You never stop learning about yourself. No matter how much you think you know about yourself, you discover that there is always more to learn. When you have poor mental health, you may always feel like you don’t know yourself, and you may feel like there’s no way to figure it out. A counselor based in Rochester can help. 

Rochester is a town where many are educated. However, you can be the most educated, book smart person in the well and still no little about yourself. A counselor can help be that scholar who studies with you and helps you make a map of who you are and where you're going.

This is Catherine Greene's avatar and link to their profile

Catherine Greene

Offering therapy in MN
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
5 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family therapist licensed in Minnesota with over 5 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, shame, eating issues, and more. I have training in trauma, attachment, and mindfulness. My counseling style is direct, person centered, interactive, and nonjudgmental. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines a variety of approaches including cognitive-behavioral, ACT, humanistic, psychodynamic, person-centered, and mindfulness interventions. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I see therapy as a collaborative process and will work with you to define and successfully move toward your goals. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you on your journey. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Jillana McCray's avatar and link to their profile

Jillana McCray

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

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

Get started View profile
This is Kristin Lewis's avatar and link to their profile

Kristin Lewis

Offering therapy in MN
License: MS ,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been providing mental health services for over 20 years. I am committed to creating a therapeutic environment based on respect and meeting my clients where they are in their life's journey. I believe that by helping people access their strengths they are better able to explore problems and implement strategies that will help them live their lives to the fullest. I help individuals, couples and families to improve their interactions with others, encourage and empower them to process life experiences that have caused conflict and/or trauma. I approach therapy with a client-centered approach, adjusting evidence based strategies to meet the client's needs. I focus on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am trained in TF-CBT and MAP. Seeking help is the first step to making changes in your life that will help you become more emotionally healthy. I look forward to joining you on that journey! Kristin Lewis, MS LMFT

Get started View profile
This is Michele Fitzgerald's avatar and link to their profile

Michele Fitzgerald

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

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 Thursdays from 4:00 - 8:00 pm if this works for you.

Get started View profile
This is Lura Smedstad's avatar and link to their profile

Lura Smedstad

Offering therapy in MN
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
20 years of experience

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 (expires 10-31-21)

Get started View profile
This is Kathryn Dunleavy's avatar and link to their profile

Kathryn Dunleavy

Offering therapy in MN
License: MA, LPCC
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

My counseling approach is eclectic and leans into: Cognitive Re-framing, Positive Psychology, Trauma Informed Care, Mindfulness, Strengths Based, Solution Focused, and Motivational Interviewing. I have worked in every level of mental health care: inpatient, partial, outpatient, community care, crisis residential and co-occurring mental health and substance use recovery programs. I believe unconditional positive regard builds trust and can help us all live our best life with authenticity. Personal growth takes courage, the ability to surrender old beliefs that feed your shame and the grace to learn new things imperfectly. My mission is to spark the goldenness in others by fostering trust and connection to help people generate energy to heal and thrive. In my 30 years of working in mental health, I have learned that, at the root of most people’s pain is isolation. The COVID 19 pandemic has increased the intensity of isolation and fear. Online counseling platforms like BetterHelp are making counseling accessible with new and resilient ways to connect to one another and get help when you need it most. I am here because I want to help others. I look forward to working with you.

Get started View profile
This is Shari Peterson's avatar and link to their profile

Shari Peterson

Offering therapy in MN
License: MSW, LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
20 years of experience

I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in Minnesota with over 20 years working in the field of mental health. i have worked in community based mental health, in school settings and in an outpatient treatment setting, with 3 years providing therapy to individuals. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, personality disorders, anger, substance use disorders, and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced complex trauma, abuse and domestic violence. My therapy style is strengths-based, relational, authentic, warm and person-centered. My approach is individualized, combining client-centered, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and narrative therapies, as well as mindfulness and somatic approaches. I believe you are the expert of your own life and I am privileged to be with you on your path to recovery. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Stephanie Beaudry's avatar and link to their profile

Stephanie Beaudry

Offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, career difficulties, depression, & coping with life changes. 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!

Get started View profile
This is Megan Eiselt's avatar and link to their profile

Megan Eiselt

Offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
8 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, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Kenneth "Kenny" Turck's avatar and link to their profile

Kenneth "Kenny" Turck

Offering therapy in MN
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 14 years of professional work experience as a psychotherapist and have worked in the mental health field for many years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Rochester

Finding the best therapist close by in Rochester 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 Rochester. 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester, elsewhere in Olmsted, 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 Rochester area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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 55906 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester, 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.

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

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

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

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

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

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

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

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

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

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

55901, 55902, 55903, 55904, 55905, 55906

Popular cities near Rochester, MN

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist