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Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Saint Paul, MN


Top prenatal and postpartum therapists and psychiatrists in Saint Paul, MN
Managing postpartum challenges in Saint Paul is easier with Headway's warm, solution-oriented providers who understand your unique needs. Our 221 licensed clinicians offer flexible scheduling, free consultations, and work directly with your insurance for affordable care.
15 years practicing in Mental Health. I feel honored to walk along side my clients in their journey.
My goal is to help you optimize your mental health and quality of life through a personalized evidence informed approach to care.
I want clients to know that I bring both clinical training and lived experience to the work we do together. As a therapist and a new mother, I understand how deeply transformative—and at times overwhelming—pregnancy and motherhood can be. My approach is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and evidence-based practice. I strive to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and free to explore your thoughts, emotions, and needs without judgment.
I value collaboration, honesty, and meeting you exactly where you are. I believe growth happens when we feel safe, heard, and guided with intention. My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself, clarify what truly matters, and build a life that feels aligned with your values—both as a mother and as an individual.
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.
You’ve spent so much of your life holding space for others—showing up, pushing through, doing what’s expected. But where do you go when you need space to exhale? My practice is a sanctuary for high-achieving, heart-centered individuals who are tired of performing strength and ready to cultivate something deeper: true balance, ease, and self-trust.
As a therapist, I hold space for the complexities of your experience, offering both warmth and directness to guide you toward sustainable healing. I believe that transformation happens when we integrate mind, body, and spirit—where deep insight meets intentional action. Together, we’ll explore the patterns keeping you stuck and build a foundation for a life that feels just as good as it looks on paper.
Whether you're navigating a difficult season or seeking long-term support, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy, insight, and unwavering care.
As a mother of five, I understand the complexities of life, relationships, and emotional resilience. I became a therapist to help others feel less alone and to guide those struggling with mental illness toward hope and healing. I’m passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and helping people reclaim their voice, strength, and sense of self. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, teens, and adults across a wide range of challenges — including anxiety, trauma, and depression.
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montana, with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
I am Melissa, I am a licensed independent clinical social worker. I have 10+ years of experience in a variety of mental health positions including casemanagement, ARMHS, county social work, substance use treatment settings, and hospital settings. I have a masters in social work from The University of New England. I work with a variety of diagnosis including anxiety, depression, PTSD, adjustment disorder and personality disorders. Also, phase of life concerns from adjusting to an addition to the family to retirement. I work primarily from a solution focused prospective. Working to change how experiences affect today's behaviors.
Welcome and I’m so proud of you for making it this far! Therapy can be intimidating, so I am here to support you and walk with you on your journey. My philosophy is that you are the expert in your own experiences and I am just along to help guide you as you need.
I specialize in working with children, aged 6 through 18, and adults facing diverse challenges. I have a specialty in working with individuals facing life transitions, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, grief/loss, perinatal/postpartum, confidence building, trauma, and social skills building.
Frequently asked questions


Find an expert who truly understands maternal mental health
Headway helps you find expert-guided support for every stage of motherhood — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Postpartum Therapist in Saint Paul, MN
Searching for postpartum therapists in Saint Paul starts with finding someone who has experience with the concerns that can come up after birth. Postpartum support can include postpartum depression therapy, counseling for postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, birth-related stress, identity shifts, and relationship strain. As you compare therapists, look for listed experience with perinatal mental health or credentials like PMH-C, which can signal specialized training in pregnancy and postpartum care.
Saint Paul has a steady network of mental health therapists, and the right fit may depend on both specialty and logistics. New parents may need appointment times that work around infant care, physical recovery, feeding schedules, or changing routines. Virtual therapy can expand your options when getting to an office is harder, while in-person sessions may be a better fit if you prefer a dedicated space. Reading therapist bios can help you compare communication style, postpartum experience, appointment availability, and whether a free phone consultation is offered.
Therapy in Saint Paul can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand your expected out-of-pocket cost before you book. Headway makes it easier to find postpartum therapists with clear profile details, so you can review bios, confirm availability and insurance details, and book directly when you’re ready.
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