Locations & Providers
Not ready yet?
MidWest Center for Personal & Family Development offers screening tools if you are experiencing feeling empty or hopeless, troubled by traumatic events, experiencing mood swings, constantly worried, struggling with substance abuse or concerned about a family members well-being.
Our People
St. Paul
Brittany Barkholtz
MSW, LGSW
Brittany earned her undergrad degree from Gustavus Adolphus College, BA in Music. She also earned her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) at the U of MN- Twin Cities. Brittany brings 2 years of experience in the mental health field to MidWest Center. Brittany has experience as a music director. Prior to starting with MidWest Center, Brittany worked for Face to Face Health and Counseling and Alexandra House. She has volunteer experience with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and To Write love on her Arms (TWLOHA). She enjoys working with Adolescents, Adults, Individuals and Families.
“I utilize a trauma-informed client-centered approach with roots in interpersonal, cognitive, and attachment theories, and my practice is rooted in a social justice, anti-oppression framework. I believe people are the experts in their own lives, and I work collaboratively with individuals through a strengths-based lens to foster hope, health and healing.”
Trauma-focused CBT
LGBTQ
Domestic Abuse
- Grief and Loss
- Adjustment Issues
- Life Transitions
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress
- Women’s Issues
- Stress Management
Kristy Costello
MA, LPCC
Kristy went to Capella University where she earned her Master’s in Counseling. She has 11+ years of experience in mental health. Prior to joining our staff, she gained valuable experience in a variety of settings such as in adult rehabilitative mental health services, in-home crisis intervention, applied behavior analysis, at-risk youth/play therapy, and working in community mental health and case management. Before transitioning to the mental health field, Kristy worked in special education, post-secondary education, and was a Network Support Analyst. Kristy enjoys working with adolescents and adults on an individual level
“I utilize a holistic approach, often using creative techniques unique to the individual and their interests, including imagery, relaxation, art, psycho-education and mindfulness based stress reduction.”
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Trauma
Life Transitions and Adjustments
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Member of the American Counseling Association
Dietrah C. Hiatt
MSW, LICSW
Dietrah attended the University of Minnesota where she received her Master’s in Social Work. She brings over 19 years of experience in the mental health field to our team. Prior to joining MidWest Center, Dietrah gained experience as a counselor for Native American children and as a therapist at Ramsey County Mental Health Center. In addition, she spent time as a guardian/conservator for adults with developmental disabilities. Outside of the mental health field, she notably served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Panamá as well as spent time as a Public Assistance caseworker in Washington DC. Dietrah enjoys working with adults and geriatric clients individually as well as working with groups.
“I listen empathetically to engage and support people as we work to heal and make changes to improve the quality of their lives.”
Trauma Survivors
- Grief and Loss
- Depression/Mood Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Spanish Speaking Clients
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Marcus Kuboy
MSW, LGSW
Marcus works with all different types of individuals, couples and families with a specialization in working with Veterans and the LGBTQIA community in a safe and collaborative environment to overcome life’s challenges, adapt to changes and increase quality of life.
- Veterans and Family Members
- LGBTQIA
- PTSD
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Depression/Anxiety
- Serious and Persistent Mental Illness
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Mindfulness-based Existential Therapy
Licensed Graduate Social Worker
NASW
David Brings
Ph.D, LP
David attended the University of Minnesota where he completed his Master’s in Psychology as well as earning his PhD in Psychology. He has over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. Prior to joining the MidWest Center team, he gained valuable experience working in a variety of settings including family practice healthcare, hospital healthcare, community social services, educational, & organizational human resources settings. In addition, he has notable experience working in Research and Development roles, Academic Advising in higher education, and training and development settings. David enjoys working with clients ages 18+ on an individual basis.
“My therapy approach is problem & solution focused, psychological & behavioral health counseling, therapy & consultation.”
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Life Stress
- Changes and Transitions
- Relational Stress
- Loneliness
- Family Stress
- Work Stress
- Traumatic Stress
- Traumatic Loss
- Addictive Behavior
- Recovery Support
- Bio-Psychosocial Development & Behavior
- Personality & Behavior
- Culture & Behavior
- Technology & Behavior
- Licensed Psychologist
Member of the American Psychological Association
Candace Frost
MSW, LGSW
Candace attended the University of St. Thomas where she earned her Master’s in Clinical Social Work. Prior to working at MidWest Center, Candace gained experience working in inpatient and outpatient settings, including a pediatric inpatient psychiatric hospital and intensive residential treatment services. She also worked at Ehrnriter Cares providing community-based services. Candace sees clients with a wide range of needs who would like to build resilience, increase feelings of vitality, learn healthier relational patterns, and make meaning of challenging life circumstances. She enjoys working with adolescents and adults on an individual basis as well as with couples and groups.
