Spotlight
Our Mental Health Provider Spotlights showcase some of our most talented and trusted therapists. Our job is to provide clients with the best treatment possible.
Chanhassen, MN
Kevin Blonigen | MA, LP
Meet Kevin.
Kevin is a master’s-level Licensed Psychologist (LP) with over 30 years of clinical experience. His undergraduate degree in psychology is from the University of Minnesota, and his Master’s degree is from Adler Graduate School.
Kevin has worked in private practice since 2003. Areas of specialty include, but are not limited to, CBT for treating anxiety and depression disorders, children and adults living with AD/HD, and families in transition.
Kevin provides kind, compassionate mental health services to support adults, adolescents, and children (second grade and older) through in-person and telehealth.
What sets Kevin apart?
Kevin has more than 30 years of varied clinical experiences. Initially working with clients in a variety of inpatient, residential and community mental health settings while completing his undergraduate and graduate education. The past 20+ years have been in a private practice situation.
Kevin's Areas of Expertise
- Affective Disorders
- Anger Management
- Anxiety Disorders
- Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD)
- Autism Spectrum
- Behavior Modification
- Blended Families
- Bipolar Disorder
- Chemical Dependency/Substance Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Childhood Behavior Disturbances
- Co-dependence
- Communication Skills
- Depression
- Divorce/Separation Issues
- Dual Diagnosis–Developmental Disability & Mental Health
- Dual Diagnosis–Substance Abuse and Mental Health
- Encopresis
- Enuresis
- Family Violence
- Learning Disabilities
- Learning Disorders
- Marital Conflicts
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Mental Health Assessments
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Parenting Skills
- Phobias
- Play Therapy
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Relationship Issues
- Serious and Persistent Mental Illness
How long have you been with NorthStar Regional?
I joined Northland Counseling (now part of NorthStar Regional) in January, 2016.
Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
My Father, he worked in the Chemical Dependency field. And, my High School Science teacher brought the idea to my attention when I got all the questions correct on a Psychology final exam (that had never happened before!)
What is the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?
Learning is the real career, your job is just a paycheck.
What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work?
They’ve been relatively recent. The Pandemic and going remote was quite the adjustment but then in the Spring of ‘22 just when I was making plans to return to the clinic, I found out that I had a Blood Cancer, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It’s been 2 years of remote, telehealth therapy.
What’s your secret talent no one knows about?
None that I can think of, but my 2 boys always ask me to play this 70’s 80’s rock trivia game because I virtually always win.
When you are at work, how do you motivate yourself?
It really comes before seeing clients. Diligent, meditative or contemplative time everyday helps to keep me centered and keep my perspective with work, being a father, and staying involved at church.
Describe some of the challenges you have faced at this company. How did you overcome them?
I’ve mentioned the challenges recently but I would add that staying connected to those that I work with is key to a vital practice.
In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?
Putting myself through college and graduate school.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations within the company?
Dr. Hal is an awesome teacher!
How have you grown professionally while on our team?
It really comes before seeing clients. Diligent, meditative or contemplative time everyday helps to keep me centered and keep my perspective with work, being a father, and staying involved at church.
Tell me something about you that most people don’t know?
I’m the parent of a child with ASD. I’d like to also brag about the fact that I’ve attended probably more than a dozen Bruce Springsteen and U2 concerts!