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Granite City Counseling

Outpatient counseling clinic and behavioral health facility located in St. Cloud, MN.

The goal of our multidisciplinary team is to promote the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being of all people through various mental health services. 


If you are experiencing a mental health crisis outside of our normal business hours or on a weekend, contact the Four-County Crisis line at 800.635.8008.


Important links

Therapy Services Curriculum Based Treatment Psychiatric Services Assessments Custody Evaluators

988 Lifeline

Call, text, or chat 988 to be connected
with trained counselors.

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Therapy Services


In our desire to support healthy families, Granite City Counseling's multidisciplinary team offers a variety of therapy services for individuals, couples, and families. The clinic counsels individuals and families for behavioral and mental health issues that lead to or result from chemical and substance abuse. However, we do not offer alcohol or drug counseling as part of a recovery program. Instead, we collaborate with agencies that provide these services and are happy to make referrals on behalf of our clients.


Therapy Services include, but are not limited to:

  • Aging
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Conflict
  • Death
  • Depression
  • Disruptive Behavior
  • Divorce / Separation
  • Domestic Violence and its effects
  • Grief / Loss
  • Reproductive Issues
  • Marriage / Remarriage
  • Parenting
  • Relationships
  • Self-esteem
  • Spirituality
  • Suicide / Suicide Prevention
  • Terminal Illness
  • Trauma / Abuse
  • Clinic Fees

    Most services are covered by the following insurance providers: 


    • Blue Cross Blue Shield
    • Health Partners
    • Minnesota Care
    • Medical Assistance
    • Medicare
    • Most employee-sponsored insurance companies

    If you are not covered by an insurance plan, fees are determined on a sliding fee schedule based on household gross income. No one is denied services due to an inability to pay.


    Services are available to all eligible persons regardless of age, color, creed, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion or sexual orientation.

  • Certifications & Affiliations

    All of our professional staff are licensed to provide mental health services in the state of Minnesota.  

     

    Services are available to all eligible persons regardless of age, color, creed, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion or sexual orientation.

  • Location

    Counseling is offered in St. Cloud.


    Granite City Counseling also has a contract to provide school counseling at St. Francis Xavier, Sartell.  If your child attends this school, please contact the school office to access services.

       

    In addition, psychiatric assessments and medication management are offered by our psychiatric and family nurse practitioner.

  • Appointments

    Daytime and evening appointments are available in St. Cloud at various times. To learn more about our services, choose one of the options above. 


    To make an appointment, please contact our Intake Coordinator at (320) 650-1660. The coordinator will gather pertinent information and process your request for an appointment.


    If you are experiencing a mental health crisis outside of our normal business hours or on a weekend, contact the Four County Crisis line at 800-635-8008.

Curriculum Based Treatment


Domestic Violence Turning Points


Domestic Violence Turning Points is an educational program that seeks to provide education, support, advocacy and therapy for women who are using legal and illegal violence in their intimate relationships. 


While the primary audience is women using resistive violence against their abusers, women who have been the victims of domestic violence but have not responded with violence will also benefit from this program. 

Women's Anger Management & Self Esteem (WASE)


Women’s Anger Management and Self Esteem (WASE) is a psychoeducational curriculum for women who want to enhance self-esteem and develop skills for managing feelings and behaviors.


This individual based counseling program focuses on participants understanding of feelings, expressions, behaviors and their effects. Along with developing skills to calm and cope, participants will gain knowledge of how to manage their feelings and anger, build self esteem and overall mental health.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Program (DAIP) Group


This is a 24-week treatment program for men who have been abusive or are concerned they might become abusive. The focus is on ownership of feelings and actions with education on how to change behavior. The intended outcome is a less violent lifestyle.


Sessions are offered at the Granite City Counseling. Call the number below for dates and times. The total cost for the 24-week program is $1,000. This covers a 1.5 hour orientation class ($40) and $40 for each of the 24 education sessions. The $40 orientation and class fees must be paid prior to sessions.

Anger Management


Anger Management is done on an individual therapy basis for men or women.


The purpose of this curriculum is to learn to manage anger effectively, stop violence or the threat of violence, develop self-control over thoughts and actions and receive support from others.

Psychiatric Services


Granite City Counseling provides psychiatric services for adults and children who are current clients with Behavioral Health Services. Psychiatric assessment and medication management are provided by a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner.

Beki Astri

Beki Asti is certified as both a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner. In addition, she earned a doctorate in nursing practice. Over the past decade, she has worked in various outpatient clinics as a family nurse practitioner and most recently has been working as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner in a community mental health clinic. Beki enjoys working with patients and their families, striving for recovery. Her goal is to help people with mental illness to feel confident and focus on overall wellness.

