Trying to stay focused on your life’s goals while struggling with a mental health condition is difficult. In fact, it can be impossible if you do not get professional help. Forest Lake has some of the top mental health care in the state of Minnesota who can help. 

In the town of Forest Lake, you will find some famous landmarks including Cedar Park’s Forest Dragon, Lakeside Park, The Tin Man water tower, the Wildlife Science Center, and the Carlos Avery Wildlife Area. However, if you are trying to deal with a mental illness, you cannot enjoy most of these. You need to get treatment from one of the therapists in Forest Lake today.

This is Dr. Jacqueline Julien's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Jacqueline Julien

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Forest Lake
Counselor License Type(s): Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

You want to live your best life, yet it seems that obstacles keep getting in the way. Hi, I'm Jacqueline Julien. I've been a licensed psychologist for 12 years and worked in a variety of settings, from inpatient treatment to a juvenile detention center to community mental health centers. I'm collaborative in my approach to helping others, after all you know you best and I'm not your father (ah yes, I also like to bring a bit of humor to counseling - that was a Star Wars reference in case you missed it). I work with people who are going through difficult life changes, who are having issues with becoming the person they know they are inside, are suffering from depression or anxiety and parenting. I have also taught university psychology courses since becoming a psychologist. I use an eclectic style (that is just a fancy word for using what works best for you) in my counseling. My style includes you taking an active role in solving your issues, figuring out what you want and how to go after it and how your thoughts, emotions and behaviors interact with each other driving you to (or not to) take action. While how we get to where you are going can vary, I do believe that you want to live your best life and try to reach it. Only at times you don't know how to get there or other obstacles get in your way. I also like to build off what you do well and how you can do more of what you already know to solve the difficulties you are experiencing (even though it may seem like you aren't doing anything well right now). I am straight forward with clients, but not confrontational. I want to see you get through this difficult time in your life and to get to a place you feel good about being. Please note that I only have daytime availability for live sessions.

This is Nicolette Ulstrom's avatar and link to their profile

Nicolette Ulstrom

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Forest Lake
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I obtained a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University in Eagan, Minnesota in 2012 and have been licensed since 2016. My previous work experience has been in a family residential treatment center where families healed together by self growth and an increase in self awareness. I focus on a person’s strengths and building upon this to find new ways of living a life of joy and fulfillment. I have over eight years of experience working with substance use disorders, anxiety, women's issues, self-esteem and self worth. My goal is to offer a supportive environment so together we take steps at finding your true self. I believe one needs a safe environment to be able to look at the challenges they are experiencing. I value one's experiences in how it shaped the person they are today and who they want to become. Learning our stories, we allow ourselves to be able to find how we want our stories to look moving forward. I believe people have the courage to start to unweave their challenges to find themselves when they have encouragement and support. I want to support you in finding ways to connect with your true self. I take a side by side approach when finding ways to better support one's growth.

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

Catherine Greene

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Forest Lake
Counselor License Type(s): 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!

This is Suong Goodhart's avatar and link to their profile

Suong Goodhart

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Forest Lake
Counselor License Type(s): M.A.,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
17 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Minnesota. I have been providing therapy services for 17 years. I have experience working with clients from children/adolescents to adults in individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy. I am passionate in my work as a therapist and dedicated to helping my clients navigate through the difficulties and challenges they may face in their life journey. During times of fear and uncertainty, there is hope for peace. During times of despair and sorrow, there is hope for healing. And during times of helplessness, there is hope for strength and growth. I believe in hope. I am honored to have the privilege to work with each and every one of my clients. I believe that the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client is a key factor in a successful therapy experience. You will be treated with respect, dignity, and acceptance, because you will have allowed me to be a part of your life, which in turn, affects mine. My counseling style is warm and interactive. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, client-centered and family systems counseling. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you.

This is Courtney Menten's avatar and link to their profile

Courtney Menten

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Forest Lake
AddictionsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

This is Barbra  Hughes's avatar and link to their profile

Barbra Hughes

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Forest Lake
Depression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Suzanne Landsverk's avatar and link to their profile

Suzanne Landsverk

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Forest Lake
Coping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in North Dakota with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with life changes. I believe everyone has a story and I am interested in learning yours. During our visits we will discuss what you want to talk about. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Heidi Skattebo's avatar and link to their profile

Heidi Skattebo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Forest Lake
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Dr. Barbara Chromy's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Barbara Chromy

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Forest Lake
Counselor License Type(s): Ph.D.,LPCC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesDepression
19 years of experience

Welcome. I look forward to working with you. I am a licensed therapist in Minnesota with 19 years of professional experience. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and couples. My experience includes helping clients from diverse backgrounds navigate through relationship concerns, grief, trauma, addiction problems, depression, anxiety, career decisions, life transitions, and building skills to improve overall health and well-being. My approach uses cognitive behavioral therapy to build on the skills you already possess to overcome life's challenges. I admire your courage in taking the first step to a more satisfying and happier life. I am here to support and empower you in your journey.

This is Amber Lodes's avatar and link to their profile

Amber Lodes

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MN, Forest Lake
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota as a Marriage and Family Therapist with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Forest Lake

Finding the best therapist close by in Forest 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 with therapists in Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake. 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 Forest 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 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake, elsewhere in Washington, 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest 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 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 Forest Lake online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Forest 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. 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest 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 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake 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 Forest 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 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 55025 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 Forest Lake counselor?

Before seeing your Forest Lake 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. Forest Lake 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 Forest 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 with a Forest Lake 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 Forest 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.

Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake, Minnesota

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 Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake.

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

55025

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