“I bring a sense of authenticity and care to the therapeutic relationship. I will engage deeply in your growth through reflective listening. We will collaborate to establish trust and explore your goals. I am a compassionate and feedback-informed provider, which means I prioritize your thoughts and feelings about your growth.”
Young Adults
- Anxiety
- Caregivers
- Identity Concerns
- Individuals Impacted by Disability
- Life Transitions
- Complex Pregnancies/Post Partum Issues
- Emotional Focused Therapy
- Existential Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
Licensed Graduate Social Worker
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Suzan Hurlbut
MA, LP
Suzan earned her Master’s in Counseling from the University of St Thomas and has 26+ years of experience in the mental health field. Prior to working at MidWest Center, she was at the Wilder Child Guidance Clinic as a psychologist where she co-founded the Family Sexual Abuse Project. Suzan also worked with Wilder to establish the concept of community schools in St Paul schools. She also has experience in chemical dependency, codependency, and working with personal faith & clergy issues. Suzan enjoys working with adults and geriatrics on an individual level as well as working with families and couples.
“My therapy approach is based on relationships and empowering individuals to find healing for themselves.”
Chemical Dependence
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Co-Dependency
- Adult Children of Alcoholics
- Faith Based Issues
- Grief
- Coping with Dementia
- Caregiving
- Sexual Abuse Recovery
- Clergy and Clergy Spouse Support
- Working with Diverse Populations
Licensed Psychologist
Member of Minnesota Women in Psychology
Anne Kunesh-Carney
MA, LMFT
Anne earned her Master’s in Psychotherapy & Counseling from the Alfred Adler Graduate School. She earned her Bachelors in Psychology from The University of St. Catherine. Anne brings 20 plus years of experience in the mental health field to MidWest Center. Prior to joining our team, Anne worked for Chemical Dependency, Autism Treatment, Employee Assistance, and Home-based Family Therapy Programs. She enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults.
“I am trained in Adlerian Psychology and Chemical Dependency Family Therapy. I utilize cognitive-behavioral family systems and faith-based approaches to assist clients in navigating obstacles to attain their goals and improving their well-being.”
ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Addiction Recovery
- Adoption
- Faith-based
- Parenting (especially special needs children)
- Premarital Counseling
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Cain
MSW, LICSW
Rachel joins MidWest Center with over 30 years of experience in the Mental Health field. She brings experience from an outpatient, managed care hospital setting. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from University of Michigan as well as her Bachelor’s in Anthropology. From 1998-2019 Rachel worked for Northeast Youth and Family Services as a therapist and manager. Rachel specializes in Relationships, Anxiety/Depression, Caregiver Issues and Grief & Loss. She enjoys working with adolescents, adults and geriatric clients, individuals, couples, and families.
“I offer strength-based, systems, and solution-focused perspectives. I listen carefully to clients’ concerns. I do a thorough assessment which includes looking at strengths and resources as well as cultural and spiritual values. I understand that clients may have mixed feelings about change; I see therapy as a collaborative process, moving at the client’s own pace. When appropriate, I use humor during our conversations! I am a photographer as well as a therapist and so the concepts of re-framing, looking through a different lens and shifting focus are themes in my work. Besides helping clients to create new visions, I offer practical suggestions for change.”
- Transitions
- Grief & Loss
- Relationships
- Caregiver Issues
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Jennifer Herman
MSW, LICSW, LMFT, QIDP, QDDP
Jennifer went to the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee where she earned her Master’s in Social Work. While she was enrolled, she also earned certificates in Marriage and Family Therapy and Trauma Counseling. She has over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She brings experience from working in social work for counties and private sectors along with volunteering her time doing clinical work. Jennifer enjoys working with children ages 4+, adolescents, and adults on an individual basis as well as working with families and couples.
“My therapy style is interactive, collaborative, and mostly direct (aside from play therapy). I am actively engaging throughout the therapeutic process by being supportive, understanding, and challenging. I work from an eclectic model in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative, Insight, Dramatic Play, Art, Guided Imagery, Solution Focused, and other related treatment modalities.”
