Highlight Pract: BIPOC

MS

Michelle Duong,

Psychotherapist,

pronouns: she/her

Independent Contractor

As a contractor, this provider may set separate or additional policies outside of those set by Mindful Way Counseling, LLC.

About This Provider:

Michelle is dedicated to providing a trauma-informed, deeply supportive environment for individuals facing challenges such as burnout, anxiety, the psychological impact of discrimination, or any of the other concerns listed above. Michelle provides a compassionate, inclusive, and collaborative space designed to balance intentional, deep therapeutic work with moments of ease, humor, and lightheartedness. Michelle views therapy as a collaborative partnership, ensuring that individuals feel deeply understood, safe, and empowered as they work to cultivate self-awareness, process painful experiences, and establish a renewed sense of emotional clarity. Michelle uses an integrative, collaborative approach to therapy that rejects a one-size-fits all model, instead shaping care around who the individual is, what they value, and what truly works for them, to holistically support her clients. She partners with individuals every step of the way to support healing, growth, and meaningful connections. Michelle has a special interest in working with BIPOC, underserved, underrepresented populations, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent individuals.
Michelle will be starting out part time in November. Michelle has a Master’s Degree, and is working under the supervision of Natalie Marr, PsyD, LP while ultimately working toward independent clinical licensure (LPCC).

Payment & Insurance Information:

For Private Pay Clients: Provider is a supervised clinician and charges the “Pre-Licensed” Fee.

Information about fees can be found here. 

We do not participate with or bill to Hennepin Health, Tricare, or Medicare Plans, even if a plan is associated with a company we are in network with, or if you have a secondary insurance with a company we are in network with. 

Independently licensed providers work with very limited number of EAPs, and insurance participation does not guarantee specific EAP network coverage. **Supervised clinicians cannot accept any EAP benefits.**

Always check with your insurance to be sure that we are in network.  ** For supervised providers, all insurances are billed at full insurance rates under the supervisor’s name and license, and reimbursed at the insurance contracted rates**

Do you have questions about how insurance coverage works? Check out our FAQs and Understanding Insurance 101 guide. 

Experience: ​

Masters in Clinical-Counseling Psychology, Illinois State University
Bachelors in Psychology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Michelle has spent the past five years in the mental health field, including three years of dedication to a community mental health clinic in an outpatient therapy setting supporting people across all ages, backgrounds, and identities. Her clinical work is informed by lived experiences, and her graduate research was dedicated to lifting up and supporting misrepresented populations. Across all settings, Michelle operates with the firm belief that there is no single path to healing, rather an intentional, individualized path that fits the person she is honoring to walk alongside.

MSW, LGSW

Mai Lao,

Psychotherapist,

pronouns: she/her

Independent Contractor

As a contractor, this provider may set separate or additional policies outside of those set by Mindful Way Counseling, LLC.

About This Provider:

Mai provides a warm, supportive, and nonjudgemental environment, where clients can feel safe to explore the important areas of their life and their therapy goals. Mai’s curious, yet grounded nature brings a sense of calm and ease to the therapy space. She works to provide a culturally sensitive approach for all clients, where clients can be heard and understood. With empathy, Mai hopes to support clients from all walks of life, including clients who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), including those in the Hmong community, and LGBTQIA+ clients.
Mai typically works with clients 1 day a week. Mai has a Master’s Degree, and an LGSW license, and is working under the supervision of Andrea Patten, LICSW while she ultimately works toward her independent clinical licensure (LICSW).

Payment & Insurance Information:

For Private Pay Clients: Provider is a supervised clinician and charges the “Pre-Licensed” Fee.

Information about fees can be found here. 

We do not participate with or bill to Hennepin Health, Tricare, or Medicare Plans, even if a plan is associated with a company we are in network with, or if you have a secondary insurance with a company we are in network with. 

Independently licensed providers work with very limited number of EAPs, and insurance participation does not guarantee specific EAP network coverage. **Supervised clinicians cannot accept any EAP benefits.**

Always check with your insurance to be sure that we are in network.  ** For supervised providers, all insurances are billed at full insurance rates under the supervisor’s name and license, and reimbursed at the insurance contracted rates**

Do you have questions about how insurance coverage works? Check out our FAQs and Understanding Insurance 101 guide. 

Experience: ​

Masters in Clinical Social Work, St. Catherine University
Bachelors in Social Work, The College of St. Scholastica
Mai completed multiple internships, including completing her Master’s clinical internship at Mindful Way Counseling. Additionally, she completed a prior internship at a skilled nursing facility, supporting residents in long and short term care, as a liaison between residents and families for their care, concerns, and discharge goals. In the past, she has worked leading a teen girls leadership program focusing on academic support for college preparation, resume building, and leadership skills.