Assessments


Diagnostic Assessments


A diagnostic assessment is typically a 45-minute face-to-face interview with a client, or in the case of a child, the client and his/her parents(s). Information gathered includes: presenting problem, history of problem, symptoms, functional impairment, developmental history, socio-emotional development, history of abuse or neglect, medical and mental health history, chemical use, and current and past medications used. A diagnostic assessment results in a diagnosis, along with recommendations for future treatment, and is necessary to determine a recipient's eligibility for mental health services. 

Parenting Assessments


Individuals are referred at the request of county services for a parenting assessment to determine level of parental capacity. The components (process) of parenting assessments typically include:

 

  • A review of the history of the case through file documents and/or   consultation with the referring agency
  •  A clinical interview with the parent(s)
  •  Psychological testing appropriate to the referral question
  •  Observation of the parent-child relationship and interactions
  • Collateral contacts with various services providers in the case


The referral questions provided by the referral source guide the assessment process.

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Granite City Counseling has greatly impacted my life because it is an easy, accepting, homey environment.


People here, including therapists and reception are some of the most accepting, nice people that I have ever met. When I have an appointment or group, I look forward to coming! I don't know what I would do without this place. I have been to several therapists in my life and none of them have affected me so greatly as my therapist now and this place. With time, life seems to be getting slowly better, thanks to the amazing staff here at Granite City Counseling. Thank you so much, and keep up the good work.

Granite City Counseling Clinic Multidisciplinary Team

Photo of Alyssa Knese, MSW, LICSW
Alyssa Knese, MSW, LICSW
Clinic Director
Alyssa Knese, MSW, LICSW
Clinic Director

I received my master’s degree in social work (MSW) from St. Cloud State University in 2015. I initially began working in the mental health field in 2011 when I was employed in a residential foster care setting, and later transitioned into the outpatient mental health by providing Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS) for individuals prior to beginning my work as a psychotherapist for Catholic Charities in January 2018.


I frequently take a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach and also have training in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). In conjunction with providing outpatient psychotherapy services, I also provide clinical supervision for the Hope Community Support Program’s ARMHS and CSP programs and also co-facilitate the men’s Domestic Abuse Intervention Program (DAIP) groups that Granite City Counseling offers. 


Outside of work, I am very interested in diet, exercise, and other realms of physical health. Receiving my bachelor's degree in kinesiology sparked an interest in physical wellness, and any issues or concerns that may be relevant surrounding those topics have always been of particular importance to me. During my free time, I also enjoy spending time with my dogs, running marathons, and competing in triathlons.

Photo of Mary Fran Reichenberger, OSF, MSW, LICSW
Mary Fran Reichenberger, OSF, MSW, LICSW
Therapist
Mary Fran Reichenberger, OSF, MSW, LICSW
Therapist

I received a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. I have been a therapist for 20 years at Granite City Counseling.


My primary approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is based on the premise that our thoughts are what affect our feelings, which in turn affects our behaviors or lack of action. We can get stuck in our distress, and one of the goals of therapy is to broaden one's perspective in order to better weather life's difficulties. Behavioral activation and problem-solving play an important role in therapy. Faith or one's spirituality can be a powerful resource and can be incorporated in therapy if the client desires.


I work with adults of all ages in individual therapy and relationship therapy. My specialties include depression and anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, adjustment issues, grief and loss, life transitions, and domestic violence.


When not at work, I enjoy reading, theater, concerts, walking and spending time with family and friends.

Photo of Theresa Makoons-Solarz, MS, LP
Theresa Makoons-Solarz, MS, LP
Psychologist
Theresa Makoons-Solarz, MS, LP
Psychologist

I earned my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from St. Cloud State University. My specialties include adults with adjustment and transition concerns, self-esteem, spiritual concerns, depression, grief and loss, anxiety, SPMI, stress management, and life balance. I also enjoy working with adults whose loved ones have a mental illness and could benefit from support while they navigate the emotionally and mentally challenging waters with those loved ones.


I have 30 years of experience as an outpatient mental health therapist working with adults individually and in day treatment and ARMHS. I am also a Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy approved supervisor and have provided clinical supervision to a variety of interns, trainees, and licensed professionals over the past 20 years. 


My approach is primarily person-centered with cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and a variety of other techniques integrated throughout. I believe we all carry resiliency and are capable of creating change in ourselves. I work to provide a trauma-informed, safe and respectful space for people to unfold their stories and begin or continue their healing. 


I’m passionate about and honored to work with people on their healing journeys, particularly when they begin to increasingly recognize and exercise their own strengths and resiliency in their recovery. Life can get messy and uncomfortable. It takes courage and bravery to lean into and dance with it. 


My hobbies include spending time with family and friends, kayaking, golfing, walking in the woods, and playing cards and board games.   