Self Esteem
- Family Violence
- Issues of Harassment and Bullying in Children
- Anxiety Issues
- Depression/Mood Disorders
- Physical/Sexual Abuse Survivors
- ADD/ADHD
- Divorce/Separation Issues
- Children and Adults wth Brain Injuries, Intellectual & Other Developmental Disabilities
- Blended Families
- Dramatic/Fantasy/Art Therapy
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Member of the National Association of Social Workers
- Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
- Certified as a Qualified Developmental Disability Professional (QDDP)
Annette Jacob
MSW, LICSW
Annette graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Master’s in Social Work. She has 30+ years of experience in mental health. Prior to working at MidWest, Annette was in the healthcare field working for Health Partners. Molly enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and geriatrics on an individual basis as well as working with couples, families, and groups.
“My approach aims at enabling the client to 1) find healthy and constructive ways to cope with life’s daily challenges 2) identify, recognize, and learn to prevent future distress, and 3) transform feelings to enable healing.”
Depression/Mood Disorders
- Anxiety/Panic Disorders
- Anger Issues
- Trauma Treatment
- Sensorimotor Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Licensed Clinical Social worker
Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Member of the National Association of Social Work
Kelley Garry Marschall
MA, LPC
Kelley earned her master’s in Counseling and Psychological services at St. Mary’s University and has over a decade of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in helping people with anxiety, including a specialty in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder using Exposure Response Prevention. Kelley comes to her interest in anxiety honestly after spending the first part of her career in the film and advertising business. And although she adores children and child development, her focus is on helping the kid within people ages 18+ to infinity.
“I approach therapy in partnership with whomever I am helping. I use person-centered- cognitive behavioral therapy (with a dash of humor) to help people get to know and understand themselves in a way that helps manage anxiety, uncertainty, avoidance, and the pursuit of perfection. Essentially, we work together to change anxious thoughts and the behavior those thoughts can trigger.”
Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Life Transitions
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Member of the International OCD Foundation
Mary Jo Faustgen
MA, LMFT
Mary Jo has a BA in Physiology, a BS in Medical Technology, and an MA in Counseling and Psychotherapy. Before joining MidWest Center, she was Associate Professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University. She has 20 years experience in mental health and is a Board Certified Supervisor with the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.
“I believe therapy can open up new avenues of insight into personal healing as well as positive change in individual lives and interpersonal relationships. I am dedicated to being respectful, supportive, and encouraging to each and every client. My goal is to work with my clients towards positive growth, increased happiness, and goal-oriented solutions.”
- Anxiety and Stress Management
- Depression
- Grief and Loss
- Chronic/Terminal Illness: Individual and Group
- Pain Management: Individual and Group
- Anger Management: Individual and Group
- Christian Therapy
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Member – American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
- LMFT Board-Approved Supervisor
- Positive Psychology, Mr. Martin Seligman, University of Pennsylvania
- Medical Neuroscience, Dr. Leonard E. White, Duke University
- Mind-Body-Spirit: Natural Alternatives to Opiods for Chronic Pain Management
- CALMing the Anger Within
Susan Banal
MSW, LICSW
Susan earned her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Minnesota. Susan also has her Bachelor’s from the College of Saint Benedict. She has 25 years of experience working in the mental health field. Prior to joining the MidWest Center team, she worked at the University of Minnesota Medical Center Fairview providing collaborative psychotherapy services to individuals, families and groups with a spectrum of mental, emotional and life transition issues. Susan also provided outpatient therapy at Therapy Connections. Susan enjoys working with adults on an individual basis as well as working with young adults facing challenges transitioning to college or other pursuits.
“My therapy approach is client centered, collaborative, systemic and strength-based that integrates interventions and strategies that reduce distress, increase self-knowledge and attainment of life goals.”
Anxiety
Depression
- Adjustment to Life Transitions
- ADHD
- Grief
- Mindfulness Stress Management
- Parenting, Including Special Needs
- Mood Disorders
- Work Issues
- Adoption
- Relationship Issues
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
National Association of Social Work
Linda Oakes
MA, Ph.D, LP
Linda earned her PhD from the University of Minnesota. She has been licensed as a psychologist for more than 25 years. In addition to 20+ years at MidWest Center, Linda has worked in other metro mental health clinics. Linda was a teacher in the Bay Area (California) prior to her career as a psychologist. Linda enjoys working with individuals 18 years and older.
