WELCOME TO EMPOWER!
NORTH DAKOTA
We are so excited about OFFERING our online
mental health services to North DakotaNS.
WHAT ARE THE FACTS?
The cold hard facts about mental health and rural America is that more than 60% of rural Americans live in mental health professional shortage areas, that more than 90% of all psychologists and psychiatrists, and 80% of Masters of Social Work, work exclusively in metropolitan areas. More than 65% of rural Americans get their mental health care from a primary healthcare providers, and the mental health crisis responder for most rural Americans is a law enforcement officer.
Population Boom
North Dakota reported the region’s highest rate of population growth with a 15.8% jump from 2010.
The state's rate of growth was the fourth-highest in the nation. The Census Bureau’s first release of data from its 2020 headcount showed an increase of 106,503 residents, bringing North Dakota's total population to 779,094 people. According to the diversity index, North Dakota has experienced a 6% increase in people from diverse backgrounds
Why Empower North Dakota?
Empower’s President Cedric Weatherspoon received his undergraduate degree from Mayville, ND has had an opportunity to explore issues related to rural North Dakota. We are committed to making sure that North Dakota residents receive therapy from providers that understand the diversity as it relates to North Dakota's rural and densely populated communities.
We are also committed to bringing future therapy services that meet the needs of military services members and families in North Dakota. Cedric Weatherspoon's family is a member of an elite group of families who grieves the loss of a fallen soldier.
SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Our therapists embrace a culturally sensitive approach to addressing the needs of each client. We work with both youth and adults, helping you find a more effective way of functioning in life. Our specialties for individual therapy include growth work for achieving your goals and increasing your ability to cope with life's ups and downs.
COUPLES / Family THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Systemic therapy works to heal across all areas of family life. We work with couples and families around cultural issues, social issues, and racism to empower healthier, happier relationships. From marriage and couples therapy to in-home family counseling, we are here to help you and your family navigate the challenges and phases of life. We strive to empower families toward a more effective way of functioning through life’s transitions.
BREIF THERAPY
5 to 10 sessions designed to assist with developing the skills needed to navigate through life transitions.
PROVIDERS
CEDRIC WEATHERSPOON PRESIDENT/CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Cedric Weatherspoon is President/Clinical Director of Empower Therapeutic Support Services PLLC, a practice he co-founded in North Minneapolis. Cedric is passionate about providing a space for community members to grow and learn about their overall wellness. Cedric’s training as a Marriage and Family Therapist inspired him to offer collaborative leadership supporting the whole person and family. Cedric believes when people are empowered and treated with respect, they will make a positive impact on their families and communities.
Cedric is also a Minnesota Marriage and Family Therapy board approved supervisor and an LPC and LPCC board approved supervisor who uses over 20 years of experience and extensive knowledge to increase effectiveness of unlicensed mental health practitioners and community agencies who are committed to implementing client center practices in their work with African American children and families.
Cedric was featured on MPR discussing client-centered therapy in communities of color: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2017/08/03/mn-slow-to-respond-as-minority-mental-health-needs-grow.
Specialties: Professional athletes, high-risk youth
JORGEN KNUTSON, MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER
Jorgen brings a unique experience and passion to her work as a therapist, having worked with diverse families, couples and individuals. She appreciates the complexity of relationships and collaborates with her clients to foster trust, safety, and respect on the path to healing. She believes that individuals are the experts of their own lives, thus entering this journey with clients is one where she focuses on building her clients’ strengths while also honoring their unique life experiences. Jorgen has worked in various community settings serving individuals and families, as well as holding the perspective of growing up in a rural farming community. Jorgen has a bachelor's degree in Intercultural Studies and earned her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Argosy University