Motivational Interviewing Therapists in Minnesota

At Up North Therapy, our mission is simple: to make quality mental health services accessible to the communities of Duluth, Two Harbors, Grand Marais, and surrounding areas of Wisconsin and Minnesota. I founded Up North Therapy after years of working in larger organizations, where I saw the need for a more personal and supportive approach — for both clients and staff. Here, you’ll find a warm, welcoming space where healing and growth are priorities. What We Offer: Individual therapy for children, teens, and adults; Couples and family therapy; Art therapy and somatic approaches alongside traditional talk therapy; Chemical dependency assessments and therapy; EMDR and brain spotting. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, life changes, trauma, or simply seeking greater balance and clarity, my therapists are here to walk alongside you. We use evidence-based practices, compassion, and creativity to help you feel supported and empowered.

Dedicated Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 16+ Years Experience Hello, I'm Elijah Yarpah, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in mental health. I have a strong passion for providing compassionate, personalized care to individuals of all ages. I graduated with a Master's in Mental Health Nursing from the University of North Dakota and hold a Ph.D. in Nursing. Throughout my career, I've worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community centers. I specialize in holistic treatment strategies that respect each patient's unique needs. My approach is grounded in respect and empathy, with a focus on enhancing mental wellness and improving quality of life. I also have extensive teaching experience, helping guide future healthcare professionals. My commitment to patient care extends beyond clinical practice, as I am continually refining my skills through education and collaboration with healthcare teams. My goal is to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care, feeling supported and understood every step of the way. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey to better mental health.

Welcome! It's a privilege to have you here where your health is a primary focus. I'm an experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, with a passion for delivering care that considers every aspect of your well-being. My professional background has enriched my practice with the ability to offer you truly personalized, holistic healthcare. In my practice, I take a comprehensive approach, which means I'm committed to understanding who you are beyond your health concerns. Together, we'll create a care plan that speaks to your individual needs. Through careful health assessments and diagnoses, I'll guide you through treatment options—be it medications, nutraceuticals, lifestyle coaching, or other supportive therapies—with clear communication so you're always an informed participant in your own care. I believe that understanding your health is key to managing it, so I place great emphasis on educating and empowering you. By discussing your health in straightforward terms, I aim to demystify the complexities of healthcare. Together, we'll navigate lifestyle changes and self-care practices that can elevate your day-to-day life. Rest assured, you're not alone on this journey—I collaborate with you to ensure you receive a comprehensive and integrated care. My dedication to professional growth means I'm constantly learning the latest evidence based treatment and practices—bringing you the most current knowledge in our sessions. Let’s work together in pursuit of your best mental and physical well-being. Your health story is unique, and I'm here to listen, support, and walk beside you every step of the way.

Hi! My name is Jennifer and I am passionate about providing compassionate and effective mental health care. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I'm dedicated to helping clients through difficult times and guiding them toward better well-being. I enjoy helping individuals with a variety of mental health concerns, including treatment resistant mental health disorders and treatment during pregnancy and the postpartum period. If you feel that you've tried everything, come see me and we can discuss this further! I've worked in the healthcare field since 2006, starting as a Certified Medical Assistant before becoming a nurse about 10 years later. I've worked in a variety of settings and with a variety of client populations. My experience in corrections/forensics has allowed me to increase my communication and crisis intervention skills. I am a proud member of both the International Association of Forensic Nurses and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, ensuring that my practice is always informed by the latest in mental health care. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, and staying active in the community. My goal is to establish an honest and trusting relationship with my clients while working together toward their goals. Thank you for considering me as your healthcare provider.

Dr. Jenny Shields is a licensed clinical psychologist and nationally certified healthcare ethics consultant who specializes in helping high-performing professionals find clarity, direction, and relief. She works with physicians, leaders, and caregivers who appear highly competent on the outside—but feel burned out, stuck, or quietly unraveling within. Her clinical approach is informed by deep experience in behavioral medicine, advanced training in bioethics, and a grounded commitment to care that honors each client’s complexity. Dr. Shields brings warmth, steadiness, and intelligence to spaces where life has lost its shape—helping clients reconnect with their values, strengthen their emotional flexibility, and take meaningful steps forward. 

