The musician Prince once joked with Oprah that he’d always live in Minnesota because “it’s so cold it keeps the bad people out.” But does that mean there are no bad therapists in Minnesota? While that may or may not be true, the more pressing reality is the challenge of finding a therapist who truly meets your unique needs. This process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re facing real pain and uncertainty. Many people grapple with financial pressures and the urgent need to connect with someone who understands their specific challenges. It might seem like many therapists are fully booked, don’t accept your insurance, or simply don’t return your calls. This guide aims to equip you with essential tools and resources to help you find the right mental health care provider for your needs in Minnesota, so you can take that important step toward healing.
Where Can I Find Therapists Near Me?
Online Directories
Start your search with a simple Google search for “therapists near me.” This will direct you to various therapist directories, allowing you to enter your zip code and filter results based on your specific needs. One of the most popular directories is Psychology Today, where you can specify the type of therapy you’re seeking and which health insurances are accepted.
For example, here is an image showing the results when I searched for therapists in my town Northfield, Minnesota (zip code 55057). Psychology Today pulled up a list of 30+ Minnesota therapists accepting new clients.
Here are some additional therapist directories to consider:
- Mentalhealthmatch.com
- www.goodtherapy.org
- www.networktherapy.com
- Therapy for Black Girls
- www.inclusivetherapists.com
- Neurodivergent Therapists
- Therapy for Black Men
Provider Directories from Your Health Insurance
If you plan to use health insurance, it’s wise to check your insurance provider’s directory. This can help you find a therapist that is in-network and accepts your plan. Be aware, however, that some therapists may not be accepting new clients.
If you plan to use your health insurance to meet with an out-of-network provider (a clinician that does not have a contract with your health insurance), we recommend asking your health insurance representative the following questions to maximize your insurance benefits:
(1) What is my out-of-network coverage for outpatient mental health visits?
(2) Is there a deductible that needs to be met prior to services? How much of my deductible has been met this year?
(3) Is there a limit on the number of sessions my plan will cover per year? If Yes, How many?
(4) Is there an “allowed” amount that would be reimbursed.
(5) Do I need pre-authorization in order to start therapy? For example, do I need a referral from an in-network provider or a primary care physician to see someone out-of-network?
(6) How do I submit claims for out-of-network reimbursement?
(7) Are virtual outpatient mental health visits (or tele-therapy) covered by my plan?
(8) I have an example superbill here from my therapist. Can you tell me exactly how much I would be reimbursed for the following services (individual, group, couples therapy)?
(9) Is there anything else I need to know about utilizing my out of network benefits (limitations, rules, or other “small print” things to know).
Get Referrals from Trusted Friends and Family
Word-of-mouth can be invaluable when searching for a therapist. Friends and family may have personal experiences to share, leading you to therapists who don’t advertise extensively online.
Additionally, consider posting in online forums or local community groups. Many people feel comfortable asking for therapist recommendations anonymously, which can yield helpful suggestions.
Connect with Organizations Related to Your Concern
If you are seeking therapy for a specific issue—such as depression, anxiety, or trauma—look for organizations dedicated to those areas. For example, individuals seeking ADHD support can find valuable resources on the CHADD website, which also has local affiliate chapters in many states. Here in Minnesota you can attend the Twin Cities Southwest Metro ADHD Connection Meetings in the Eden Prairie Mall on Monday evenings. The people in these organizations can provide you invaluable information, and help you connect with therapists that can meet your needs.
Here are a few more organizations that provide therapist directories or support:
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- National Eating Disorders Association
- American Group Psychotherapy Association (they can help you find a Certified Group Psychotherapist if you are wanting to join a therapy group)
- National Center for PTSD
Resources for Community and Identity-Specific Needs
Finding a therapist who understands your cultural or community context can be crucial. Here are some resources for specific communities:
- The Yellow Couch Collective, an online support group for Black women
- Therapy for Black Girls
- Black Mental Health Alliance
- The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association, a nonprofit dedicated to the mental health and well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
- WeRNative, which provides Native American youth with tools for holistic health and growth, including mental health resources.
- Therapy for Latinx
If you hold identities within the LGTBQIAA+ community, here are some other resources that may be helpful:
National Organizations
LGBTQ+ Youth Are Not Alone
Online communities and mental health resources for LGBTQ+ students.
The Trevor Project (866) 488-7386
24/7 support for LGBTQ+ persons through phone (see above number), internet messaging, and text messaging (text START to 678-678). There are additional resources are on their website.
Trans Lifeline (877) 565-8860
A hotline and non-profit organization “offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community”. Callers can connect with support staff who speak Spanish.
The Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN)
Informational resources for people who identify as asexual or are questioning. AVEN also includes information about romantic orientations (e.g., aromatic, grayromantic, and demiromantic).
National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color Network
Rest For Resistance
Narratives of queer persons of color written by queer persons of color.
National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance
A collection of LGBTQ+ Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander organizations who aim to “promote visibility, educate our community, enhance grassroots organizing, expand collaborations, and challenge anti-LGBTQ bias and racism.”
Organizations Here in Minnesota
Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ Mental Health Providers’ Professional Network
South Central Minnesota Pride
A non-profit organization whose mission is to promote pride and visibility for LGBTQ and allied communities in South Central Minnesota. Each fall they run a pride festival in Mankato.
Transmission Ministry Collective
“Transmission Ministry Collective is an online community dedicated to the spiritual care, faith formation, and leadership potential of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive Christians.” This organization hosts peer-run online support groups for general trans and nonbinary folx, trans Christians of color, and a gender exploration group for anyone who think they don’t “fit entirely in the cisgender box”. Other services include LGBTQ+ Bible studies, workshops, resources for family members of trans and gender expansive folx, and resources for ministry professionals.
OutFront Minnesota
OutFront Minnesota serves the GLBT and allied communities of Minnesota with a wide variety of programs and services
(612) 822-0127
Transforming Families Minnesota
Support for transgender, gender-nonconforming, and gender questioning youth and their families to come together.
(612) 321-8416
Talk To Potential Therapists
Hopefully this article has helped you FIND some potential therapists. Now it is time to reach out to them to see who is available for an initial consultation. Many therapists offer a free 10-15 minute consultation to determine if they’re a good fit for your needs. Don’t hesitate to “shop around” and meet with several therapists to see who you feel most comfortable with.
You never know if a therapist is available until they reach back out to you after you call, text, email or send in a contact form on their website. It is surprising how many therapists don’t respond to inquiries from potential clients. Sometimes therapists are so busy meeting with clients all day and attending to their own lives in the evenings that they are unavailable to return phone messages until late in the evening or a few days later. So, my recommendation is to reach out to a handful of therapists and see how many are available to do an initial consultation with you.
Finding Low-Cost or Free Therapy Options
If you are in need of low-cost or free therapy, resources are available. Check out this video I made afew years ago with eight helpful tips.
Conclusion
I wish you the best of luck in your search for a therapist! Finding the right therapist in Minnesota doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right resources and a bit of patience, you can discover a mental health professional who meets your needs.
At Northfield Dynamic Therapy, we offer online therapy services for adults throughout Minnesota, along with ADHD and autism testing. Visit our website to learn more about our services and schedule your free consultation today!
