Prior Lake is a City along the shorelines of the Upper and Lower Prior Lake, Spring Lake, and the Minnesota River. The lakes and river are all popular for fishing, swimming, boating, and hanging out at the beach. It is also a town with lots of counselors who are committed to keeping its community happy. 

When you are unhappy, you cannot really enjoy doing anything and that includes going to the beach. However, if you get treatment from one of the dedicated mental health professionals today, you may be ready to go back to the beach as soon as tomorrow. 

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Bridget Stevens-Murphy

Offering therapy in MN
License: MSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years of experience

Hello! My name is Bridget Stevens-Murphy and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Minnesota. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in children and families, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2002. I have worked both domestically and internationally in a variety of settings. I am a warm, grounded listener, whose main concern is for you to feel absolutely comfortable, safe, and empowered in therapeutic work. Through conversation, reflection, and the unique relationship we build, my goal is to help you better understand yourself in order to build a life and relationships that are enlivening and enriching. My practice foundation is strength-based, relational, holistic and person-centered. It is my core belief that people are the experts of their own lives and can benefit from an unbiased, outside perspective in order to find resolution and acceptance. My areas of focus include: adoption related issues, relationship difficulties, intimacy issues, infertility, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, mindful living, and women’s issues. I am a Trust-Based Relational Intervention practitioner, and am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is my passion to supportively walk alongside individuals and families that are valiantly working through life's challenges. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. I usually check messages twice each day, seven days a week. I offer messaging, live chat and phone sessions with limited availability in the evenings and weekends.

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Robert Frost

Offering therapy in MN
License: MA,LPCC,LADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Robert "Bobby" Frost, MA, LPCC, LADC ABOUT ME I am a dual Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Minnesota with ten years of counseling experience and 41 years of working with those experiencing a co-occurring mental health and chemical health disorder simultaneously. I have worked with groups and individuals experiencing a vast range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, impulsivity, substance use and trauma. My clinical and volunteer work has been in residential, home-based and intensive outpatient settings. My counseling style is compassionate, sensitive and positive, incorporating humor and joyfulness when appropriate. My approach combines a person-centered, trauma-informed framework, embracing one size does not fit all. I incorporate the modalities of mindfulness based stress reduction, meditation, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy. I look forward to supporting and empowering you in your journey of discovery! As my famous namesake said, “The best way out is always through ” —Robert Frost

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Dr. Elena Felipe-Valera

Offering therapy in MN
License: PhD,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

Looking for solutions to transition into your best life? Are conflict, trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, relationships, and/or grief getting in your way of a balanced life? Are you a healthcare worker or first responder struggling with compassion fatigue and post-traumatic stress? If so, invest in you! Find your voice and your power and live your best life! Elena Felipe is a psychotherapist and coach who utilizes a holistic approach, using EMDR, Brainspotting, solution-focused therapy, and life coaching to positively impact the lives of her clients. She has accrued a range of experiences that give her a unique perspective of what it takes to help people achieve real growth and healing.

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Brittany Renando

Offering therapy in MN
License: MS,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

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.

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Ali Shireh

Offering therapy in MN
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

My name is Ali Shireh, LICSW. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the North star State (Minnesota). I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years, and I have primarily worked with clients dealing with various concerns including anxiety and depression, self-esteem/self-worth, relationship issues and career challenges. I have also worked with clients that are dealing with trauma. My style is direct and caring and meet the person where they are at and expert of their experience. Your ideations, thoughts and beliefs you currently have will be used and/or challenged in an environment that allows you to safely, freely and openly express them. I uphold an environment of mutual respect and go at your own pace. My approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy which will be tailored to your needs.

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Kellan Vencil

Offering therapy in MN
License: LPCC ,LADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). I specialize in providing mental health and substance use related therapy. I work with adults in the areas of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma and substance use. I come from a strength-based, solution focused and person centered approach with clients' goals in mind. I work from psycho-dynamic, DBT, CBT, and 12 step facilitation theoretical frameworks. My interests include mindfulness based stress reduction, meditation, physical and mental health concerns. My ideal client would be dealing either directly or indirectly with substance use/addiction and/or one or more of the following mental health conditions: mood disorders, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, grief and loss issues, identity issues, and pandemic related adjustment concerns.

