Grief counselors and therapists in Duluth, MN

As a therapist, I take a client-centered, genuine, collaborative approach to the client’s needs and goals. I have over 19 years of experience with significant experience helping adult clients (18+) work through anxiety, mood disorders (depression/bipolar disorder), sexual addictions/offenses, trauma, grief/loss, men and women's issues, and general life stressors/transitions (work, relationships, parenting, etc).

Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and I believe you deserve someone who will meet you with compassion, curiosity, and respect. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to be yourself—without judgment—and where we can work together to better understand the challenges you're facing and the strengths you already possess.

I hold a master's degree in Addictions and Rehabilitation Counseling and am a license professional clinical counselor in the Minnesota. Before becoming a therapist, I earned my medical degree in Mexico, an experience that deepened my appreciation for the connection between emotional and physical well-being.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 15 years of nursing experience across a variety of healthcare settings. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a focus in psychiatric-mental health nursing and completed clinical training across the lifespan. My background has given me a strong understanding of how physical health, life experiences, and emotional well-being can all impact mental health. I value providing thoughtful, individualized care and building trusting relationships with the people I serve.

I am a holder of a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the state of Minnesota and a highly results-oriented multicultural therapist with over 10 years of experience. The value I bring to therapy is building a strong therapeutic relationship with my client. I have the skills, knowledge, and ability that are required as a therapist to gather comprehensive information during an assessment, which my client and I will utilize collaboratively to develop a supportive treatment plan and coping skills for the client to implement when their mental health symptoms exacerbate. I have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a good Knowledge of cultural differences.

Maybe you've had enough of feeling bad and you're ready to do something about it. I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and I've been a counselor since 1990. I started in rehabilitation counseling for people with brain injuries, saw how little mental health support they had, and went back to school to provide it. Since then, I've worked in schools, jails, methadone treatment, and employee assistance programs. Today, my practice focuses on individuals, teens, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, anger, and substance use.

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 work with teens and adults who are struggling with feelings of sadness, worry, dread, helplessness or unease. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or simply realizing that something in your life needs to change. Together we can make sense of the bigger picture of your life and the experiences, relationships, and environments that have shaped you.

I’m a curious therapist, and I want to understand you as a whole person. Together, we’ll identify patterns, figure out what might help you feel better, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. My goal is to help you create changes that feel meaningful and lasting.