Essentia Health Welcomes Sleep Psychologist

August 6, 2026 - 20:53

Detroit Lakes, MN - The Essentia Health St. Mary's-Detroit Lakes Clinic has expanded its services with the addition of a licensed sleep psychologist. The new specialist will work with patients who struggle with chronic insomnia, irregular sleep-wake cycles, and other behavioral sleep disorders that often do not respond to standard medical treatments alone.

Unlike sleep physicians who focus on diagnosing conditions like sleep apnea or narcolepsy through overnight testing, a sleep psychologist addresses the cognitive and behavioral patterns that disrupt rest. This includes helping patients manage anxiety around bedtime, break poor sleep habits, and adjust to shift work or jet lag. The approach is non-drug based, relying on techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, or CBT-I, which has been shown to be highly effective for long-term improvement.

The addition comes as demand for mental health and sleep support has grown across the region. Clinic leaders say the goal is to offer a more complete care team under one roof, so patients do not have to travel to larger cities for this type of specialty care. The psychologist will collaborate with primary care providers, respiratory therapists, and other clinic staff to create individualized treatment plans.

Appointments are now open for new and existing patients. Those interested are encouraged to talk with their primary care provider about a referral, or contact the clinic directly for more information on scheduling and insurance coverage.