“My therapy approach is eclectic (insight, cognitive, behavioral, relaxation, mindfulness). I like to work together with clients to develop goals, understand & overcome obstacles to the goals, and make the necessary changes to attain the goals.”
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief/Loss
- Career Concerns
- Life Stages & Transitions
- Self-Esteem
- Stress Management
- Relationship Concerns
- Licensed Psychologist
Marilyn Olson
MA, LP
Marilyn attended St Mary’s University where she received her degree in Counseling Psychology. She has 20+ years of experience in the mental health field. Prior to joining the MidWest Center team, she worked in a variety of settings gaining valuable experience such as at the Wilder Child Guidance Clinic and Jewish Family and Children Services. In addition, she was a school psychologist for grades K-12 and was an adjunct professor at the University of St Thomas. Also, one of Marilyn’s past jobs was working with support groups for the Family Violence Network. She enjoys providing individual counseling to adolescents and adults and also enjoys working with couples, families, and groups. Also to note, Marilyn pursued special training in DBT therapy and is certified by the State of Minnesota as a DBT therapist.
“My approach is to build a relationship where we can work together to reach the client’s goals.”
Depression
- Anxiety
- Blended Families
- Eating Disorders
- Abuse Issues
- Personality Disorders
- Abuse Issues
- Personality Disorders
- Mindfulness
- Acute Stress
- Self-Esteem Issues
- Single Parent Families
- Post Traumatic Stress
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Couples Therapy
- Emotional Focused Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Licensed Psychologist
Member of the American Psychological Association
Member of the Minnesota Psychological Association
- Member of the Minnesota Women in Psychology
Rebecca Pihl
MSW, LICSW
Becky graduated from the University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine Social Work Master of Social Work program in 2003. She has 15+years of experience in social services and mental health. Becky also does outpatient social work at Hennepin/Health Senior Care Clinic. Prior to joining MidWest Center, Becky worked in Outpatient & in-home therapy, hospital social work, geriatric health care, ARHMS/CTSS services, pediatric hospital social work/mental health assessment, preschool and children’s day treatment. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults and seniors.
“As a compassionate and trained listener, I partner with people to explore new perspectives and tolls for approaching life that will guide and strengthen them through their struggles. I integrate therapeutic strategies to meet people where they are at & identify the path toward solutions. Through a trusting relationship, I help people process the experiences that shape their current responses to life and become more able to move toward healing and growth.”
Psychodynamic/attachment-based psychotherapy
- Trauma Recovery & Processing
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Ego State Therapy
- Chronic Health Concerns
- Caregiver Support
- Grief & Loss
- Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
- Severe and Persistent Mental Illness
- Diverse Populations
- Life Transition & Adjustment Issues
- Depression/Mood Disorders
- Anxiety/Panic Disorder
- Somatic Psychotherapy
- Mindfulness-Based Approaches
- Geriatric Mental Health
- Women’s Issues
- Dementia
- Adult Children/12 Step Recovery
- Co-dependency/relationship issues
- Self-esteem & shame issues
Our People
Burnsville
Alisha Beyer
MA, LMFT
Alisha studied at Argosy University where she earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. She brings over 10 years of experience in the mental health field to her position with us at MidWest Center. Prior to joining our team, she gained experience in several treatment facilities such as a Pre-School Day Treatment Center, Adolescent Mental Health/CD Day Treatment Center, and served as a Clinical Supervisor at an Autism Treatment Facility. Alisha enjoys working with children and adolescents on an individual level as well as with couples, families, and groups.
“I enjoy working with children, teens, and families using a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused therapy.”
- Social Skills Issues
- Parenting Issues
- Children and Teens
- Play Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Supervision for Unlicensed Providers
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- MN & AAMFT Approved Clinical Supervision
Kathy Schliesman
MA, LMFT
Kathy has 12+ years of experience working in mental health field. She graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her previous experiences include Secure Base Counseling Center and Waters Edge Counseling and Healing Center. Kathy currently sees clients virtually via a HIPAA compliant platform and enjoys working with adults, couples, and families.
“I use a relational, person-centered approach to create a warm, non-judgmental environment in which clients can process, heal, and grow. I work with adults, couples, and families and have special interest in Depression, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Grief, Early Relational Trauma, Parenting Concerns, Family Conflict, and Relationship Issues.”
