In 1876, the people of Brainerd stood up for what they believed in and elected a handyman as mayor, losing their charter as a city. Just as the township faced hardship during those six years of his term, people can also face hardship when they stand up for their values. If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, or stress, you don’t have to stand alone.

Brainerd-area counselors are available now to assist you. These confidential and licensed therapists can offer support and guidance regardless of what is going on in your life. Reach out to a nearby counselor today.

Psychologist Dr. Joelle Kallio providing different types of therapy in Brainerd

Dr. Joelle Kallio

Clinician
License Type(s): PsyD
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment

I see the therapy process as a partnership and the client (You) are the most important part of that process. It is your process and I see myself, as the therapist, as a part of the process like a guide. Feedback is important to me, as I can use this information to help guide you in the way that is most helpful. Most of my work is done in a model that is based on helping you find your strengths to resolve any problems that you identify. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you examine how what you think, and how you are thinking can impact your experiences. Also I focus on helping you find solutions to your situation and ways of looking at things that help you to find solutions. I also encourage people to find their own ways of self-care and rejuvenation, because all of us need to use the best self-care that we possibly can, in order to find the best quality of life for ourselves in this world.

Psychologist Edward Larkin providing different types of therapy in Brainerd

Edward Larkin

Clinician
License Type(s): MC,LP
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
29 years offering treatment

My name is Edward Larkin, you may call me "Ted"! I have been a practicing therapist, educator, health coach and case manager for 25 years. I look forward to working with you to identify your hopes, aspirations and goals for therapy, and for your life. My approach is Client-Centered/Motivational, solutions-focused, and cognitive-behavioral, from a foundation of respect, compassion and empathy for my clients. I have a particular interest in medical psychology, stress-reduction, mindfulness and sustainable health; and can assist you to coordinate and integrate medical, behavioral and social services that you may be receiving.

Psychologist Margaret Buchholz providing different types of therapy in Brainerd

Margaret Buchholz

Clinician
License Type(s): MSW,LICSW,LADC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years offering treatment

Hello! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota. I have been working in the mental health field since 2014. I graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in 2014 and began working in a residential treatment center. I started graduate school at the University of South Dakota. I graduated in 2016 with a Masters of Social Work. I then worked in a hospital setting for a short period of time. After that, I went to work at an outpatient mental health clinic in Southwest Minnesota which I have continued working at since. I really enjoy my work and having a positive impact on peoples lives. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, trauma, abuse, bullying, relationship issues, parenting, addiction, teen concerns, life changes and concerns that arise during adjustment periods. My therapeutic style is person-centered, yet relaxed and non-threatening. I will work to build a healthy and beneficial therapeutic relationship with you. I treat everyone with respect and compassion. This includes meeting the client where they are and work on things they feel are most important or impacting them the most. I mainly utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which is short term and goal oriented. CBT helps clients recognize negative patterns of thinking and behavior that impact their lives and works to provide healthy ways to challenge these thoughts and behaviors. With CBT, it is important to recognize these patterns, which may include me challenging your thought processes and behaviors. Overall, my therapeutic style is based on what the client needs/wants, which we can discuss as we move forward. It is a big decision to reach out to receive help, you should be proud of yourself for taking this step and realizing you deserve more. I am honored to be able to help you with your concerns and reaching your goals. I am excited to chat with you and can't wait to help!

Psychologist Ashley Becker providing different types of therapy in Brainerd

Ashley Becker

Clinician
License Type(s): MS,LPCC,CRC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years offering treatment

Hello, My name is Ashley and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Minnesota. In addition, I also hold my Certification in Rehabilitation Counseling and am a Minnesota approved supervisor. I have over 10 years of experience working with clients and patients diagnosed with mental health disorders in the capacity of an inpatient mental health setting at a hospital and on an outpatient basis at a community mental health center. I also have 8 years of experience establishing, facilitating and maintaining group therapy sessions. I have a wide range of experience with SPMI and SMI diagnoses such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disoder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, etc. My clinical approach is person-centered therapy. I thoroughly enjoy being on the journey with the client rather than being the driver. None of us have all the answers in life and being able to have someone to bounce ideas off of and gain new perspectives can be beneficial. I enjoy working with clients and helping them identify their own goals in their life and exploring how we can overcome possible barriers together. I also believe it is important to have fun and laugh so sharing jokes or taking time to share a funny experience can also be part of the therapy session. I am truly fortunate to have a career in which I am involved with people allowing themselves to be vulnerable and growing more than they could have ever imagined! I also utilize motivational interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), illness management and recovery, trauma informed care, IDDT/trans-theoretical model and multi-cultural counseling. Overcoming stigma and stereotypes related to mental illness is also a passion of mine. It takes great courage and vulnerability to make changes within ourselves and I look forward to working with those who are ready for that journey!

