Leah Pavela-Mullins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!
Valerie Marsh
As a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified clinical trauma specialist, my passion is helping my clients discover their strengths. learn new skills, and empower them to create a joy-filled and purpose-driven life. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to release negative emotions and resolve challenges in your life that are preventing you from attaining your personal goals. Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, positive psychology, somatic therapy, I guide my clients who are weighed down by life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment and relationship struggles, so that they don't have to face it alone. I provide a compassionate space for my clients to learn new skills, strengthen their resilience, and build more loving relationships, both with others and themselves. If you are seeking greater self-confidence, joy, peace, and contentment in your life, maybe it's time for a different approach and a breakthrough! Let's work together to create a plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am here to support and empower you achieve personal growth and meaningful change in your life. I look forward to working with you!
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.
Dr. Brenden Troster
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a PhD in Developmental Psychology. I bring over 7 years of experience as a therapist and more than 25 years of experience as a coach. My career has taken me into school-based mental health, addiction treatment, residential care for children and teens, and outpatient settings supporting individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. This wide range of experience has given me a deep understanding of the many ways people struggle—and the many ways they can heal. I have supported clients working through depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, addiction (including pornography), self-harm, anger management, and recovery from abuse. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and have extensive experience walking alongside people as they process and overcome painful life experiences. Therapy starts with your story. You are the expert on your life, and my role is to listen, understand, and help you move toward the goals that matter most to you. I provide a space grounded in respect, compassion, and dignity where you can feel safe to be yourself. I draw from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Bowenian theory, and Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy. I don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” therapy. Instead, we collaborate to create a plan that fits your needs, your values, and your pace. Life brings challenges that none of us are meant to face alone. Whether you’re working through anxiety, healing from trauma, managing stress, or wanting a clearer perspective on where you’re headed, I will be in your corner. Together, we’ll build practical strategies and lasting tools so you can move forward with confidence, resilience, and hope. I look forward to getting to know you, listening to your story, and supporting you as you work toward positive change.
Michele Fitzgerald
Hello, I am Michele Fitzgerald and I started working with adolescents in substance abuse treatment in the 1980s. I have a rich work history including working in Kodiak, Alaska as well as Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition to substance abuse and mental health counseling, I have worked in adoption, birth parent counseling, and social work in a hospital and long-term care center. I appreciate the evolution of the Behavioral Health and Alcohol and Drug counseling fields which were treated at one time separately when I started my career. I view recovery as synonymous with wellness. I value the development of strength through adversity. I am a good match if you are looking for a counselor who is a good listener and views mistakes as opportunities to learn. I am available on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00 - 8:00 pm if this works for you.
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. Fatai Popoola
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Addiction and Drug Counselor. I have worked with individuals struggling with substance use disorder and mental health concerns for nearly a decade. I have worked in private and public agencies focused on improving human functioning so they can live to their fullest potential. My practice focuses on treating everyone with utmost respect and regard for their uniqueness as a whole being. Discussions in every session will focus on personal strengths and individualized plans that address salient issues and paramount needs. It takes courage to take the first steps toward a positive change. I am here to support and empower you in this critical journey.
Dr. David Smith
My professional background includes over 25 years experience as a clinical provider, professor, healthcare consultant, executive, researcher, and writer. My most recent publication "Grace and Authenticity: Uncovering the Authentic Self" offers a glimpse of the approach and method(s) used to reduce stress and anxiety and improve your perceptions, see new opportunities, and draw on your existing strengths to live your desired life. Uncovering your internal healing ability and resilience helps you to develop your own approach to overcome obstacles and barriers that may be blocking your growth. Discovering the life that is meant for you is to find great treasure. On this platform, I offer about 20 daytime sessions per week. We will use primarily 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.
Floyd Bumpers
I am licensed in Iowa and Minnesota with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & career difficulties. 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!
Albert Atemkeng
I am licensed in Minnesota with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Celes Smith
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I whole heartedly believe that every individual deserves the highest quality of life achievable, with the initial focus on mental and emotional well-being. With this in mind I've adopted a person centered approach to therapy. I work closely with my clients to pinpoint their therapy goals and customize each treatment strategy to incorporate evidence-based practices while also aligning with their individual aspirations. What sets my practice apart is my commitment to creating a safe, compassionate space where you can feel truly heard and understood. I emphasize the importance of building a trusting relationship and using a holistic approach to mental health, considering all aspects of your life to help you heal and grow. I am deeply passionate about this work because I believe in the transformative power of therapy. Helping individuals move past their struggles and reclaim their lives is incredibly rewarding, and I am honored to be a part of that journey with you.
Dr. Bruce Friedman
Trained in intergenerational family therapy with a specialization in substance use disorders. Developed a smoking cessation program and done extensive work with disabilities and the elderly. Use of spirituality issues to assist people in understanding.
Jennifer Stratton
As a licensed therapist serving clients across Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My clinical focus centers on addressing challenges like social anxiety, trauma recovery, mood disorders, and addiction. I bring a compassionate, adaptable approach that honors each client's unique journey and personal background. My therapeutic practice is grounded in understanding the intricate ways isolation, shame, and impulsivity can impact mental wellness. I'm particularly experienced in working with first responders, individuals managing codependency, and those exploring self-love and personal growth. Whether you're struggling with seasonal affective disorder, caregiver stress, or seeking support through life transitions, I'm committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic environment. My approach integrates evidence-based practices to help clients develop resilience, build healthy coping strategies, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and belief systems, offering a flexible, client-centered approach that respects individual experiences and goals.
Kazoua Vang
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than a decade of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges. I specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic stress, burnout, career concerns, and major life transitions. I also provide executive and professional coaching for individuals seeking greater confidence, balance, and personal growth. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and practical, blending evidence-based approaches with genuine compassion to help clients identify meaningful goals and create lasting, positive change.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Porter, Minnesota
Finding a therapist near you in Porter, Minnesota starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Minnesota is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Minnesota, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
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 can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Minnesota
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Minnesota, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Minnesota
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Minnesota
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Minnesota through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Minnesota
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Minnesota, including residents in Porter.
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 near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
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 discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Porter, Minnesota
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Porter and the surrounding MN area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.