LGBT therapists in Rochester, MN

I believe that you are the expert in your own life. Oftentimes people seek therapy as a way to cope with difficult environments, navigating a complex and rapidly changing world without the support they need to overcome obstacles. I have worked with disenfranchised folks most of my life - many impacted by systems involvement, lack of access to services, homelessness, and intimate partner violence. Past clients have shared they genuinely appreciate having a helping professional who meets them where they are at in life, supports them in achieving realistic goals, and keeps dignity, respect and honesty at the forefront of the work.

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.

Hello, I’m Shelia Ransom Jenkins, MSW, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families through life’s challenges. I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach to therapy, creating a safe space where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered.

I hold a Master of Social Work and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and my professional background includes work in community mental health, educational settings, and clinical leadership roles. I have experience helping clients manage anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship and family conflict, behavioral concerns, life transitions, and stress related to work, school, and personal growth. I also have specialized training in perinatal mental health, supporting individuals experiencing postpartum depression and related mood disorders.

My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and strengths-based interventions, tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, practical, and rooted in trust.

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, navigating a difficult transition, or seeking deeper self-understanding, my goal is to support you with empathy, clarity, and encouragement as you work toward healing and lasting change.

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.

As a board certified and licensed clinical professional counselor, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to stability in life. Seeking help can be a hard initial step and I am glad you are here. I have worked with various populations and have a diverse background including trauma, crisis, depression, anxiety, grief and relationship problems.

Hello! I’m Gwen Scherr, a marriage and family therapist who supports couples, families, and individuals across the lifespan who may be tired of just coping through life and are ready to move toward deeper healing and growth. I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, family issues, identity concerns, and the stress that can come from feeling disconnected from yourself or the people you love. Many of the people I work with want more than symptom relief — they want to feel more grounded, understood, and able to thrive in their relationships and daily lives. My goal is to offer a supportive space where you can slow down, feel seen, and begin moving toward a fuller, more authentic life!

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.

Hello! I've been in the mental health field for nine years, working with eating disorders, personality disorders, trauma, and addiction issues. I am a Queer identifying therapist and am polyamorous, and work well with folks looking to explore themselves more. I love using humor, warmth, and a direct approach in my work with people. I have been formally trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Anchored Relational Therapy for C-PTSD, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. The thing I care most about is building a comfortable and trusting therapeutic relationship with whomever I work with.

Dr. Stiehm received an Educational Doctorate from Argosy University, where the focus of his research was campus safety and security. Dr. Stiehm’s research focused on the less transit population of faculty, and their individual perceptions of safety/security as opposed to the transitional student population, which rotates every 9-12 months at least. Out of his research Dr. Stiehm has published articles and has been interviewed on topics related to campus safety, security and law enforcement. Have over 3yrs experience as a therapist. LGBTQIA, friendly therapist.

Sometimes it feels like you're carrying more than anyone else realizes. Anxiety, depression, painful experiences, parenting responsibilities, cultural expectations, or major life changes can leave you feeling emotionally exhausted and unsure of how to move forward. You may be taking care of everyone else while struggling to care for yourself. You don't have to keep doing it alone. I partner with individuals experiencing anxiety, stress management, panic disorder, cultural and ethnic issues, and trauma so they can build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create a greater sense of balance and confidence in their everyday lives. Working with adolescents, adults, and families, I strive to create a compassionate, culturally responsive environment where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and empowered to grow. Over the past ten years, I’ve had the joy of working with wonderful, diverse communities—from LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC individuals to those navigating mental illness, homelessness, and co-occurring challenges. As a child of immigrants myself, I truly understand the cultural barriers around mental health. I’m here to help break down those walls and create a warm, safe space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported.