Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you accept insurance?
Yes. Main Street Family Services accepts most major insurance plans. Because insurance coverage can vary depending on your specific plan, our office staff is happy to verify your benefits before your first appointment. If you have questions about your coverage or payment options, please contact us and we’ll help you understand your options.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Scheduling an appointment is easy. You can call our office during business hours or complete the appointment request form on our website. Our team will answer your questions, help match you with a therapist who fits your needs, and schedule your first appointment at a convenient time.
How soon can I get an appointment?
Appointment availability varies depending on the therapist and the type of services you’re seeking. We make every effort to schedule new clients as quickly as possible and will discuss current availability when you contact our office. If you have a preference for a specific therapist, we’ll let you know their next available appointment.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. Main Street Family Services offers secure telehealth counseling for many services, allowing clients to meet with their therapist from the comfort and privacy of their home. Telehealth availability may vary depending on the therapist, your location, and your insurance plan. Our office can help you determine whether virtual counseling is an option for your situation.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is an opportunity to get to know your therapist and share what brought you to counseling. Together, you’ll discuss your concerns, goals, personal history, and any questions you may have about the counseling process. Your therapist will work with you to develop a plan that fits your unique needs. There’s no pressure to share everything at once—we move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Do I need a referral to start counseling?
In most cases, you do not need a referral to begin counseling. However, some insurance plans may require one. If you’re unsure about your coverage, our office staff is happy to help verify your insurance benefits and let you know if a referral is needed before your first appointment.
What communities do you serve?
Main Street Family Services proudly serves individuals, couples, and families in Elk River and the surrounding communities, including Big Lake, Zimmerman, Otsego, Rogers, Ramsey, Princeton, St. Michael, Albertville, Becker, and throughout Sherburne, Wright, and Anoka Counties. Many of our clients appreciate receiving quality mental health services close to home without traveling to the Twin Cities.
Do you offer therapy for anxiety in Elk River?
Yes. Main Street Family Services provides therapy for anxiety for children, teens, and adults in Elk River and the surrounding communities. Our therapists work with clients experiencing excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, stress, and other anxiety-related concerns. We use evidence-based approaches to help people better understand their anxiety and build healthy coping skills.
How do I know if I should see a therapist for anxiety?
If anxiety is making it difficult to enjoy daily life, sleep, work, attend school, or maintain relationships, counseling may help. Many people seek therapy when they notice their worries are becoming overwhelming or are affecting their physical or emotional well-being.
What happens during anxiety therapy?
Your first appointment focuses on getting to know you and understanding what you’re experiencing. Together, you and your therapist will develop a plan to help reduce anxiety, improve coping skills, and work toward your personal goals.
Do you offer trauma therapy near Elk River?
Yes. Main Street Family Services provides trauma-informed counseling for individuals who have experienced difficult or overwhelming life events. Our therapists work at a pace that feels safe and comfortable while helping clients heal and move forward.
What is trauma therapy?
Trauma therapy helps people process experiences that continue to affect their emotional well-being. Treatment focuses on reducing distress, building healthy coping skills, and helping clients feel safe and supported throughout the healing process.
How do I know if trauma therapy is right for me?
If past experiences continue to affect your relationships, emotions, sleep, or daily life, trauma counseling may be helpful. A therapist can work with you to determine the best approach for your unique situation.
Do you offer Christian counseling in Elk River?
Yes. Christian counseling is available with therapists who integrate faith into counseling when requested. If faith-based counseling is important to you, we’ll do our best to connect you with a therapist whose approach matches your preferences.
Do I have to be Christian to receive counseling?
No. We welcome people of every faith tradition as well as those with no religious affiliation. Your counseling experience is guided by your goals and values.
Can faith be included in counseling?
Absolutely. If you would like your faith to be part of therapy, your therapist can incorporate Christian principles into counseling when appropriate and requested.
Do you provide counseling for teenagers?
Yes. We offer counseling for teens experiencing anxiety, depression, school stress, family conflict, self-esteem concerns, grief, and other challenges. Our therapists create a safe, supportive environment where teens can talk openly and build healthy coping skills.
How do I know if my teen needs counseling?
If your teen seems withdrawn, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or is struggling at school or home, counseling may provide helpful support. Early intervention can help teens develop lifelong coping skills.
Will parents be involved in therapy?
Parents are an important part of the counseling process. Your therapist will explain how parent involvement and teen confidentiality work together to support your child’s growth.
Do you offer therapy for children?
Yes. Main Street Family Services provides counseling for children experiencing emotional, behavioral, family, or school-related challenges. Therapy is tailored to each child’s age and developmental needs.
How do I know if my child needs counseling?
Children may benefit from therapy if they’re experiencing anxiety, sadness, behavior changes, difficulty at school, grief, family changes, or other emotional concerns that are affecting their daily life.
What happens during child therapy?
Child therapy looks different from adult therapy. Depending on the child’s age and needs, therapists may use conversation, activities, or play-based techniques while working closely with parents to support progress.
Do you provide depression counseling in Sherburne County?
Yes. Main Street Family Services provides depression counseling for children, teens, and adults throughout Sherburne County. Our therapists work with individuals experiencing persistent sadness, loss of interest, low motivation, and other symptoms of depression.
Can therapy help depression?
Yes. Therapy is an effective treatment for many people experiencing depression. Your therapist will help you understand your symptoms, develop healthy coping strategies, and work toward improved emotional well-being.
When should I seek counseling for depression?
If feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a loss of interest in activities have lasted more than a couple of weeks or are affecting your daily life, it’s a good idea to talk with a mental health professional.

Counseling & Therapy Questions

The clinic provides diagnostic assessments, individual psychotherapy, and trauma-informed family counseling.

Clients frequently ask: Main Street Family Services – Minnesota.gov

How do I book?

Appointments are requested through their online system, and intake documents must be completed ahead of time via the Client Portal.

See more on the Counseling & Therapy page.

What are the specialties?

Therapists handle foster care/adoption transitions, childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, and family conflict.

See more on the Counseling & Therapy page.

Are virtual sessions available?
Yes, they provide telehealth alongside outpatient and select in-home sessions.

See more at MN.gov.

Supervised Visitation Questions

Main Street Family Services acts as a neutral space for court-ordered or county-referred parental visits:

Supervised Visitation, Parental Visits Elk River MN

Who qualifies?
Services are open to both county child protection referrals and private-pay families undergoing family law proceedings.
What is the environment like?
Visits are conducted by educated professionals within a safe, home-like environment to minimize stress for the child.

See more on the Supervised Visitation page.

Community & Resource Support Questions

The Family Resource Center connects families to local resources and addresses vital questions concerning basic daily needs:

Resources for Families | Family Resource Center

Housing and Bills:

Housing Resources

What if I am at risk of losing my housing?
What can I do if I cannot pay my bills?

Food and Health:

Food Resources

Where can I go if my family doesn’t have enough food?
Where can I find free/low-cost healthcare?

Employment and Childcare:

Employment Resources | Child Care Resources

I just lost my job; who can help me find employment?
How do I find local childcare?

Isolation and Support:

Mental Health Resources

I feel isolated as a single parent; are there any parenting support groups available?

Transportation:

Transportation Resources

What transportation options exist for one-car families or those who don’t drive?