Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Duluth, MN

Hello, I’m Dr. Stella Essien, Welcome!

As a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner (FNP & PMHNP), I have a passion for compassionate, equitable, and accessible mental health care practice that brings evidence-based, person-centered services to individuals and families across Minnesota.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, or addiction recovery, depression, or stress, I am here to support your path forward with warmth, professionalism, and purpose.

I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2012. I utilize a client centered approach in assisting my clients to remove barriers preventing them from living their best life. I utilize a variety of tools and encourage my clients to practice self-advocacy and be an active participant in decision making in their therapy. After all you are the expert on you.

I’m a bilingual therapist working with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, and major life transitions. Many of the people I support feel overwhelmed by overthinking, internal pressure, difficulty managing stress, and the uncertainty of what comes next.

In our work together, I focus on helping you make sense of what’s happening internally and develop practical ways to respond to stress and emotions. I integrate cognitive, somatic, and neuroscience-informed approaches to support both emotional and nervous system regulation.

I believe therapy should feel human. It can be structured but still fit your individual needs. I offer a space where you can show up as you are, while also doing meaningful work that leads to real shifts in how you experience and respond to life.

I have worked collectively for 31 years in public safety, crisis work, training and mental/chemical health. During my 16 years in law enforcement (LE) my experiences included being a Sergeant, SWAT Team Leader, Negotiator, Critical Incident Facilitator and Trainer. My experience in LE has led me to my passion in how trauma impacts our first responders. I have used my own experience as a first responder and woman in recovery, to transcend into my current role of a mental health and chemical health therapist working with not only first responders - police, fire, military, dispatchers, front line workers and corrections officers, but also any survivor, individual struggling with LGBT issues, addiction, relational struggles or trauma. I am able to be a conduit of change, sharing the journey with those who face the everyday stressful events, trauma or finding one's true identity. We are never alone. I am here to be a safe place and safe person to share and divide your pain. I am here to honor your experiences, share your success and build your resilience and healing.

My goal is to help you optimize your mental health and quality of life through a personalized evidence informed approach to care.

As a clinical social worker, I have spent the past 20+ years helping clients recognize their abilities to work through hurdles and live their best lives.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a Master's degree in Social Work. I have specialized training in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Permanency and Adoption, and have dedicated my career to supporting children, families, and caregivers through life's challenges.

Over the past two decades, I have worked in a variety of settings, including child protection, foster care and adoption services, early intervention programs, family home visiting, and community mental health. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the complex systems that impact children and families, as well as the resilience and strengths they bring to the healing process.

My areas of expertise include early childhood mental health, parenting support, foster care and adoption-related concerns, attachment and relationship challenges, trauma, family transitions, and helping caregivers navigate developmental and behavioral concerns. I am passionate about partnering with families to build on their strengths, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I provide a space rooted in safety, deep listening, and compassion. Healing is a sacred journey—a process of growing insight, clarity, and wisdom while reclaiming wholeness and transforming pain into purpose. Together, we can explore the paths that lead to a satisfying life filled with peace, joy, and mastery.

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.

My practice specializes 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.