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Karen Johnson

Offering therapy in MN
License: LMFT,CCTP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in Minnesota and North Dakota with over 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and PTSD. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma and/or emotional/sexual abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and humanistic approaches as well as EMDR treatment approaches and The Flash Technique. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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John Madson

Offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTBipolar disorderDepression
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, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & bipolar disorder. 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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Sophie Burnevik

Offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

"Let's practice going to therapy with the intention of wellness, not just when you're in crisis. Therapy is a space to learn more about yourself, your relationships, and how your life experiences impact you. You can go to therapy without having a major life problem and with the intention of growth, remaining productive, and just to talk to a neutral party." -Nedra Tawwab Hello! I'm Sophie! I am licensed therapist in Minnesota with 8+ years of post-licensure experience. I have experience in helping people with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I am honored to hold space with you on your journey of becoming. I am guided by The Principles of Community/Cultural Health Practices (Adopted by the Health and Wellness Committee of the Board of Directors Of the Powderhorn Phillips Cultural Wellness Center December 9, 1996). "Center practitioners, e.g. instructors, facilitators, teachers, advisors and therapists, will: 1. Embrace a variety of safe, effective options in assessment and instruction, including: a) education for lifestyle changes and self-care; b) cultural and complementary practices; and c) conventional health care services; d) an enhanced sense of community and the philosophy of community in the approach to assessment and instruction. 2. Assist persons in searching for the underlying causes of disease in the cultural and community context. 3. Create a foundation of confidence in self-healing as the context for discussions of disease and health problems. Recognize that a person’s own innate healing capacities are the most powerful means for sustaining and improving health. 4. Help people to take responsibility for their health and get the information they need to be well. A tremendous amount of healing takes place when people take responsibility for their own healing and the healing of their community and when the community takes responsibility for the healing of its members. 5. Engage persons in self-assessment and personal goal attainment that is connected to family, kinship, and community and culture. 6. Teach and guide those persons living with a disease as whole persons and all persons as members of a community. 7. Present, when possible, lifestyle changes and renewed decision-making within a cultural context as preferable to clinical options. 8. Emphasize prevention over treatment and teach that prevention must involve the whole community. 9. View illness as affecting a person within the context of a whole community, not as an isolated event. 10. Teach that the ideal healing relationship considers the spiritual, physical, historical, creative and cultural evolution of the problem and the maturity of the person and the practitioner. © 1996 Powderhorn Phillips Cultural Wellness Center 11. Understand that the quality of the existing relationship between the person and the practitioner is a major determinant of healing outcomes. 12. Recognize that practitioners significantly influence healing persons by the example they set. 13. Understand that quality of life, life cycles, illness, pain and the dying process can be learning and healing opportunities for persons, families and practitioners. 14. Teach each person to learn how their tradition presents the healing power of love, hope, creativity, sharing, trust, affirmation, humor and enthusiasm and how that tradition teaches how to work with hostility, shame, greed, depression and prolonged fear, anger and grief in the healing process. 15. Strive to adopt an attitude of cultural dignity for persons, themselves and other practitioners. Community connections and cultural dignity are powerful medicines. 16. Understand that optimal health is much more than the absence of sickness. It is the conscious pursuit of a community’s highest qualities of the spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, environmental and social aspects of the human experience. 17. Give assistance to persons in tracing and renewing a sense of connectedness to tradition and community in order to establish a large number of people in each community who can facilitate cross-cultural interface as well as assess and establish the standards for community health improvement. 18. Recognize and teach that a person’s wellness, the wellness of the community, and the wellness of the planet are all interconnected. 19. Support people to recognize and accept the wisdom within themselves and their elders and to tap into the life-affirming ceremonies, rituals, practices, disciplines and philosophies from their cultural tradition. Help them to understand their actions and how they view themselves affect and are affected by the community. 20. Honor each person’s and each tradition’s private space in the spirit of respecting sacred space and vulnerability. Recognize that safety is key to the healing process. Honor the place where a person is and the pace at which they choose to move from that place. 21. Teach that the necessary health resources are accessible to all members of the community when the ancient wisdom, the symbols and new knowledge from each culture are visible and when the skills and knowledge of all members of the community are shared." © 1996 Powderhorn Phillips Cultural Wellness Center

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Teresa Schuchman Falk

Offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping 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, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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.

How to find counseling in Prior Lake

Finding the best therapist close by in Prior 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 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 Prior 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 Prior 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. 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 Prior Lake 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 Prior 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 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 Prior Lake, elsewhere in Scott, 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 Prior Lake area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Prior 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 Prior 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 Prior 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 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 Prior 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 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 Prior 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 Prior Lake 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 Prior 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:

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 Prior 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?

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 Prior 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 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 55372 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 Prior Lake 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 Prior 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 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 Prior 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.

Prior 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?

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 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 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 Prior Lake.

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

55372, 55379

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