Dawn Huyge-Opsal, MS, LPCC

BemidjiOur Staff

Dawn Huyge-Opsal, MS, LPCC is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at the Bemidji MN office. She received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Bemidji State University and is licensed through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. She previously owned and provided services through Bemidji Autism and Children’s Therapy LLC.

Dawn specializes in working with children (age 7 years and up), adolescents, college students, and adults on the autism spectrum as well as accompanying disorders related to ADHD, depression, anxiety, anger, and OCD. She has been certified as an Advanced Certified Autism Specialist (ACAS) from 2020-2024 and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) from 2022 to the present.

Dawn provides behavioral therapy for younger children and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for pre-teens to adults which may include “talk therapy” along with visuals, play, art, and game strategies as needed to increase functioning and motivation, decrease emotional outbursts, reduce sensory reactions, and improve relationships and communication. The strategies used are tailored to each individual client and are client-led, allowing the client to make decisions on the focus of therapy and the strategies used.

Interventions are ASD-informed: concrete thinking, impulsive decision-making, sensory seeking/avoidance, and deficits in communication and relationships are considered. The goal is to help families and individuals understand autism spectrum disorder, particularly their own or their child’s subjective experience, and focus on strengths. Dawn does not provide formal testing for autism; however, she can identify if autism is likely present and provide services for autistic traits and symptoms while waiting for, and after, formal testing.

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Feedback from LCA clients:

I'm so appreciative of my therapist's knowledge, skill and understanding.

My ARMHS staff is awesome!  She has helped me make progress in many areas of my life.  I have better relationships now.

She's thinking through things with me instead of just giving directions.  It shows that she cares.

My therapist is great!  Of all the therapists we've had over the years, she understands our family and kids the best.  Very helpful!

My therapist is a life saver! :-)

I always feel that my therapist is listening to what I have to say and helping me come up with practical ways to deal with things.

I like that the staff are flexible with scheduling.

I love coming to LCA.  Everybody is so friendly and make you feel so much better.

They matched me with the perfect therapist!

Therapy at LCA has helped my progress immensely!

Location is great and the staff is excellent with customer service.  Therapy is also professional and comfortable.

Easy to get to.  Very friendly people willing to help.

It is a very comfortable atmosphere.  Everyone is flexible and understanding!

My therapist was very, very kind and is an awesome problem solver.

I appreciated being treated normally, even though I was getting help with a difficult situation.

I love the comfortable feel in the office.

The front desk staff had a positive attitude and was patient with me.

When we come in for an appointment, the reception staff always has a friendly smile on her face.

They were open to my opinion of which counselor I see.

My child's therapist is awesome!  So helpful and relates well to the whole family.

Meeting with my therapist has been making my life and relationships a lot less stressful.

Talking with my therapist is helping, instead of holding it all in.

Everyone was very helpful.  I'm glad I called to get help!

The receptionist knew my name after the second visit...very friendly!

Easy to work with.  Made me feel comfortable!

My children's counselors are awesome.  I've seen huge progress in both my kids.

I have a great therapist.  I appreciate her assistance!

Quick and easy to get an appointment.  Friendly, helpful staff.

I appreciate the text/phone reminders.

My counselor helps me out when I need it most.  I can always count on them to say the right things, even when I don't want to hear it.

The staff members are always well informed and ready to help/answer questions.

I found scheduling flexible to my needs.

Her thoughtfulness and her knowledge of helping people with depression is what I need to achieve my goals!

They gave me hope for the future.  Life saving.

You are all warm, welcoming and so very helpful!  Thank you!!

Very welcoming place.  We love our therapist!

The receptionist staff have been amazing.  They are friendly and caring.  You can tell they enjoy their job.

Good location, feels very professional and confidential!

Our counselor wanted to meet our entire family to find out how to better help our son.  She offered lots of suggestions and things to help us in the long term.

The staff have good attitudes and open minds.

My son and daughter are making steps toward our family goals!

Friendly and helpful atmosphere.  Feel at ease walking in.

I am so thankful I was directed here!

My therapist understands my child's needs and listens.

All the staff were friendly and helpful.  They answered all my questions.

Easy to work with.  You can tell they genuinely care about their clients.

Listens to both my child and me.  Getting us through some very difficult times with care and compassion.

Greatly appreciate having the option of Christian Counseling and being able to filter issues through that lens!

They work with your schedule and do whatever they can to help you.

The appointment times work well with my schedule.  My children get along well with their therapists.

I had a person to talk with about my problems and my problems are getting better.

Resources

LCA Brochure

May 2024 Activities Calendar

June 2024 Activities Calendar

Community Resource List 1.8.24

All Forms and Downloads

Office Hours

Park Rapids Office

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
    8:00 to 5:00
  • Wednesday
    8:00 to 7:00
  • Friday
    8:00 to 1:00

Bemidji Office

  • Monday – Thursday
    8:00 to 5:00
  • Friday
    8:00 to 12:00

Menahga Office

  • Open by appointment

LCA offices may be closed over the noon hour. 

Important Numbers

Park Rapids Office Phone:
218-366-9229

Bemidji Office Phone:
218-444-2233

Menahga Office Phone:
218-564-9229

LCA Fax Number (all offices):

218-237-2520

24-Hour Crisis Line:
800-422-0045

LCA News and Information