Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mental Health Counseling Partner in Hackensack
Birch Lake Counseling was founded in 2005 to address the critical need for accessible mental health services in Cass County. Our mission centers on providing hope and healing through personalized counseling that respects the emotional, physical, spiritual, and cultural dimensions of each individual. With offices in Hackensack, Wadena, and Remer, Minnesota, we offer in-person and telehealth services to accommodate diverse client needs. Our team of licensed professionals specializes in evidence-based therapies for individuals, couples, families, and children, including trauma-informed care and play therapy. We prioritize creating tailored treatment plans that empower clients to navigate life's challenges, strengthen relationships, and achieve personal growth.By integrating modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing, we address complex issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, and attachment disorders. Our commitment to community extends to collaborating with local organizations and offering sliding-scale fees for eligible clients. Over 18 years of service, we have cultivated a reputation for compassionate, client-centered care that fosters lasting positive change.
Services
Individual Therapy
Family Therapy
Play Therapy
Trauma Therapy
Couples Counseling
Marriage Counseling
Child Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's unique needs
- Our therapists specialize in evidence-based modalities like EFT and CBT
- We maintain three accessible locations across central Minnesota
- Telehealth options available for remote therapy sessions
- Sliding-scale fees available for income-eligible clients
What people say
Compassionate care
Personalized treatment plans
Experienced therapists
Positive outcomes
Supportive environment
Services
Individual Therapy
Our individual therapy sessions provide a safe space for adults and adolescents to address emotional challenges, life transitions, and mental health concerns. Therapists use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems to help clients develop coping strategies, improve self-awareness, and achieve personal growth. Sessions focus on building resilience and fostering positive behavioral changes through collaborative goal-setting.
Family Therapy
Family therapy addresses relationship dynamics and communication patterns across all life stages. Using systemic approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy, our clinicians help families navigate conflicts, strengthen bonds, and resolve intergenerational issues. Sessions focus on improving emotional understanding, establishing healthy boundaries, and creating supportive home environments for children, adolescents, and adult family members.
Trauma Therapy
Specialized trauma therapy employs Somatic Experiencing and EMDR techniques to help clients process traumatic experiences. Our clinicians address symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and complex trauma by regulating nervous system responses and integrating fragmented memories. Treatment emphasizes body-mind connection, safety establishment, and gradual exposure to promote healing from past injuries and adverse life events.
Play Therapy
Play therapy utilizes child-directed activities to help young clients express emotions and develop coping skills. Therapists use evidence-based techniques to address behavioral issues, anxiety, and trauma symptoms in children aged 3-12. Sessions incorporate creative expression and structured interventions to improve emotional regulation, social skills, and family communication patterns through developmentally appropriate methods.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts in romantic relationships. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy, clinicians help partners identify destructive interaction patterns, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connections. Sessions emphasize attachment needs, conflict de-escalation, and creating shared relationship goals to foster long-term intimacy and partnership satisfaction.
People
Carol Horsager
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Carol Horsager specializes in family relationships and trauma therapy with 15+ years of experience. She uses Emotionally Focused Therapy and Somatic Experiencing to help clients overcome childhood trauma, anxiety, and attachment disorders. Carol holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota and Post Graduate Certification in Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel Seminary.
Shannon Kempf
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Shannon Kempf brings 30+ years of mental health experience, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma-informed care. Her expertise includes working with personality disorders and complex mental health cases. Shannon earned her MSW from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and has been independently licensed since 2010, combining clinical excellence with compassionate care.
Kate Friesner
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Kate Friesner focuses on couples therapy and trauma recovery using EMDR techniques. With a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel Seminary, she helps clients address mood disorders, attachment issues, and relationship challenges. Kate integrates narrative therapy and emotion regulation strategies to support lasting personal growth and healing.
Molly Slovnik
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Molly Slovnik specializes in play therapy and trauma treatment for children and families. With 17 years in social services and a Master of Social Work from Boise State University, she combines parts therapy with mindfulness practices. Molly's holistic approach addresses trauma impacts while promoting resilience through creative and nature-based therapeutic interventions.
Rachal Cross
Licensed Graduate Social Worker
Rachal Cross provides mental health services for adolescents and families, focusing on strengths-based approaches. A recent MSW graduate from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, she utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and narrative techniques. Rachal's training includes chemical dependency counseling and preparation for play therapy certification, supporting comprehensive client care.
Questions
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, all sessions and records remain strictly confidential unless you provide written consent for information sharing.
How does therapy differ from talking to friends?
Therapists provide professional, objective guidance using evidence-based techniques to help you develop specific coping strategies and insights.
What happens during the first session?
The initial session focuses on building rapport, discussing your concerns, and establishing treatment goals in a non-judgmental environment.
How long does therapy take?
Treatment duration varies based on individual needs, with progress depending on your active participation and openness to the process.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans and offer sliding-scale fees for those without coverage or limited income.
