Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Saint Paul, MN

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.

I am empathetic, compassionate and listen actively to my patients.

Grief doesn't follow anyone else's timeline, and neither does healing. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors across a wide range of life experiences, with particular depth in grief, maternal mental health, anxiety, and the emotional weight of chronic or physical health challenges. As a certified Grief Support Specialist, I bring focused training to one of the most isolating things a person can go through, and I approach every person with genuine curiosity about their whole life, not just their symptoms.

People come to me in the middle of ordinary weeks. A door slams somewhere in the house and the chest goes tight. The dishes have been in the sink since Sunday. Someone died and everyone stopped asking about it in March. The drinking stopped and the feelings stayed. A marriage that talks about the calendar, the money, the dog, and never the thing underneath. Some people have carried theirs since childhood. Some were handed theirs last month. Children, teenagers, adults, couples, whole families, people in their eighties who were told it was too late for this. If you found one of your own weeks in that list, you are welcome here.

Choosing a mental health provider is an important decision, and I believe the best care begins with feeling heard and understood. I'm a triple board-certified Nurse Practitioner with certifications in Family Practice, Emergency Care, and Psychiatric-Mental Health. My background includes over two decades of experience caring for patients in both emergency medicine and psychiatry, which has given me the opportunity to work with people during some of their most challenging moments.

I founded Kraken Psychiatry because I wanted to create a practice that looks beyond symptoms and diagnoses. I believe mental health is influenced by many factors—including biology, life experiences, relationships, sleep, nutrition, stress, and physical health. My goal is to understand the whole person and help you develop an individualized treatment plan that reflects your unique needs and goals.

I work with adolescents and adults experiencing conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, OCD, mood disorders, and other complex mental health concerns. I also have a special interest in integrative and precision psychiatry, combining evidence-based psychiatric care with lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and other complementary approaches when appropriate.

Whether you're seeking medication management, looking for answers after years of struggling, or simply hoping to feel like yourself again, my goal is to partner with you and provide compassionate, thoughtful care every step of the way.

Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress management concerns, relationship issues, or the emotional weight of trauma and major life changes. You may be noticing overthinking, low motivation, self-doubt, communication problems, conflict in important relationships, or patterns that keep repeating no matter how hard you try to change them. I work with individuals, couples, and families who want more clarity, healthier relationships, and practical tools for moving forward.

My approach is relational, compassionate, and tailored to the person in front of me. I draw from evidence-based and attachment-focused therapies to help clients better understand themselves, strengthen emotional awareness, and create more meaningful change. Whether you are working through anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, family conflict, or the effects of past experiences on your present life, therapy can be a place to slow down, make sense of what is happening, and begin building something healthier..

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.

A former client called me "endlessly chill." I am known to wear more sweatshirts than more "professional" attire. I don't want to give off any energy that I am better than anyone who sits across from me. I am known to swear in sessions (but I do filter this per client).

I provide therapy for children, teens, adults, families, and groups, and I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, respected, and supported.

My clinical work focuses heavily on anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. I also work with individuals navigating grief, substance use concerns, emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, and trauma-related symptoms. I use a collaborative, client-centered approach and tailor treatment to each individual’s needs, goals, and strengths.

I am a clinical psychologist and licensed alcohol and drug counselor. I specialize in treating social anxiety and trauma, especially in neurodivergent teens and adults. Loneliness and social exhaustion are not acceptable because we are all made for love and community. Ongoing disconnection can cause despair. Addictions of all kinds frequently develop as a way to cope. I can treat anyone with these problems, but I would be an especially good match for those who know or suspect that their struggles may be related to late-identified autism, ADHD, or dyslexia.

I know starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you are carrying stress in your relationships, questioning yourself, or feeling stuck in patterns you want to change. My goal is to meet you exactly where you are and build a genuine, trusting relationship where you feel supported, understood, and encouraged to grow at a pace that feels right for you, without pressure, shame, or judgment. You do not have to sort through all of this on your own.