Rural Behavioral Health Clinic

11/26/2025

Introducing Kat! One of our clinical interns who also provides therapeutic services.

Hi, my name is Kat! I am a Mental Health Counselor Intern, currently in my last year in the Mental Health Counseling Master’s program at Minnesota State University Mankato. I received my Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology and minoring in Family Consumer Science in December 2023. I grew up in rural areas in southern Minnesota during my childhood and most of my adult life. Providing a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment for therapy is what I strive for. My special interests are couples and family, non-traditional relationships, and sexual therapy. My goal is to help provide mental health education for individuals and communities. I enjoy spending time with my kids and family, baking, trying new foods, and experiencing new things. I have a background in many areas and have enjoyed my life experiences, the good and bad. I feel that our life experiences do change us, but they do not define us. Only we can determine how these experiences can change our path.

11/20/2025

Meet Lauren! One of our clinic interns providing therapeutic services.

Hi, I’m Lauren! I grew up in a small town in Michigan. I love playing sports, board games, & being outside as often as possible. I have a passion for helping others to reach their highest potential & live their lives in ways they feel are most fulfilling. My approach to therapy blends personal values, acceptance, humor, & finding
meaning in our experiences. In addition to working toward my LPCC licensure, I also have a master’s degree in Sport, Exercise, & Performance Psychology. I spent the last two years working with individual athletes and performers, teams, & coaches to help improve confidence, resilience, & showing up in ways that allow performers to compete at their highest ability. I am also interested in relational therapy with couples.

11/17/2025

Introducing Jeremy, one of our clinical interns!

Hello! My name is Jeremy Alport, and I’m a mental health counseling intern at the Rural Behavioral Health Clinic for the 2025–2026 academic year. I’m currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Minnesota State University, Mankato, working toward clinical licensure. Originally from the outskirts of St. Louis, Missouri (go Blues!), I’ve grown to love Minnesota during my time here. I earned dual degrees in Psychology (BS) and Sociology (BA) from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. I’m passionate about helping others and eager to grow in the counseling profession through this internship. My education and experiences have allowed me to work with diverse populations, apply a range of interventions, and approach care through a holistic, affirming lens. Some of the methods and concepts I’ve trained in include Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) multicultural competence, and treating and diagnosing young children (0-5 years). Outside of school and work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring nature and culture, and listening to all kinds of music.

11/13/2025

Now introducing Leah! One of our case managers providing supportive services to clients.

Hi my name is Leah Nelson! I am from Duluth, Minnesota where I spent a lot of time swimming, playing softball and going up to my uncle’s house in Biwabik. Having these two different places being a big part of my childhood has shown me a lot of perspective in rural folks receiving support. Currently I am in school at MNSU for my Bachelor’s in Social Work. I was really excited when I heard about this clinic and I am very glad to be a part of it now. Being able to help support individuals in rural communities is something I am passionate about from how I grew up. Outside of the clinic I am usually spending time with family or friends, swimming, or trying a new activity or food!

11/12/2025

Better late than never! We want to introduce our current student interns and the services they provide within the clinic. Our first of many introductions is Carli, one of our case managers:

Hello! I am Carli Vargason, an undergraduate student currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. I was born and raised in Dassel, a small town in northern Minnesota, where I developed an appreciation for the resilience and values found in rural communities. I have experience working as a Direct Support Specialist, where I have had the opportunity to assist individuals in building independence both in their homes and out in the community. This hands-on experience has deepened my passion for advocating alongside individuals and supporting their goals in a meaningful way. In my free time, you can usually find me sipping on an iced coffee, relaxing at a lake, or running around with friends and family.

10/31/2025

Did you know that in addition to therapy our Rural Behavioral Health Clinic has case management to help people identify, access, and navigate supports and services? Meet Wendy Tougas, MSW, LGSW who leads the case management services in addition to providing therapy. Learn more about our training clinic at: https://ahn.mnsu.edu/services-and-centers/center-for-rural-behavioral-health/rural-behavioral-health-clinic/

10/23/2025

Welcome, Dr. Kall! In August, Dr. Becca Kall, EdD, LMFT joined the Rural Behavioral Health Clinic team as Clinic Manager. We are grateful to have her on the team!😀

10/10/2025

09/15/2025

The Center for Rural Behavioral Health is committed to increasing the behavioral health workforce. These are the fabulous counseling and social work students training in our Rural Behavioral Health Clinic this fall: Jeremy Alport, Becca Wagner, Leah Nelson, Carli Vargason, Janet Bechtold, Lauren Feasel, and Kat Ristau!

08/25/2025

Jay joined the clinic this summer as a graduate assistant helping with administrative support. We are glad to have you on the team!

Hello!

My name is Jay Baldus (he/him), and I am one of the Graduate Assistant workers at the Rural Behavioral Health Clinic. I am originally from Grand Meadow, MN, and moved to the Mankato area to pursue my Master’s in mental health counseling at MNSU.

My future goal is to obtain licensure in professional clinical counseling and provide mental health services for younger populations in Minnesota.

In my free time, I enjoy exercising, watching sports and movies, spending time with my friends, and trying new foods.

08/13/2025

Please welcome our new Clinical Supervisor and Therapist, Michelle Olund-Youngberg, LICSW!

Hello, I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota. I graduated from Minnesota State University (MSU), Mankato with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Social Work with a Minor in Psychology and went on to earn a Masters Degree in Social Work at MSU Mankato.
My background consists of interning with the Minnesota Department of Corrections in the Mankato region, where I gained professional experience with individuals who were placed on felony probation and participating in treatment court. I also interned at an adolescent inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center where I gained knowledge on co-occurring disorders. Early in my career, I worked an inpatient adolescent treatment center for clients with problematic sexual behaviors and as a clinical trainee(LGSW) providing school linked therapy, outpatient and telemedicine therapy in Southern Minnesota. Once licensed, I became the Director of a School Linked program at an agency in Southern Minnesota which placed an emphasis on overcoming barriers to mental health services for children and adolescents.
I’m a MN-NASW Certified Supervisor and received supervision training through the National Association of Social Work (NASW) who’s passionate about overcoming barriers to mental health services, particularly in rural communities. I enjoy providing encouragement to interns and clinical trainees along their journey toward social work licensure and modeling collaboration with communities to develop a strong foundation in the therapeutic process.
I strive to develop a strong therapeutic rapport and most importantly earning trust with clients using a strengths-based approach. I understand the importance of advocating for client’s needs, and encouraging them to make changes in their lives through, reflecting, processing and goal setting. I provide outpatient and teletherapy for adults, adolescents, couples and families. I’m trained in the following evidenced based practices: EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and MAP (Managing and Adapting Practices.

08/05/2025

This summer Becca joined the clinic to provide case management and she is now taking therapy clients! 😀

Hello! My name is Rebecca Wagner, but I go by Becca. I grew up in rural Northeast Iowa near Decorah, where I spent much of my childhood at gymnastics practice or running around my family’s farm with my two older siblings. These early experiences helped shape my deep connection to rural communities and a strong desire to support those who are often underserved. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Northern Iowa in 2023 and am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW), with plans to obtain clinical licensure in the future. I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment for individuals and families, whether through therapy, case management, or connecting clients with helpful community resources.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy running, hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I also share my home with two adored (and very spoiled) dogs, a silver Lab and a Rottweiler. My therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and the belief that everyone deserves to be heard and supported. I’m here to walk alongside you, wherever you are in your journey.