Business Details
21 Years
experience
Trusted Mental Health Therapy Services in Hackensack, MN
Birch Lake Counseling was founded in 2005 to address the need for accessible mental health support in Cass County. Our practice is built on the belief that healing requires a holistic approach, addressing emotional, physical, spiritual, and cultural needs. We specialize in individual, family, couples, and trauma-informed therapies, with experienced clinicians trained in evidence-based modalities like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Our team brings decades of combined experience in therapeutic settings ranging from schools to residential treatment centers.We prioritize client autonomy while fostering safe, nonjudgmental environments for growth. Telehealth options and multiple office locations ensure flexibility for clients. By integrating strengths-based and trauma-informed care, we help individuals navigate challenges from anxiety and grief to relationship conflicts and life transitions. Our commitment to community extends to collaborating with local healthcare providers for comprehensive care.
Services
Individual Therapy
Family Therapy
Couples Counseling
Trauma Therapy
Play Therapy
Marriage Counseling
Telehealth Services
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized treatment plans developed by licensed therapists with specialized training in trauma and relationship therapy
- Our clinicians combine 80+ combined years of experience with ongoing professional development in evidence-based practices
- Multiple office locations and telehealth options ensure accessible care across central Minnesota
- We accept most major insurance plans and offer sliding-scale fees for eligible clients
- Our team includes experts in play therapy, EMDR, and somatic approaches for comprehensive trauma treatment
What people say
Exceptional therapist support
Effective trauma treatment
Compassionate care environment
Flexible scheduling options
Genuine healing experience
Services
Individual Therapy
Our individual therapy sessions provide personalized mental health support for adults, adolescents, and children. Using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems, our licensed therapists help clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Each treatment plan adapts to the client's unique needs while maintaining strict confidentiality and creating safe spaces for emotional exploration during weekly 50-minute sessions.
Family Therapy
Family therapy addresses relationship dynamics and systemic patterns affecting household members. Our systemic therapists employ Emotionally Focused Therapy and structural family approaches to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen bonds. Sessions typically involve multiple family members working together on issues impacting children, parents, and extended relatives through scheduled weekly or biweekly sessions.
Trauma Therapy
Specialized trauma therapy employs modalities like Somatic Experiencing and EMDR to process traumatic experiences. Our trauma-informed clinicians help clients develop coping skills while addressing symptoms affecting daily functioning. Treatment integrates nervous system regulation techniques with traditional talk therapy during individual sessions focused on reducing trauma's lasting impact on emotional and physical well-being.
Play Therapy
Play therapy creates developmentally appropriate interventions for children aged 3-12. Using therapeutic play techniques and specialized equipment, our trained clinicians help young clients express emotions and process experiences nonverbally. Sessions incorporate sand trays, art materials, and therapeutic games while maintaining parental involvement through structured family components.
Telehealth Services
Telehealth services offer remote mental health support through secure video conferencing platforms. Available for individual, couples, and family sessions, this option maintains therapeutic continuity for clients in different locations. Our clinicians ensure HIPAA-compliant connections while delivering consistent care quality that matches our in-person office visits across multiple central Minnesota locations.
People
Carol Horsager
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
MEd, LMFT, SEP, EFT-certified therapist with 15+ years experience treating trauma and relationship issues. Specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Somatic Experiencing, helping clients improve family dynamics and attachment patterns.
Shannon Kempf
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LICSW with 30+ years in mental health, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Certified in multiple therapeutic modalities including equine-assisted psychotherapy and domestic violence intervention with expertise in working with complex mental health diagnoses.
Kate Friesner
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LMFT trained in EMDR and attachment theory, focusing on adolescent distress and trauma recovery. Combines narrative therapy approaches with Prepare/Enrich premarital counseling while maintaining active involvement in outdoor education activities.
Violet Sundermeyer
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
40-year mental health veteran specializing in grief counseling and breathwork therapy. Integrates spiritual components into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while focusing on anxiety management and trauma recovery through compassionate listening techniques.
Anna Hale
Administrative Assistant
Multi-faceted administrator managing intake coordination and office operations. Combines financial expertise with pastoral counseling background while leading women's empowerment initiatives through her Wealth Worthy Woman INC organization.
Questions
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, all written and oral records remain strictly confidential unless we receive written consent from the client.
What happens during the first session?
Your therapist will discuss your concerns, establish goals, and create a personalized treatment plan during this introductory meeting.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans - contact us directly to verify your specific coverage details.
Are telehealth options available?
Yes, we offer secure online therapy sessions for clients who prefer virtual appointments across all our service areas.
What therapy approaches are used?
Our clinicians utilize evidence-based methods including CBT, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Emotionally Focused Therapy tailored to individual client needs.
How long does therapy take?
Treatment duration varies based on individual progress - active client participation typically leads to more efficient outcomes.
