Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Rochester, MN

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’m a licensed therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence. I know that reaching out for help isn’t always easy—so just by being here, you’ve already taken an important and courageous first step. Over the years, my work has increasingly centered around supporting young women and teens (ages 15–25) who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed by life transitions.

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 have been a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker for over 10 years. I love meeting people where they are at and helping them get to where they want to be. I have found a lot of success with clients who are ready for change - signing up for therapy is the first step. If you are ready, let's begin.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I received my Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis and my Bachelor of Arts from California Lutheran College. I was also honored to receive departmental distinction in my class at California Lutheran University.

I have extensive experience in the mental health field, particularly in relationship healing. I work with adults, couples, and families as they deal with challenges and struggles in life. I work with individuals in the areas of depression, grief/loss, anxiety, spectrum disorders, relationship challenges, betrayal, and more. My work and experience with couples centers around communication, conflict management, affair repair, sex/intimacy issues, loss of connection, and relationship healing. I believe 90% of life is not what happens to us but how we react to situations. I am here to navigate through difficult situations and life stressors, and to help you find hope, healing, fulfillment, and personal growth.

I am passionate about providing a safe, respectful, and warm environment to work through a variety of concerns and begin the healing process in a person-centered way. I believe spirituality is an essential component of mental health and practice from a Christian worldview. I use an eclectic approach in therapy, including psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I would be honored to journey with you through your therapeutic process.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with a Master’s degree in Counseling from Adler Graduate School, and I have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. 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. One of the things clients often tell me is that I am authentic, down-to-earth, and easy to connect with. I believe therapy works best when there is a strong, trusting relationship and when clients feel safe enough to be fully themselves.

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.

When a child, teen, or family is struggling, it can affect every part of daily life. You may be noticing emotional changes, behavioral challenges, increased conflict at home, difficulties at school, or a growing sense that something just doesn't feel right. It can be hard to know how to help, especially when the strategies that once worked no longer seem effective. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, stress, depression, relationship difficulties, OCD, eating disorders, and behavioral concerns. Many of the families I support are looking for practical solutions while also wanting to strengthen communication and connection. My goal is to create a supportive space where children, teens, and families feel understood, build on their strengths, and develop healthier patterns that promote resilience and long-term emotional well-being.

Hi, I'm LaRae! I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have experience working with adults struggling with anxiety, life changes, and trauma.

I’m a bilingual therapist working with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, and major life transitions. Many of the people I support feel overwhelmed by overthinking, internal pressure, difficulty managing stress, and the uncertainty of what comes next.

In our work together, I focus on helping you make sense of what’s happening internally and develop practical ways to respond to stress and emotions. I integrate cognitive, somatic, and neuroscience-informed approaches to support both emotional and nervous system regulation.

I believe therapy should feel human. It can be structured but still fit your individual needs. I offer a space where you can show up as you are, while also doing meaningful work that leads to real shifts in how you experience and respond to life.

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.

I value the work I do and invite you to take a chance towards healing.