

Find therapy in Rochester with Cigna coverage and pay as low as $0 per session. Headway connects you with 580 licensed providers for virtual or in-person care, with availability within two weeks.
15 years practicing in Mental Health. I feel honored to walk along side my clients in their journey.
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).
With over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating grief and loss, life transitions, chronic illness, trauma (including first responders), aging-related concerns, and members of the agricultural and farming communities.
I provide telehealth services across multiple states, I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.
With 165+ reviews and a 4.96 rating on Zocdoc, I have specialized in advanced medication management for complex, treatment-resistant conditions. I utilize a neurobiological approach that focuses on frontal lobe/executive functioning, nervous system dysregulation, and neurotransmitter systems to diagnose and treat various concerns - ADHD/executive dysfunction, OCD, trauma/C-PTSD, high-masking autism, personality profiles, and cases where standard medication treatments have failed. While I specialize in clinical complexity, I bring that same deep, careful attention to treating anxiety, depression, and clients starting medication for the first time.
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 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.
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.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with experience in individual and group therapy since 2017. My approach is trauma-informed, empowering, and client-centered, tailored to meet the unique needs of adults, children, and families. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, which help clients develop healthier thought patterns, reframe their personal stories, and enhance motivation for change.
With experience supporting individuals facing severe and persistent mental health challenges, as well as those with sexually maladaptive behaviors, I create a safe and supportive space for healing and personal growth. Since opening my private practice in 2023, I have been committed to helping clients build resilience, navigate life’s challenges, and improve their overall well-being.
If you’re looking for a compassionate therapist dedicated to fostering healing and transformation, I would be honored to support you on your journey.
I am very appreciative of your time to review my profile, and excited to hear from you if this brief information creates an interest to learn more about me, and/or to begin the steps of working together. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys the diversity of working with individuals 18+, couples, and families. My work usually serves and offers support to those that are struggling with communication issues, stress/anxiety, trauma, and complex life issues. I seek to support those in need of culturally responsive and culturally sensitive services.



Headway makes it easy to get affordable in-network mental health care with Cigna — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to booking your first session.
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