Sam Gardow, MSW, LGSW, Psychotherapist
*** Sam is actively taking new clients for in-person and virtual sessions.
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Sam (she/her/hers) and I am a Licensed Graduate Social Worker and Psychotherapist at the Center for Counseling and Wellness.
I believe that at the core of our humanness is a desire to be seen and understood exactly as we are and that healing most often occurs in relationships. I aim to cultivate this by centering the therapeutic relationship and co-creating an environment that is safe, genuine, and warm. My psychodynamic lens, which emphasizes attachment, relationships, and cumulative development, is guided by and tailored to the unique cultural and environmental contexts of each individual sitting across from me.
I have a deep interest in themes related to trauma, identity, and relationships. Along with that, I have experience working with LGBTQ+ folks, asylum-seekers, and refugees. My identity as a queer woman, combined with my values of humility, genuineness, depth, humor, curiosity and anti-oppression, ground my approach to clinical work. I would be honored to walk alongside you as we move toward relief, growth, healing or change through a deeper understanding of yourself, your relationships, and your inner world.
AREAS OF FOCUS
- Depression
- Anxiety & Stress
- Grief & Loss
- Life Transitions & Adjustments
- Sense of Self / Identity
- Trauma, Complex Trauma, & PTSD
- Gender & Sexual Identity
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Relationship Challenges and Traumas
- Asylum Seekers & Refugees
- Adults & Adolescents (age 13 and older)
EDUCATION TRAINING LICENSE & AFFILIATIONS
I received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of St. Thomas and my undergraduate degree in Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I am currently working toward full licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Minnesota and am under the clinical supervision of Kyle Murray, MSW, LICSW and Jennie Yngsdahl, MA, LP.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
I am able to accept several in-network insurance plans including UCare, Preferred One, Aetna, Health Partners, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN, Cigna, Hennepin Health and Anthem. I accept Medical Assistance (Medicaid) plans under those companies as well as straight Medical Assistance. At this time, I am unable to accept Medicare, Beacon, Medica, Optum, United HealthCare insurance plans or Employee Assistance Plans (EAP’s). I recommend contacting your insurance company to confirm their coverage for therapy services. All services are billed under Kyle Murray, MSW, LICSW, who is my direct clinical supervisor. A limited number of sliding fee slots are sometimes available for those experiencing financial hardship. Please contact me to discuss the best option for you.
HOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
If you would like to schedule an appointment, the quickest and best way to get a hold of me is by contacting me through my email below. You can also leave a voicemail message at 651-294-2307. When you leave your message make sure to specifically ask for Sam on the recording. I’m happy to offer free 15-minute phone or video consultations before scheduling an appointment.
Sam Gardow, MSW, LGSW, Psychotherapist, she/her
Center for Counseling and Wellness 