Photo of Lori Hanson
Lori Hanson
Custody Evaluator
Lori Hanson
Custody Evaluator

I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Behavior from the College of St. Scholastica. I have conducted Custody Evaluations and worked as a Parenting Consultant since 2005. I am a Guardian ad Litem for the State of Minnesota since 2004. I have training in Solomon's Surrogates, Child Custody Mediation as well as Social Early Evaluation Training.


I am experienced in handling highly conflicted custody cases. I specialized in working with families that struggle with co-parenting, have criminal involvement, or have addictions or mental health concerns.


My passion is to look at all circumstances and make appropriate recommendations regarding custody and parenting time. 


When I am not working, I enjoy reading and spending time on the lake.

Photo of Stephanie Schwegel
Stephanie Schwegel
Custody Evaluator
Stephanie Schwegel
Custody Evaluator

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud State University and my Associate of Applied Business from Eastern Gateway Community College. I became a Custody Evaluator in 2022 and I am a Guardian ad Litem for the State of Minnesota since 2018. I have Child Custody training through the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and ongoing Guardian ad Litem training. 


I am experienced in handling conflicted custody cases, due to my Guardian ad Litem work through Family Court. I have worked with families that have challenges in co-parenting, mental health or addiction concerns, as well as families having criminal involvement. 


Because of my education, and experience, I am able to look at all circumstances, remain neutral, and make appropriate recommendations regarding custody and parenting time. 


Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, photography, exploring the outdoors, reading, and baking.

Photo of Larry R Larson, MS, LPCC
Larry R Larson, MS, LPCC
Therapist
Larry R Larson, MS, LPCC
Therapist

I earned my degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Vocational Rehabilitation and have been practicing ever since earning my degree.


I am especially interested in the body mind connection and how this interacts with our mental health. I am also very interested in spirituality, finding our meaning in life, dealing with major life changes and the trauma/anxiety associated with these changes.


A little about me: I grew up on a small dairy/beef farm in Stearns County. For outlets, I am a runner, amateur photographer, interested in travel and a kayak enthusiast and I have worked Bogota Colombia. I have been married for more than twenty-five years and we have twin adult girls who are in the process of establishing their own lives. I have had the opportunity to work on the oil fields in Colorado, Green Giant vegetable pack, and numerous construction jobs. 

Photo of Beki Asti
Beki Asti
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Beki Asti
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Beki Asti is certified as both a Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner. In addition, she earned a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. 


Over the past decade, she has worked in various outpatient clinics as a Family Nurse Practitioner and most recently has been working as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in a Community Mental Health Clinic. 


Beki enjoys working with patients and their families, striving for recovery. Her goal is to help people with mental illness to feel confident and focus on overall wellness.

Custody Evaluators


Custody Evaluators investigate familial situation to determine what’s in the best interests of the children.  This evaluation can occur during a custody or divorce case.  If parents aren’t able to agree on the custody of the children, a judge can order a custody evaluation.  At the end, an evaluator makes recommendations for child custody and parenting time.  The judge often finds them persuasive.

Stephanie Schwegel

Stephanie Schwegel, Custody Evaluator


Stephanie Schwegel works full-time as a Guardian ad Litem, for the State of Minnesota, since 2018. As a Guardian ad Litem, she has experience and knowledge with Child Protection Cases, as well as Family Court Cases. In 2022 Ms. Schwegel became a Custody Evaluator under Catholic Charities. She has a bachelor’s degree in Education, completed Guardian ad Litem Training, as well as completing yearly ongoing training, she completed Guardian ad Litem Family Court Training in 2019, and completed Custody Evaluation Training, through the AFCC, in 2022. Ms. Schwegel has experience in both Child Protection Cases and highly conflicted Family Court Cases.

Lori Hanson

Lori Hanson, Custody Evaluator


Lori Hanson has worked full-time as a Guardian ad Litem for the State of Minnesota since 2004. As a Guardian ad Litem, she has worked on child protection cases as well as contested family court cases. She has worked independently as a Custody Evaluator and Parenting Consultant from 2005-2019 and now under Catholic Charities since 2019.  Having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Behavior, she also completed Solomon's Surrogates, Child Custody Mediation and Social Early Evaluation trainings. Ms. Hanson is experienced in handling highly conflicted custody cases to provide detailed independent evaluations.

Contact Granite City Counseling

Contact the Behavioral Health Clinic

Granite City Counseling

Phone: (320) 650-1660 

Toll-Free: 800-830-8254, ext. 1660

Fax: (320) 650-1672

Email: rita.schulz@ccstcloud.org

Hours

Monday & Wednesday: 8 am − 8 pm

Tuesday & Thursday: 8 am − 6 pm

Friday: 8 am − 12 pm

Location

911 18th St N

St. Cloud, MN 56303

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