Trying to stay focused on your life’s goals while struggling with a mental health condition is difficult. In fact, it can be impossible if you do not get professional help. Forest Lake has some of the top mental health care in the state of Minnesota who can help. 

In the town of Forest Lake, you will find some famous landmarks including Cedar Park’s Forest Dragon, Lakeside Park, The Tin Man water tower, the Wildlife Science Center, and the Carlos Avery Wildlife Area. However, if you are trying to deal with a mental illness, you cannot enjoy most of these. You need to get treatment from one of the therapists in Forest Lake today.

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Cute Lee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN
Counselor License Type(s): MN - LPCC,TN - LPC/MHSP,MO- LPC
Stress, AnxietyCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! I have over 13 years experience in providing individual therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy. I'm trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and believe that life is a journey full of discovery if you just take a moment and invest in yourself. God speaks to us in every season of our lives, and thus life gives us opportunity to learn from our past and present. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to walk along side people in various seasons. We've spent time investing and learning additional coping skills and finding joy in the middle of storms. I would be honored to work along side you no matter what season you are in whether you need time to process through depression symptoms, anxiety, stress management, or even finding meaning. Please do not hesitate to reach out and I can't wait to start this journey with you.

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Shannon Acuna

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a clinical therapist, LICSW with additional training in trauma, somatic work, functional medicine and nutrition. I am passionate about helping people to live the best version of themselves and work through a whole person lens. My style is strengths based, non-judgmental and meeting people where they are at in their journey, My hope is to create a safe and welcoming space for you, by listening, collaborating and building upon your unique beliefs and identity. I encourage feedback and modify to meet your individual needs. I believe the therapeutic process provides an opportunity for continued wellness helping you identify and build upon your strengths. Through exploring and recognizing the impact of past and present, I help individuals gain insights, identify needs and goals, and recognize that healing is possible. I believe incorporating self-care and gratitude into one's life results in increased experiences of joy and happiness and the ability to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. In my personal life, I love spending time with family and friends(and my cat, Luna) being in nature, hiking, playing volleyball and traveling.

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Julie Mcmonagle

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Minnesota with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I look forward to meeting with you and devising a 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.

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Sheila May

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Minnesota with 6 years of experience providing therapy and over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. I take a compassionate approach to therapy and have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, lack of motivation, concerns with self-esteem and confidence, and compassion fatigue. I believe you have strengths and wisdom to overcoming challenges presented to you and I am here to support and empower you as you build on this wisdom and strength. It takes courage to seek support and work towards change and I am so glad you have reached out.

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Brian Wicks

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Life forever changes, and the only option we have is to change with it! My practice is centered on client’s gaining new perspectives that drive personal change! With over 10 years of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of individuals, couples, and families! I believe that the client is the author of their story, which inherently gives them the power to recreate the narrative at any time. I work with clients to acknowledge patterns and perspectives, both conscious and unconscious, that play a role in keeping them engaged in cycles of negativity. As a person of color, I understand how hard it can be to engage with the therapy process when you don’t feel culturally understood or represented. As an African American male, I provide culturally competent therapy by engaging your story and understanding that the world associates different meanings to similar instances based on race, ethnicity, and culture. Through this work, it is my goal to instill trust in the mental health profession for people of color that may have had or heard of negative instances previously. I believe that every client is unique, has a different experience, needs to be heard, and should not be satisfied with cookie cutter solutions. There are many ways of addressing your difficulties and making life better. Let me be a partner in finding what works for you on your journey towards a New Normal!

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Dr. Gloria Fennell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN
Counselor License Type(s): PhD, LCSW, RN
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Wisconsin and Minnesota (LICSW). I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from Loyola of Chicago. My professional background is wide and diverse. I began my professional life as a Registered Nurse (RN) working in trauma. During that time I continued my education in Social Work, earning a Master in Social Work (MSW) and a Ph.D. I have had the opportunity to work in schools, community mental health as well as private practice. I was also very fortunate to be able to spend 20 years as a Social Work educator, teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate level. My approach to clinical work is from a strength perspective. Intervention strategies are determined collaboratively. I believe that one of the keys to the effectiveness of our work together is based on relationship that we are able to form. Recognizing the need for support and reaching out to find it can be one of the most difficult parts of the process. If I am the right clinician for you, I look forward to beginning this journey with you.

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Michele Larson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN
LGBTTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

If you’re feeling stuck, unfulfilled, disconnected, or emotionally unavailable I would be honored to hold a safe space for you to explore who you are and why you are looking for some extra support. I will do so with empathy, validation, and without judgment. As a licensed independent clinical social worker with 5 years of professional experience in the field I approach therapeutic work creatively, with humor, and the desire to guide you towards feeling empowered to reach your goals. After working in the medical field for 10 years, I found a love for listening to the stories of those I provided medical care for. I decided to shift my abilities as a helping professional from the medical model to a dedicated focus on the integration of mind, body, and soul through psychotherapy. I believe as human beings our overall well being is best supported when we are mindful of the beautiful and messy ways we are connected to all parts of ourselves and who and what we feel connected to. My passions in this work include healing trauma and abuse, personality disorders, anger management, attachment wounds, neurodiversity, overcoming shame, intimacy related concerns, sexuality, lgbtq+ related concerns, and harm caused by social injustice and oppression. I am also kink and polyamory aware and practice with a Health at Every Size lens. In my free time I enjoy bicycling, yoga, reading memoirs, hiking with my pup, fashion, documentaries, and connecting with friends and family. It takes courage to reach out for support and I am so happy you are here. Get in touch with me and let’s get started!

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Mary Colbenson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Minnesota with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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Tara Ashley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issues
12 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Minnesota and Montana with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with parenting issues. 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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Kenneth Becker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Minnesota with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I am a trauma informed care clinician as well. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Forest Lake

Finding the best therapist close by in Forest Lake 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 in Forest Lake that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Forest Lake. 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 Forest Lake, 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 in the Forest Lake region and in the state of Minnesota. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Forest Lake or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Forest Lake area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake, elsewhere in Washington, or in the greater state of Minnesota.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

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

Therapists in Forest Lake, 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 Forest Lake psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Forest Lake 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Forest Lake 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 in Forest Lake?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Forest Lake 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.

Forest Lake therapists 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in MN, therapists 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 55025 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Forest Lake counselor?

Before seeing your Forest Lake 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Forest Lake.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Forest Lake 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 with a Forest Lake counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Forest Lake, 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.

Forest Lake 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Forest Lake, Minnesota

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 to customer service 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 Forest Lake.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Forest Lake:

55025

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