This is Dr. Patrick Mathieu's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Patrick Mathieu

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Avoca
Counselor License Type(s): Ph.D.,LP
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

Hello. I am Dr. Mathieu, a psychologist licensed in the State of Minnesota. I have over 30 years of experience as a psychologist and therapist across a variety of clinical settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns and clinical issues including anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting concerns, physical and emotional abuse issues, and self-confidence and self-esteem issues. I am eclectic in my therapeutic approaches to clinical issues and concerns. I draw on various therapy approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic interventions, strength based problem solving, and narrative therapy. I believe it is important to treat everyone respectfully and with compassion. I try to avoid stigmatizing clinical labels. I will work with you to develop a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Seeking a healthier and happier life requires courage and I admire you for taking these first steps toward change. I am here to encourage, support, and help you on this personal journey. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Gabrielle (Gabbi) Schwenzfeier's avatar and link to their profile

Gabrielle (Gabbi) Schwenzfeier

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Avoca
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
3 years of experience

Hello! My name is Gabbi and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota. I have worked in a range of therapeutic settings including: in-home, school, and residential treatment centers. I work with a wide range of clients affected by depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, substance abuse, bipolar, borderline personality disorder. I have also spent time working with parents on attachment and parenting skills. The clients I have worked with range in ages 2-75 and I have used individual, family and group therapy to help clients address their concerns. I was born and raised in Minnesota! I attended undergrad at St. Catherine University where I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I then pursued my Masters degree at the University of St. Thomas. I graduated in 2017 with my Masters in Social Work. My therapy style client centered, as you are the expert of your life, you know what works and what doesn't. You have control over your treatment and we will go as in depth as you feel comfortable. I pull from a variety of models including; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) where we will focus on how thoughts are connected to our behaviors, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) where we focus on skills such as mindfulness and distress tolerance, as well as, Solution Focused Therapy, where we focus on the present and future and setting goals. I also use the CBT model and narrative therapy to help process trauma that clients have experienced. If you look at my schedule and the time you need is not available, message me and we can try and make something work! Outside of work I enjoy spending time outdoors, working out and hanging out with my family. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Duane Winter's avatar and link to their profile

Duane Winter

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Avoca
Counselor License Type(s): LPCC,LADC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

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.

Get started View profile
This is Tylor Cummings's avatar and link to their profile

Tylor Cummings

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Avoca
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I completed my bachelors degree in community psychology at Saint Cloud State University, and completed my master’s degree in adlerian counseling and psychotherapy with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy at Adler Graduate School. Before completing my master’s degree, I was a Guardian ad Litem working with families who were involved in child protection cases and family files. I completed my graduate internship and was previously employed in a behavioral health clinic providing mental health services to children in a rural Minnesota school and to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families at the clinic. I currently work full time as a Mental Health Professional at a community mental health clinic providing assessments, individual therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy to clients birth to 65+. When working with clients I primarily use a person centered approach with a systemic perspective. My approach to working with clients is using encouragement and empathy to foster empowerment. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma. I have received DC:0-5 and ECSII training and I am Certified in Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT). I work with clients ranging in age from birth to 65+.

Get started View profile
This is Elizabeth (Liz) Ostroviak's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth (Liz) Ostroviak

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Avoca
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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 Dr. Leia Twigg-Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Leia Twigg-Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Avoca
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in Minnesota. I have been working with Veterans and first responders for the past five years. Prior to moving to Minnesota in 2019, I was working with active duty military personnel and their dependents. As a master's level mental health professional, I worked in a Level 3 prison for two years. I also worked in community mental health for three years, providing clinical services to Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians, and in private practice doing assessments for police department candidates. In my current practice, as a Health Psychologist, I help clients manage health behaviors such as disordered eating, quitting smoking, vaping, dip, alcohol abuse, exercise habits, and sleep problem. Of course, I also manage mental health problems like stress and anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and some personality disorders. I practice Emotionally Focused Couple's Therapy (EFT), which is an attachment-based approach designed to increase physical and emotional bonds between partners. Treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion is part of my ethics code. You can expect me to tailor your sessions and treatment planning to meet your unique and specific needs. The first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life requires insight. It also takes courage to make that first step, and dedication to see the changes through. I am here to support you on your journey to a better you. Let's get started!

Get started View profile
This is Carrie Main's avatar and link to their profile

Carrie Main

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Avoca
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

My name is Carrie Sorenson and I have a Master's of Professional Studies degree from the University of Minnesota. I currently have been working in the field of addiction and mental health now for 4 years. The core of my work, as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and a licensed professional clinical counselor is focused on the belief that all of my clients are human beings who fundamentally are good. Human beings who have had diverse experiences throughout their lives, which have shaped the way they perceive and engage in the world around them. I therefore, believe that each individual comes with their own unique experiences and perspectives, which is why I value the importance of providing an individual approach to therapy.

Get started View profile
This is Dominique Jones's avatar and link to their profile

Dominique Jones

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Avoca
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota. I have been helping children, families and couples for over 20 years. For 16 years I have provided mental health services in a variety of settings such as schools, in home, and community mental health clinics. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, life changes, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I work with my clients to meet them where they are and create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am glad you did it and I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Felicia Kellen's avatar and link to their profile

Felicia Kellen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Avoca
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) based in southwest Minnesota. My experience comes from provider direct mental health services to children, teens, and families for over 10 years. I have worked with individuals with varying level so abilities, mental health concerns, and stressors. I have experience working with presenting issues such as: depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting concerns, anger and aggression, relational difficulties, and family dynamics concerns. I believe creating a positive therapeutic relationship with the people I work with is done best by provider a relaxed, open, and non-judgmental environment. I make an effort to approach each new relationship with an acute sensitivity and respect of each persons’ unique experience. My goal is to take a collaborative approach with others to ensure that they feel heard, are working towards the goals they have created, and in a way that they feel comfortable. I have formal training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Illness Management and Recovery. I have also completed an immersive course in Polyvagal Theory and have my 200 Yoga Teacher Training. I use this and many other techniques to approach each problem with a holistic approach backed by current research. I am a strong believer of using body based techniques to calm our body’s natural response to trauma and stress. While I find this to be effective approach, I am open to other approaches as I acknowledge it is not for everybody. It takes a lot of strength and will power to work towards a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

Get started View profile
This is Katrina Deschene's avatar and link to their profile

Katrina Deschene

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Avoca
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile

How to find a therapist for counseling in Avoca

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

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Avoca. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Avoca, 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 for therapists. 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Avoca region and in the state of Minnesota. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

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

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Avoca, elsewhere in Murray, or in the greater state of Minnesota. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

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

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Avoca therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Avoca due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 Avoca may not take health insurance, some in the state of Minnesota may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Minnesota you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

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

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

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Avoca 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

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

BetterHelp's verified 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.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

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

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Avoca provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Avoca?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Avoca 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Avoca 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 Avoca therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in MN, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 56114 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your Avoca therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Avoca therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Avoca 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 with a Avoca counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

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

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Avoca, 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.

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

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

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

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Avoca, Minnesota

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 Avoca therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

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

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

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

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

56114

Popular cities near Avoca, MN

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