Caregivers and Community Professionals/Members:
Choosing a therapist that is well versed in adoption, trauma and attachment can feel 
daunting. You are not alone! If you could benefit from FREE assistance identifying adoption competent resources specific to your family’s (or client’s) unique needs, we invite you to contact the MN ADOPT HELP Program.
daunting. You are not alone! If you could benefit from FREE assistance identifying adoption competent resources specific to your family’s (or client’s) unique needs, we invite you to contact the MN ADOPT HELP Program.HELP Program Specialists would be happy to talk with you and provide individualized referral information to therapeutic, supportive and educational resource options tailored to the situation.
Contact the HELP Program directly at 612-746-5137 or Toll-Free at 855-670-HELP
Therapists:
Do you work with adoptive and foster families?
Are you interested in expanding your professional understanding regarding adoption?
Are you interested in becoming professionally connected to the MN ADOPT HELP Program Therapist Network (which includes the option of having your practice information included on the MN ADOPT website)?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the above questions, we invite you to learn more about the MN ADOPT HELP Program’s Therapist Network.
Email today to learn more!
Email today to learn more!
Please Note: The below lists of adoption focused therapists across the state of Minnesota are not exhaustive. The HELP Program has information on many therapeutic and resource options across the state not listed below and would welcome the opportunity to talk with you further about your needs in order to provide individualized referral information to therapeutic, supportive and educational resource options tailored to the situation.
Click on a region below to view the therapists in that area
(see map at the bottom of this page to find your region)
| Therapists | Location | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| *Julianne Carlson, MA, LPCC, RPT | Cambridge | RAD, ADHD, PTSD, Childhood Depression, Personality Disorders, Addictions, Self-Harming Behaviors, Attachment, Early Traumatic Experience, Grief and Loss Related to Adoption, Adoption Identity, Sexual Abuse (Victim) or (Perpetrator), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (Trauma Focused), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy |
| *Anna Clavin, MA, LMFT | St. Cloud | Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Personality Disorders Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Rebecca Cluever, MS LMFT | St. Cloud | Young Child (0-5) Elementary Age (6-12) Adult (Adopted person) Adult (Adoptive Parent – Individual) Couples Family Birth/First Parent/Family Areas of Practice Strength: Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Attachment Early Traumatic Experiences Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Jennifer Doeden MA, LMFT | Big Lake | Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Self-harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Adoption Identity Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Scott Emmons MA, LP | Pine City | Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Self-Harming Behaviors Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Adoption Identity Sexual Abuse (Victim) Sexual Abuse (Perpetrator) |
| *Amy Gebben, MA, LMFT | Cambridge | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Personality Disorders Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Transracial/Transcultural Open Adoption Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Alex Gregory MS, LMFT | St. Cloud | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Autism Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Search & Reunion Support Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Transracial/Transcultural Open Adoption Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Brandon Jensen, MS, LMFT | Sauk Rapids | FASD, RAD, PTSD, Grief and loss related to adoption, Childhood Depression, Family Work, History of Physical Abuse, History of Sexual Abuse, ADD |
| *Cynthia I. Johnson, MSW, LICSW | North Branch | FASD, RAD, PTSD, Childhood Depression, ADD, ODD, Early Traumatic Experience, Grief and Loss Related to Adoption, Adoption Identity,Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma-informed Child Parent Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Resiliency Mode, Play Therapy |
| *Ann Kent, LMFT | Wright County | FASD, RAD, PTSD, Attachment, Early Traumatic Experience, Grief and Loss Related to Adoption, Transracial/Transcultural, Open Adoption, Adoption Identity, Sexual Abuse (Victim), Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Play Therapy, Attachment-focused therapy (Daniel Hughes model) |
| *Molly McHugh, MSW, LICSW | Pine City/Coon Rapids | RAD, PTSD, Grief and loss related to adoption, Childhood Depression, Family Work, LGBTQ, History of Physical Abuse, History of Sexual Abuse, ADD, Self-Harming Behaviors, TF-CBT |
| *Signe Miller, MA, LMFT | St. Cloud | RAD, PTSD, grief and loss related to adoption, childhood depression, Self-Harming Behaviors, Trauma-informed Child Parent Psychotherapy, Trauma Focused - Cognivitive Behavioral Therapy, Sensory Integration, History of Physical Abuse/Neglect, Sexual Abuse, ADD |
| *James (Jim) Molberg MA, LP | Pine City | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Personality Disorders Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Search & Reunion Support Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Open Adoption Adoption Identity Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Gayle Neuerburg LMFT. | Waite Park | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Search & Reunion Support Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Transracial/Transcultural Open Adoption Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Lisa Nos-Tollefson, PsyD, LPCC | Pine City | Children, Adolescents and families |
| *Denise Oehrlein, MS, LMFT, RPT | St. Cloud | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Autism Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Personality Disorders Self-harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Kirstina Quast MSW, LICSW | Baxter | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Search & Reunion Support Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Transracial/Transcultural Open Adoption Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Heather Trettel MS, LMFT | St. Cloud | Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Transracial/Transcultural Open Adoption Sexual Abuse (Victim) Sexual Abuse (Perpetrator) |
| Metro Therapists by Region/Area |
|---|
| Anoka County |
| Carver County |
| Dakota County |
| Hennepin County |
| Ramsey County |
| Scott County |
| Washington County |