Psychologist Floret Miller providing different types of therapy in Brainerd

Floret Miller

Clinician
License Type(s): LMHC, LCPC,MCAP
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
11 years offering treatment

Hello, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Floret and I am here to help you! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional, and a National Certified Counselor. I graduated with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. I am currently in Medical school pursuing my dream of becoming a Psychiatrist. This will allow me to gain the necessary technique and skills to better assist my clients. My past experiences involved working with individuals, couples, and families who suffered from trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, co-occurring diagnosis, and relationship distress in couples and families. I had the opportunity to work in a long-term residential facility, group home, short-term acute care, outpatient, and detox. While working with you, I will act as a facilitator and help to guide you towards your future goals. I want you to have control of your life by creating your own achievable goals and working towards them. My counseling style is very eclectic. I pull different techniques from different counseling styles that best fit your individual needs. For example, Solution-focused brief therapy, humanistic approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing are some of the techniques I utilize. I pay attention to you and help facilitate a counseling relationship that is of trust, respect, and understanding. During this time, communication is going to be key, so where should we start?

Psychologist Nicholas "Nick" Cross providing different types of therapy in Brainerd

Nicholas "Nick" Cross

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensed in Minnesota with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. 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.

Psychologist Monica Lindahl providing different types of therapy in Brainerd

Monica Lindahl

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
12 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I use a variety of therapy techniques when working with clients, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. You will find I am empathetic, calming, non-judgmental, and a bit funny. ;) I hold sessions outside of "typical" business hours - several nights per week and Sunday mornings.

Psychologist Augustina Garba providing different types of therapy in Brainerd

Augustina Garba

Clinician
License Type(s): MS, LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years offering treatment

Hello and welcome! My name is Augustina Garba. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a master’s degree in Counseling in May 2002. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I started out working with adult mental health individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. During my internship, I was exposed to working with severely abused and neglected children. This experience was what inspired me to work with children and families. I now provide individual and family therapy sessions targeting anger management for children and at-risk teenagers. My passion has always been to help bring about changes in the lives of individuals and families while partnering with them to create hope in their future. In 2009, I went into Private Practice. I now work with children, adults, and families, providing individual and family therapy sessions. I also work with adult survivors of childhood abuse. My focus is to help them heal from their trauma and overcome related issues and problems that could develop due to their abuse. These could range from depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks and stress. I work with many individuals and couples in relationship building. I counsel couples with relationship and divorce issues, anger management and domestic violence. My focus in counseling is to work with you to resolve issues that challenge you and restore self-efficacy to couples, individuals and families. I am supportive in therapy and a good listener. I will collaborate with you, using teaching skills and give you tangible assignments to help you succeed in achieving your goals of finding a long-term meaningful solution. I am consistent and believe in building a trusting and reliable client-therapist relationship. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Michael Kerstetter providing different types of therapy in Brainerd

Michael Kerstetter

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Minnesota with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, & concentration, memory. I am also proud to offer Christian counseling to those who are looking for a faith-based approach. Before deciding to become a counselor, I earned my bachelor of arts degree in Pastoral Studies. I also have experience with focus concerns related to ADHD, as this has also been a personal challenge. I work with my clients to create an environment where you can come as you are, foster growth, and find hope.

Psychologist Dora von Wald providing different types of therapy in Brainerd

Dora von Wald

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
3 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Minnesota with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, coping with life changes, & navigating traumatic experiences. I also enjoy working with Neurodivergences. I believe in building a trusting and safe relationship with my clients and working together towards the life YOU want to lead using evidenced-based, therapeutic support. I consider all the various aspects of human well-being including the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational selves. ​ I love laughing especially with my friends and family. I enjoy a well-written memoir or novel, various crafting and art mediums, making spaces around me calm, cozy, and aesthetically pleasing, and eating really good food.​ You are the expert of your story and I believe 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 those next steps. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Find a therapist serving clients in Minnesota

Types of therapists available to clients in Brainerd

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Brainerd that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Brainerd available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Brainerd therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Brainerd therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Brainerd region and in the state of Minnesota.

How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want 

Therapists in Brainerd can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Brainerd may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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