When overwhelmed, many reach for ways to cope with distress. Sadly, that seemingly helpful behavior may become an addiction causing even more distress than ever before. Overcoming an addiction to substances, technology, or the like, doesn’t have to be done alone. For many, after the addiction is managed, the distress of the original problem remains, such as depression, anxiety, trauma or other mental health symptoms. I believe that the journey to recovery doesn’t stop when addictive behaviors cease, but rather in a holistic approach that addresses the issues that led to the consequences of addiction. Virtual therapy in NV, TX & UT. I completed my residency training at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, receiving an unparalleled experience in assessment and treatment of addiction and other mental health disorders. I utilize a blend of therapy approaches such as CBT, Humanistic, DBT, Solution Focused, and Motivational Interviewing to tailor therapy to the unique needs of the individual. As with any illness, clearly identifying the problem is paramount for treatment success. As a psychologist I am trained in both assessing and treating mental health disorders. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health issues, there is hope for recovery. Please schedule an initial appointment to take the next step towards pinnacle mental health.

Hello, I'm Michael Nwanna, a compassionate and experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With over 20 years of experience in both the mental health and medical health care field, I am committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care that empowers you to achieve your wellness goals. With a focus on patient-centered care, I work closely with individuals across the lifespan, addressing a wide range of mental health disorders including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Mood disorders, PTSD, Schizophrenia, and Substance use. I believe in open communication with patients and their families, ensuring they are informed and comfortable throughout the care process. My aim is to foster a supportive environment that encourages healing and trust. My mission is to provide compassionate, individualized care that empowers each client to achieve mental wellness and personal growth. I am committed to fostering a therapeutic partnership where clients are respected, and supported. Through a holistic approach, I integrate evidence-based practices with empathy and, at times, humor to create a healing environment that nurtures mind, body, and spirit. Treatment philosophy: I believe in compassionate, patient-centered care that meets individual needs. Every patient is unique and deserves personalized attention. My approach includes thorough assessments and open communication with patients and their families. I prioritize building trust, so we can work together towards your health goals. Using evidence-based methods, I provide tailored treatment plans, whether for mental health or physical recovery. I focus on comfort and support during your journey. I am dedicated to your well-being and recovery every step of the way. Specialties: Addiction ADHD Adult Psychiatry Alcohol dependency Anger Management Anxiety Autism Behavioral therapy Bipolar disorders Child Psychiatry Chronic Conditions Circadian rhythm disorders Conditions treated Co-occurring disorders Counseling Depression Detoxification management Eating disorders Emotional trauma Family Counseling Female Psychiatry Geriatric Psychiatry Insomnia Medication administration Men's Issues Mental Health Mood disorders Narcolepsy Nursing Obsessive-Compulsive OCD Opioid addiction Panic attacks Pediatric Psychiatry Personality disorder Phobias Prescription drug misuse Psychiatry Psychotherapy PTSD REM sleep behavior disorder Restless leg syndrome Schizophrenia Sleep disorder Stress Substance Abuse Trauma and PTSD Withdrawal symptoms Treatment approach: Behavior Modification Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) Collaborative Care Team Involvement Compassionate Care for Diverse Populations Crisis Intervention Techniques Data-Driven Clinical Documentation Evidence-Based Medication Management Individualized Treatment Planning Mindfulness & Stress Reduction Strategies Motivational Interviewing Patient Education & Support Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnosis Therapeutic Psychotherapy Approaches Trauma-Focused

Whether this is your first time seeking therapy, or not your first rodeo in the therapy arena, finding the right therapist for you is a Big Freaking Deal! You’ve likely been doing tireless research, visiting websites, unsure if you’ll find someone who truly gets you. What you want is… A therapist who is R-E-A-L, doesn’t hide behind a clipboard, nods and won’t just say “mm-hm” to everything that comes out of your mouth, or ask you 100 times “how does that make you feel?” You want a therapist whom you can sense a connection with and see that this person might understand you, better than you understand yourself. This may sound like a tall order, but you deserve to find the BEST possible person to do this life-progressing work with. The badass go-getter in me recognizes the badass go-getter in you! I’m here to help you get to work at becoming a better version of yourself. Making the first move can be tough, but I know deep down, you’ll muster up the strength you need. You’re ready to take the leap, no matter how scary it might be. You want someone who is willing to take this journey with you and push you towards the progress you want to make in your life! You’re ready to take the risk of learning new ways to handle problems that keep coming up and let go of your old ways of doing things.

Hi there! I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 20 years of nursing experience. I've spent a lot of time in trauma emergency rooms and peri-anesthesia care. My heart is in helping patients through compassionate care, education, and advocacy. I specialize in treating conditions like schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, depression, mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and addictions. Providing person-centered care is my guiding principle, and I work closely with psychiatrists, therapists, and office staff to ensure top-notch care. My top priority is making a positive impact on my patients' lives every day. I'm excited to support your healthcare journey with empathy and expertise.

Hello! My name is Lacie and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I strive to help the hopeless and hurting find healing to live a fulfilling life.