| Therapists | Location | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| *Cindy Lee Thomas MSW, LICSW | Grand Rapids | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Addictions Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Search & Reunion Support Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Transracial/TransculturalOpen Adoption Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| Therapists | Location | Specialties |
| Therapists | Location | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| *Elissa (Ellie) Anderson MSW, LICSW C | Park Rapids | Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Autism Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Addictions Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Search & Reunion Support Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Transracial/Transcultural Open Adoption Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Alicia V. Holley, MA, LPCC, ATR-BC | Bemidji | RAD, PTSD, grief and loss related to adoption, childhood depression, Family Work, Play Therapy, Sensory Integration, History of Physical Abuse/Neglect, History of Sexual Abuse, ADD, Self-Harming behaviors, Trauma-Focused Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health |
| *Michele Lovehaug, MSW, LICSW, BCD | Moorhead | Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Search & Reunion Support Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Open Adoption Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Jessica Croatt Niemi, MSSW LICSW IMH-E(IV) | Bemidji | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Autism Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Open Adoption Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Sara Stallman, LICSW | Fargo, ND | ADHD, PTSD, Childhood Depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Self-Harming Behaviors, Attachment, Early Traumatic Experience, Grief and Loss Related to Adoption, Transracial/Transcultural, Search & Reunion Support, Open Adoption, Adoption Identity, Sexual Abuse (Victim), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy |
| *Catherine Yeager, Ph.D. | Grand Forks, ND | Neuropsychological assessment (ADHD, leaving problems, autism, FAS/FAE, head injury) |
| Therapists | Location | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| *Paula Achenbach, MS, LMFT, RPT MFT Supervisor, Sand Play Therapist | New Prague | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Early Traumatic Experiences Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Jeanne M. Allen, PsyD, LP, APRN, CNS | Rochester | Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Addictions Eating Disorders Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Search & Reunion Support Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Dwight DoBell LMFT, M.Div. | Rochester | RAD, PTSD, Grief and loss related to adoption, Childhood Depression, Family Work, Play Therapy, Self-Harming Behavior, History of Physical Abuse, History of Sexual Abuse, Addiction, ADD, TF-CBT, DBT, EMDR, Clinical Hypnosis, Mindfulness, Incorporation of Christian Spirituality when appropriate |
| *Dewina Anderson Kraus, MA, LMFT | Rochester | Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Personality Disorders Addictions Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Melissa Quam, MA, LMFT | Rochester | Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Personality Disorders Self-Harming Behaviors Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Adoption Identity Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Terri Ross LMFT | Faribault | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Transracial/Transcultural Open Adoption Sexual Abuse (Victim) Sexual Abuse (Perpetrator) |
| *Anita L. Smith, MS, LPCC, DCC, PACC | Mankato | FFASD, RAD, PTSD, Childhood Depression, ADD, OCD, ODD, Attachment, Early Traumatic Experience, Grief and Loss Related to Adoption, Transracial/Transcultural, Adoption Identity, Sexual Abuse (Victim), Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma-informed Child Parent Psychotherapy, Attachment Bio-Behavioral Catch-Up, Parent-Child Interactive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Play Therapy |
| *Sarah Stelzner, MSW, LICSW | Rochester | Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Personality Disorders Eating Disorders Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Search & Reunion Support Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Transracial/Transcultural Open Adoption Sexual Abuse (Victim) Sexual Abuse (Perpetrator) |
| *Brittni Timmerman, MS, NCC, LPCC, RPT | Rochester | RAD, Attachment, Grief and Loss Related to Adoption, Adoption Identity, Sexual Abuse, PTSD, Childhood Depression, Self-Harming Behaviors, Emotional Freedom Technique, Somatic Experiencing, Play Therapy, Sensory Integration, History of Physical Abuse/Neglect, ADD |
| Therapists | Location | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| *Mary E. Anderson MA, LAMFT | Hutchinson | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Personality Disorders Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Transracial/Transcultural Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Sara Barber, MA, LPCC | Willmar | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Childhood Depression Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Sexual Abuse (Victim) |
| *Charline L. Bengtson, MA, LMFT | Willmar & Paynesville | Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Personality Disorders Eating Disorders Self-Harming Behaviors Attachment Grief and Loss Related to Adoption Search & Reunion Support Adoption Identity (i.e. sense of self-worth; self-esteem…etc.) Early Traumatic Experiences Transracial/Transcultural Open Adoption |
| *Lisa J Stellinga, MS, LPC-MH, LAC | Sioux Falls, SD | FASD, RAD, PTSD, Grief and loss related to adoption, Childhood Depression, Family Work, Somatic Experiencing, Play Therapy, History of Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, ADD, Addiction, Self-Harming Behaviors, Eating Disorders |
| *Barbara Zaeska, LICSW | Pennock | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Reative Attachmnet Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Grief and Loss Related to Adoption, Childhood Depression, Family Work, Play Therapy, History of Abuse/Neglect, History of Sexual Abuse, ADD |
| Therapists | Location | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| *Benjamin Nesbitt, MSW, LICSW. | Alexandria | RAD, PTSD, Grief and loss related to adoption, Childhood Depression, Family Work, History of Physical Abuse/Neglect, Sexual Abuse, ADD, Self-Harming Behavior |
| State Wide | Location | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| *Deena McMahon, LICSW, MSW | State Wide | RAD, PTSD, Grief and loss related to adoption, Childhood Depression, Family Work, Self-Harming Behavior, History of Physical Abuse, ADD, DBT |
*This Practitioner is vetted through the MN ADOPT HELP Program.
To learn more about the program, please visit the HELP Program page.
