Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Duluth, MN covered by Cigna

Hello, my name is Laura Riness. I have a Ph.D in Psychology and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I have worked in the mental health and psychoeducational fields for approximately 15 years. I have most enjoyed getting to know my clients and working with them to create the most healthy version of themselves.

I earned my doctorate in Psychology in 2013, and my independent license (MN) in 2017. I am most passionate about reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental health services, as well as making services accessible to as many people as possible. My other interest is encouraging people to try virtual therapy. It can be more convenient, and really is no different than face-to-face therapy. Give it a try! The same guidelines apply whether in person or via telehealth. You will be seen and respected no matter what!

For the past eighteen years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals, children, and families across both clinical and K–12 educational settings. My professional journey has included roles as a Professional School Counselor, 504 Coordinator/Learning Specialist, and Clinical Therapist, giving me a unique understanding of how emotional, cognitive, and learning needs intersect.

Over time, my view of mental health has expanded. I’ve always been interested in nutrition, movement, sleep, and lifestyle as contributors to emotional wellness. But everything shifted when I began integrating mindfulness, contemplative practices, and a deeper exploration of hormone health—both personally and professionally. Understanding how hormones influence mood, stress, and cognition opened an entirely new dimension of care.

I now approach therapy through a whole-person lens that honors the connection between mind, body, hormones, and environment.

I'm a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience working with adults navigating some of life's hardest seasons — infertility, adoption, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and the kind of grief that doesn't have a clear name yet. I'm faith-integrated in my approach, which means I honor the role spirituality plays in your life without ever making it a requirement. My clients describe me as warm, easy to talk to, and refreshingly direct. I don't do one-size-fits-all therapy — every treatment plan starts with your story.

Grief is my specialty. I've lived it, not just studied it. I was a guardian and caregiver for my parent through Bipolar Disorder and Alzheimer's Disease, which means I understand what it's like to grieve someone who is still here, to navigate a complex medical system on someone else's behalf, and to carry your own needs while holding everyone else's.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17 years of experience across mental health, child welfare, hospice, and hospital settings, and I hold a Doctorate in Health Sciences. I work with individuals facing grief at every stage: life cycle changes, chronic illness, and end-of-life. I'm also trained as an end-of-life doula and hold certifications in palliative and trauma-informed care.

I'm licensed in Indiana and Minnesota.

I like to meet my clients “where they’re at”, meaning I’ll start wherever you need to. It is sacred to me that I provide a therapeutic setting where it is safe for you to be vulnerable and real- with no judgement or criticism. Within this safe space, we'll work together to find some clarity with your struggles or brokeness. "Courage is not having the strength to go on, it is going on when you don't have the strength". -Eleanor Roosevelt

You don't have to do this alone. Start your healing journey now. Unless you try to do things differently, nothing will change.

Education: Saint Marys University

Degree/Diploma: Master of Arts

Year Graduated: 2008

Year I Began Practice: 2007

Bachelors’ Degree: University of Northwestern

Graduated “With Distinction” in 2005

Bachelors of Arts

As a licensed therapist with over 10 years of experience, I’m here to help you feel more like yourself again. If you’ve been dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or just feeling overwhelmed, we’ll work together to slow things down, make sense of what you’re going through, and find a path forward that actually feels manageable. I work with children, teens, and adults, and my goal is always to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported from the very start.

Welcome - I am so happy you're here. I graduated with my Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from The College of St. Scholastica in 2019 and have been working in the mental health field for 7 years. Whether you're navigating stress, relationships, or personal growth, my goal is to ensure you feel seen and empowered. My role is to walk alongside you as you discover new perspectives, strengths, and possibilities.

As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), I bring over 15 years of experience supporting individuals through significant life challenges and personal transformation. My background includes working in crisis mental health, emergency department settings, substance use treatment, and behavioral health, giving me a deep understanding of how mental health impacts every aspect of wellness. While I do have experience and can work with individuals wanting to address their overall mental health, I specialize in supporting individuals who are on a transformation journey, whether that involves weight loss surgery, GLP-1 medications, recovery from emotional eating patterns, improving self-esteem, managing anxiety or depression, or creating sustainable lifestyle changes. Major physical changes often bring unexpected emotional challenges, and many people find they need support adjusting to their “new normal.