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!
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.
Michael (Mike) Arieta
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker licensed in Minnesota and Arizona. I am also an adoption competent Therapist credentialed with the CASE foundation and the Training in Adoption Competence program along with certification through the University of Minnesota's center for advanced studies in child welfare. I have been practicing for over ten years with many clients facing a wide variety of issues. I am trauma trained and competent and my counseling style connects clients to their bodies first. I am an engaging and dynamic therapist who sticks with clients until they have a sense of resolution to their issues. I approach clients with curiosity and engage with them to find out what is happening . I see each new problem as a process that the client and I work together to resolve. I look forward to working with you on your journey to a better life.
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!
Duane Winter
Hello, I am Duane Winter. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Minnesota. I will treat you with respect, warmth, and empathy, and am a self-motivated professional who strives to help individuals reach their full potential, while understanding you are the expert in your own life. I like to use acceptance & commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, & mindfulness, while being client or person centered. By getting to know you, we can together, figure out which type of counseling is going to be most beneficial to you & find ways to utilize your strengths. I appreciate the differences in everyone and center my treatment around the specific needs of each person I work with. Additionally, the foundation of my work with a client is the strength of our therapeutic relationship. I put a lot of emphasis towards building trust and fostering a healthy and open line of communication. My goals during each session are to promote growth and to build upon the strengths that my clients already have, so individuals to create change and focus on all of the things they can control. Walking alongside clients in a supportive, encouraging way is my main objective. I believe it takes courage and strength to participate in counseling by being open and honest and leaves you feeling vulnerable. Everyone is fighting personal battles, but you do not need to do this alone and know, you are worth fighting for.
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.
Lura Smedstad
In her counseling practice, Lura combines aspects of what she loves the most: a deep regard for the spiritual Source within every person; effective therapeutic art processes, and a sound cognitive behavioral therapy approach. For many years, she has had the opportunity to support both adult and teen clients in the process of healing their lives. Lura specializes in helping her clients alleviate the effects of trauma, anxiety, and depression, as well as grief and loss issues. She helps them to establish workable, sustainable life goals and healthy relationships. Her clients describe her approach as “direct but compassionate!” and uniquely suited to each individual or couple who meet with her. According to Lura, “We all have a Voice of Wisdom within us. Part of what I do is to help clients get in touch with that Voice.” EXPERIENCE: I have been working as a Counselor and Therapist for many years. My primary work was partially accomplished as a Ministerial Partner with my husband who is a Unity Minister while serving Unity Churches in Clear Lake, Texas; Taos, New Mexico; Charlotte North Carolina; Hartford, Connecticut and Key West, Florida. In 1993, we relocated to Minneapolis, MN where we established a school with a three year course of study to support individuals in personal growth and spiritual maturity. We led the school for 10 years and attracted students from a variety of occupations and religious/spiritual affiliations. Many of our students came from "helping" occupations, (e.g., doctors, nurses. social workers, teachers, etc. ) and this taught us that our approach was valuable and timely. I continued to work as I completed BA and Masters programs and had the advanced opportunity to do practicums in both Counseling and Art Therapy degrees while working for a Psychiatric hospital in Key West, Florida. In 2015 we left Florida, did another round of Interim ministry work in Hartford, CT before moving back permanently to Minneapolis, Minnesota. I joined an established counseling clinic as an associate and worked there from 2016 to 2021. Because of COVID-19, I moved my practice to my home office and have been serving clientele on telehealth services ever since. EDUCATION: Ordained: Theophilus Divinity School 1995 BA in Fine Arts: Minneapolis College of Art and Design - St. Cloud State University, Saint Cloud, Minnesota 2006 Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling w/concentration in Art Therapy: Prescott College, Prescott, Arizona 2014 LICENSING: Minnesota LPC #1916
Ramon Reina
I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Minnesota. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), a credential granted by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. With over 30 years of dedicated experience, I have specialized in working with individuals addressing a variety of challenges, including depression, the impact of divorce, adjustments to new environments, anxiety, and relationship issues. I also support families navigating the complexities of divorce. I understand that considering therapy can be a significant and often daunting step for many. To ease this transition, I offer a personable, empathetic approach that fosters a welcoming, supportive environment. My therapeutic practice is grounded in Reality Therapy, and I am certified in Choice Theory, a pioneering psychological model developed by Dr. William Glasser. Reality Therapy diverges from traditional mental health frameworks by focusing on individuals facing universal human challenges, rather than labeling these experiences as mental illnesses. This empowering approach emphasizes personal responsibility and provides individuals with the autonomy to choose how they wish to move forward, fostering a sense of control and self-determination in their journey towards mental well-being. My goal is to guide clients in discovering practical solutions that resonate with their unique life circumstances.
Mitchell Daas
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Minnesota with over 5 years of experience working as a Dialectical Behavior Therapist and Outpatient Therapist. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting problems, personal disorders, career, OCD, and ADHD. My therapy style is balancing acceptance and change in any moment and working towards building a life you want. I believe in treating anyone with a compassionate, nonjudgmental stance and encourage change when needed. My approach combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness and Trauma-Focused therapy. I will work with you to move you towards your own life worth living goals. It takes courage to reach out for help and am here to support and empower you towards your own life worth living goals. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Pa Vang
I have nineteen years of experience providing individual, group, family, and couples therapy to clients of all ages. I use a variety of methods in my work including EMDR, CBT, Trauma Informed Practice, Solution Focused Therapy Methods, Narrative Therapy, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. I use a social justice orientation and recognize the impact of social stressors on the lives of individuals. I also use a systems approach to understanding and intervening in any problems faced by my clients. You’ll often hear me talk about the personal ecosystem. I use a collaborative approach and start first by listening to understand. I am certified in Teletherapy.
Christina (Crissy) Irrgang-Wade
I am licensed in Minnesota with 11 years of professional work experience. I am certified as a Tele-mental Health provider, and I specialize in trauma informed care, including intergenerational trauma. I am trained in Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am patient, understanding, and nonjudgmental. Another form of care that I can provide to clients is Brainspotting. Brainspotting is an advanced brain body technique for healing emotional trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and multiple other mental health diagnoses. It is one of the few techniques that effectively addresses the root cause of psychological stress and trauma. I have experience working with teens who want help with anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also enjoy working with adults and elders. I have many years of experience working with Native Americans and the Ojibwe culture. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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. Dawn Schulze
As a licensed therapist with three decades of experience in providing therapy, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and personal growth. I offer a compassionate, client-centered approach that honors each person's unique journey. My expertise spans a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, grief, communication difficulties, and life purpose exploration. I'm particularly passionate about supporting individuals through significant life changes, addressing interpersonal challenges, and helping clients develop deeper self-understanding and resilience. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and adaptive, drawing from evidence-based practices to meet each client's specific needs. I create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences, develop coping strategies, and work towards meaningful personal transformation.
Portia Harmon
I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Sheritta Phillips
I am licensed in Minnesota with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in meeting people where they are at and 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 be a hard thing to do! It takes a lot of courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Find a Therapist Near You in Milan , 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.
With a population of Minnesota_POPULATION, 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_COUNTIES, 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 Minnesota_COUNTIES.
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.