MA, LPCC, LADC

Pa Nodalo,

Psychotherapist,

pronouns: she/her

Independent Contractor

As a contractor, this provider may set separate or additional policies outside of those set by Mindful Way Counseling, LLC.

About This Provider:

Pa offers transparency, kindness, humor, and empathy to nourish the therapeutic relationship to grow and encourages autonomy to empower clients to feel confident and self-assured. Pa sees her clients holistically and believes in partnering with her clients. She works together with her clients to find the root of the problems, discover unmet needs, and help clients gain tools to flourish in their lives again. Pa enjoys working with a wide variety of clients including those who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and LGBTQIA+. Pa incorporates an Integrative approach in therapy to meet the needs of each client. Pa currently sees clients virtually.
Pa typically works with clients 4-5 days a week, offering virtual visits.

Payment & Insurance Information:

For Private Pay Clients: Provider is a Fully Licensed clinician and charges the “Fully Licensed” Fee.

Information about fees can be found here. 

We do not participate with or bill to Hennepin Health, Tricare, or Medicare Plans, even if a plan is associated with a company we are in network with, or if you have a secondary insurance with a company we are in network with. 

Independently licensed providers work with very limited number of EAPs, and insurance participation does not guarantee specific EAP network coverage. **Supervised clinicians cannot accept any EAP benefits.**

Always check with your insurance to be sure that we are in network.  ** For supervised providers, all insurances are billed at full insurance rates under the supervisor’s name and license, and reimbursed at the insurance contracted rates**

Do you have questions about how insurance coverage works? Check out our FAQs and Understanding Insurance 101 guide. 

Experience: ​

Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of San Diego
Bachelors in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Metropolitan State University
Pa’s work experience includes establishing stabilization for families, youth, and children in the foster care system, short-term residential crisis counseling for adults who suffered from acute psychiatric challenges, and individual and group therapy for substance use intensive outpatient programs (she is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor). Pa has also provided services to the following populations: homeless, criminal justice involved, severe mental illness, and LGBTQIA+.

MSW, LICSW

Franceska Moua,

Psychotherapist,

pronouns: she/her

Independent Contractor

As a contractor, this provider may set separate or additional policies outside of those set by Mindful Way Counseling, LLC.

About This Provider:

Franceska ensures that clients receive unconditional care, authenticity, respect for client’s unique stories, nurtures the environment to promote trust and safety, and leaves space for humor. She embraces the strengths and diversity of each client and believes it is a privilege to walk with clients as they navigate the challenges and joys of life and recognizes that they are the expert in their experience. She believes that therapy is not only for when people are experiencing challenges, but also to prepare for when new ones arise. Franceska is a bi-racial Asian-Caucasian woman, who is passionate about racial and ethnic diversity, equity, and inclusion. She understands the unique barriers to acculturation and has a deep understanding of the impacts of multilayered systemic oppression and is committed to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. Franceska has a special interest in working with those who have been historically underserved and marginalized such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and mixed-race individuals, as well as individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. Outside the therapy space, Franceska is interested in social policy and research. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, listening to podcasts, and going on walks at lakes. Franceska is also a clinical supervisor.
Franceska typically works with clients 4 days a week. Franceska also supervises a social work intern, Kaitlin Eto.

Payment & Insurance Information:

For Private Pay Clients: Provider is a Fully Licensed clinician and charges the “Fully Licensed” Fee.

Information about fees can be found here. 

We do not participate with or bill to Hennepin Health, Tricare, or Medicare Plans, even if a plan is associated with a company we are in network with, or if you have a secondary insurance with a company we are in network with. 

Independently licensed providers work with very limited number of EAPs, and insurance participation does not guarantee specific EAP network coverage. **Supervised clinicians cannot accept any EAP benefits.**

Always check with your insurance to be sure that we are in network.  ** For supervised providers, all insurances are billed at full insurance rates under the supervisor’s name and license, and reimbursed at the insurance contracted rates**

Do you have questions about how insurance coverage works? Check out our FAQs and Understanding Insurance 101 guide. 

Experience: ​

Masters in Clinical Social Work, St. Catherine University
Bachelors in Social Work, St. Catherine University
Franceska completed multiple internships, including completing her Master’s clinical internship at Mindful Way Counseling. She also completed an internship doing case management in a hospital setting and worked with college students navigating the Social Work program and leadership opportunities supporting student’s professional growth. She served a 2-year elected term as the At-Large Membership Representative on the NASW-MN Board of Directors (2022), and prior to that she was a board member and participated in the Racial Justice, Membership, and Annual Event Planning Committees. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, she minored in a closely related field of Sociology and Critical Studies of Race and Ethnicity. Mindful Way Counseling is extremely proud to announce that Franceska received an award in 2022, during her intern year at Mindful Way Counseling, for MSW Student Leader of the Year Award presented by the National Association of Social Workers Minnesota Chapter (NASW-MN). Franceska has also supervised interns for several years.