Family therapy and counseling in Minneapolis, MN

I am a passionate lifelong learner who brings a warm, adaptable personality to every session. Our work is deeply rooted in your personal growth, with a shared goal of long-term health and healing.

I bring a lot of life experience to my practice. I have worked in various fields throughout my life prior to making the career switch to therapy. I can relate to a lot of different perspectives and backgrounds and bring this to session with me. I show up authentically, being direct but also using humor to connect with clients when needed.

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.

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive utilization review, case management, hospice, and health informatics. Skilled in conducting comprehensive assessments, prescribing and managing medications, and delivering evidence-based therapies.

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.

Welcome! I am licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin as a LICSW and LCSW, with 9 years of experience helping people in many settings, including crisis intervention services, acute mental health settings, outpatient mental health services, and as a Clinical Director of residential treatment facility. I believe everyone deserves support and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. My goal is to empower you as the champion of your own well-being. I work with individuals, families, and couples of all ages, and I am here to support you wherever you are on your journey.

Welcome - I am so happy you're here. I graduated with my Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from The College of St. Scholastica in 2019 and have been working in the mental health field for 7 years. Whether you're navigating stress, relationships, or personal growth, my goal is to ensure you feel seen and empowered. My role is to walk alongside you as you discover new perspectives, strengths, and possibilities.

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.

My work is deeply rooted in empathy, lived understanding, and respect for each person’s unique healing process.

I am a survivor of domestic violence, and I understand firsthand the complex emotional impact of trauma, including fear, loss of control, self-doubt, and the long path toward safety and healing. I also experienced the loss of a parent during childhood, which gives me a deep appreciation for how grief, attachment wounds, and early loss can affect emotional development and adult relationships.

These experiences do not define my clients’ journeys, nor do I assume their experiences mirror my own. Instead, they allow me to sit with pain without minimizing it, rushing it, or trying to “fix” it. I understand how important it is to feel believed, respected, and heard.

Clients should also know that I value transparency, trust, and collaboration. Therapy with me is a space where your voice matters, your boundaries are honored, and your strengths are recognized. I am committed to providing trauma-informed care that is compassionate, steady, and grounded in both clinical skill and genuine human connection.