New mental health service open in Cloquet

By Jamie Lund jlund@pinejournal.com

Since she opened a Cloquet office in mid-August, Saprina Matheny said Paradigm Therapy Services has been busy.

“I think it speaks to the need that we can have that many providers that are busy on a regular basis,” she said. Paradigm Therapy, 1102 Cloquet Ave., offers services to help people who are living with a variety of mental health issues.

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common reasons why people seek mental health care, Matheny said.

An estimated 16 million adults had a depressive episode in the last year, according to figures from the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Minnesota. Furthermore, young adults ages 16-25 are 60% more likely to have depression than people who are 50 years old or older.

There are nine therapists available at Paradigm, all of whom are licensed to practice in

Minnesota, Matheny said. Seven of those therapists hold office hours at area schools, including Cloquet High School, Cloquet Middle School and Washington Elementary. They also visit schools in Esko.

While, the service is not free, Paradigm can bill the child’s insurance to help cover some of the costs, Matheny said.

Dave Lee, director of Carlton County Public Health and Human Services, said there is a need for more mental health services in the area.

“We could use a greater number of therapists to reduce wait times and give people more options,” Lee said.

Depression and anxiety are the two most diagnosed mental health conditions, he said. If left untreated, they can complicate work, relationships and school.

If people notice a change in their loved one and suspect the person is suffering from depression, Sue Abderholden, executive director of NAMI Minnesota, recommended talking to the person directly.

“Ask them if they are okay,” she said. “Tell them you are worried and mention specific changes you have noticed, such as not meeting up with friends like they used to, or focusing on the negative.”

Paradigm also offers diagnostic and trauma assessments, help with behavioral or attention issues; court-ordered programs such as chemical health assessments, anger management groups and co-parenting therapy; parental

Applebee’s building sold

Jamie Lund

The former Applebee’s in Cloquet was sold in December to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

The building at 1405 Highway 33 sold for $600,000, according to the Carlton County Assessor’s Office.

“There are no plans for the building at the moment,” said Rita Aspinwall, communications director for the Fond du Lac Band. She added that they are exploring options for the building. Applebee’s operated at the location for 12 years, but closed its doors in March 2018. visitations; family conflict and couples counseling; and a parent educational group.

The location has a long-served as a restaurant. The original building burned down and subsequent buildings demolished in the same location until the current structure was built.

The parent educational group is open to the public and helps parents learn how to navigate the challenges of parenting children of all ages. Parents learn how to set limits and boundaries as well as how to communicate with their child, Matheny said. Call 218-302-4901 for more information on Paradigm Therapy Services.

Mental health in Minnesota

► 1-in-5 Minnesotans face mental illness each year

► Counties across the state report gaps in mental health needs being met

► For every dollar invested in cognitive behavioral therapy for depression, the state saves $36.40

► For every dollar invested in certified peer specialists, the state saves $3.60

Source: Minnesota Department of Human Services

To get immediate help

► National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 2738255

► Crisis Text Line: Text MN to 741741

► South St. Louis, Lake, Cook & Carlton counties/ Fond du Lac Band: (218) 623-1800 or (844) 772-4742