support. I want to support you in finding ways to connect with your true self. I take a side by side approach when finding ways to better support one's growth.

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Laura Schulke

Offering therapy in MN
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Hello! I believe that therapy can help us solve problems, and feel better about things that cannot or will not change. I use structured types of therapy (CBT, DBT, ACT, motivational interviewing, problem solving and solutions focused therapies) to help you explore your concerns, challenge thinking and behaviors that aren't working for you, and emotionally come to terms with the tough stuff. I am excited to help you feel more in control of your emotional wellbeing. I'm glad you're here, and look forward to connecting with you! I have expertise treating OCD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, stress & life transitions, chronic illness and post-partum mental health. I hold a Master's in Counseling Psychology which I earned at Assumption College (Worcester, MA) in 2012. Since then, I have worked in outpatient mental health clinics, community mental health clinics, residential care and online providing telehealth.

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Ann Bodensteiner

Offering therapy in MN
License: MA,LP
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

I am a Catholic Licensed Psychologist who has been providing counseling services for over 25 years . My work history includes 20 years with District Court, Family Services, with a focus on divorce and custody issues; family mediation, and conflict resolution. I have also worked many years in a private practice clinic, where I saw couples and individuals, addressing a wide variety of mental health issues, and offering a variety of therapy and support services. If you are seeking a Catholic or Christian Counselor, I am happy to include a faith based dimension in our therapy work together. For others who have no such interest, I am respectful o f all spirituality styles and we will work together accordingly. Whatever your issues or concerns, it would be my pleasure to offer you help and healing in a caring and supportive therapeutic relationship.

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Jillana McCray

Offering therapy in MN
License: MSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
6 years of experience

Hello and welcome! If you are reading this, you are probably someone who is struggling with something in your life. I am hear to listen to you and help you work through whatever may be bothering you. I believe I am very caring, compassionate, and empowering, while also believing in being honest and real with my clients. There are times when you may just need to process through something, and other situations where you may need to challenge and address core beliefs. I can help with both. I was born and raised in Minnesota, where I was practicing until very recently. I just moved to California. I have spent a couple years living and practicing in Upstate New York. I have both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in social work, with my Master's degree in Clinical Social Work. I have worked with a range of populations, individuals as young as 4 years old all the way to 55 years old, individuals of several different cultures, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with developmental disabilities, families, individuals, and couples. My passion is working with children and adults who have experienced trauma. This being said, I have experience with a range of challenges from anger management, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, exploring healthy and unhealthy relationships, low self esteem and self confidence, parenting issues, LGBTQ+ issues, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and blended families. With using a variety of approaches, including ACT, CBT, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, strengths-based and solution focused therapies, I believe you will be able to explore your current life challenges and work to empower yourself to make changes in life.

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Stephanie Sligo-Baker

Offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
32 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 30 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!

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Maria Hughes

Offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, & concentration, memory and focus (adhd). I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

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Dr. Laura Riness

Offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, adjustment, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & depression.I can address these areas as they pertain to home or work. I partner 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. Dr. Laura

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Suzanne Landsverk

Offering therapy in MN
Coping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in North Dakota with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with life changes. I believe everyone has a story and I am interested in learning yours. During our visits we will discuss what you want to talk about. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Christa McCoy

Offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

My name is Christa (Christy) McCoy MSW LICSW and I am licensed in the state of Minnesota with 19 years of professional work experience as a clinical school social worker. I hold a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis and a Masters Degree in Social Work from a dual social work program between the University of St. Thomas and St. Catherine University. In my role as a School Social Worker, I provide direct individual and group therapeutic support to youth, offer crisis intervention and prevention as well as family education, support, and advocacy. As a trained Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my overarching role is to work with clients to holistically foster their well-being by operating from a strengths-based, healing centered engagement and empowerment approach that honors culture, spirituality, civic action and collective healing. Together we will work to identify needs, challenges, areas of support as well as develop achievable goals and plans to meet them. My approach is based on the core fundamental social work values of recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every human being while also working to promote basic human rights and centering social justice and social change with and on behalf of my clients. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, depression, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

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How to find counseling in Fergus Falls

Finding the best therapist close by in Fergus Falls can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Fergus Falls. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Fergus Falls, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Fergus Falls or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Fergus Falls area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Fergus Falls, elsewhere in Otter Tail, or in the greater state of Minnesota.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Fergus Falls area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Fergus Falls therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Fergus Falls due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Fergus Falls may not take health insurance, some in the state of Minnesota may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Minnesota you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Fergus Falls, Minnesota working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Fergus Falls above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Fergus Falls helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Fergus Falls therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Fergus Falls therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Fergus Falls therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in MN, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 56538 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Fergus Falls counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Fergus Falls licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Fergus Falls, Minnesota can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Fergus Falls has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Fergus Falls.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Fergus Falls:

56537, 56538

Popular cities near Fergus Falls, MN

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