Anxiety/Depression
- Stress
- Life Transitions
- Grief and Loss
- Early Relational Trauma
- Parenting Concerns
- Family Conflict
- Relationship Issues
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Post Induction Therapy (PIT)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Jill Carlson
MA, LPCC
Jill earned her Master’s Degree from the Alfred Adler Graduate School. She has 5+ years of experience in the mental health field. Prior to joining the MidWest Center team, she worked in health insurance administration and community-based social services, as well as a residential chemical health facility. Before she transitioned into mental health, she gained experience working in career counseling, academic advising, and financial aid counseling in higher education. Jill works with children, adolescents, and adults on an individual basis as well as families and groups.
“I believe a counseling session should be collaborative and hopeful with a focus on problem solving; clients have been encouraged by my flexible approach and my sense of humor.”
- Chemical Dependency Issues
- Post-Partum Depression and Anxiety
- Gender Identity and GLBT Concerns
- Bipolar Illness
- Teens and Young Adults
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Member of the Humanists of Minnesota
Kathryn Weise
MA, LMFT
Kathryn attended St. Mary’s University where she earned a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. She earned her Bachelor’s in English and Music from St. Thomas. Kathryn has been in the mental health field for 3 years. Prior to joining us, she worked at St. David’s Autism Day Treatment Program and in their ASDSS Program (in home therapy). Kathryn also worked at Therapy Connections doing outpatient therapy, and she was the leader of their DBT Adolescent Group. Kathryn works with children, adolescents and adults individually and also enjoys working with couples and families.
“I use humor and directness with an evidence-based approach to therapy with a focus on DBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and various Family Systems therapies to meet each client & family systems goals.”
Play Therapy
- Couples Therapy
- Grief and Loss
- Life Transitions
- Self-Esteem Issues
- Behavioral Concerns
- Parenting/Parent Coaching
- Premarital Counseling (prepare/enrich)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Lisa Perlock
MA, LPCC
Lisa earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University. She has 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Prior to joining the MidWest Center team, she gained experience in an intensive outpatient program, in a day treatment program for both children and adults, and at an intensive early behavioral intervention program. She also had the opportunity to be a research assistant in the University of Minnesota’s Child Development Department. Lisa enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults who need individual counseling as well as couples, families, and groups.
“My therapeutic approach is to align the client with the most appropriate intervention and strategies to create a lasting and positive learning experience that will hopefully lead them to the desired change they seek in their life, and to a better sense of emotional well-being.”
- Autism related to Mental Health
- Anxiety
- ADD/ADHD/Learning Disorders
- Children’s Mental Health
- Trauma
- Depression/Mood Disorders
- Adjustment Disorders
- Anger Management/Disruptive Disorders
- Adoption/Foster Cases
- Self-Esteem
- Identity Issues or Concerns
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Alison Whiteaker
MA, LMFT
Alison graduated from the U of MTC with her Bachelor’s in Psychology. She earned her MA MFT from St. Mary’s University. Prior to joining MidWest Center, Alison worked in Non-profit and In-Patient, and Private Practice. Alison enjoys working with children ages 5-12, adolescents ages 13-17, and adults. She works with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
“Person centered, strength based, and solution focused.”
- Eating Disorders
- Hoarding Disorders
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety/Depression
- Adjustment/Transitions
- Relationship Counseling
- Family Therapy
- Trauma/Grief and Loss
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Molly Kehr
MA, LMFT & Director of Business Development
Molly earned her Master’s Degree from Saint Mary’s University and has 10+ years of experience in mental health. She serves as a clinician and is also our Director of Business Development. Prior to MidWest Center, she worked in an outpatient clinic where she was a provider as well as the Compliance Director. Also, she has experience in an Adolescent DBT Day Treatment Program. Molly enjoys working with adolescents and adults individually as well as couples and families.
“I believe in a collaborative approach in which clients are the experts on their lives. I work with them providing the skills and support they need to feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives”
Depression
- Anxiety
- Adjustment Disorders
- Adolescent Issues
- Parenting Concerns
- ADHD
- Academic Performance Issues
- Stress Management
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Minnesota Board Approved Supervisor
Our People
Rochester
Doug Petrie
MA, LPCC, CNT, RPT
“I utilize a trauma-informed client-centered approach with roots in interpersonal, cognitive, and attachment theories, and my practice is rooted in a social justice, anti-oppression framework. I believe people are the experts in their own lives, and I work collaboratively with individuals through a strengths-based lens to foster hope, health and healing.”
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Member of the National Association of Social Workers
Board Member of the Minnesota Society for Clinical Social Work