Who Is Tara Palmer, LMFT at Twin Cities Family Counseling?

Updated

Tara Palmer is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing at Twin Cities Family Counseling in Shoreview, Minnesota. She is licensed in both Minnesota and Vermont, holds a Master's Degree in Counseling & Psychology from St. Mary's University of Minnesota, and completed a post-graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. She works with adults and teenagers, and she is an out-of-network provider only.

Credentials and Licensure

  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) — licensed in Minnesota and Vermont
  • Master's Degree in Counseling & Psychology — St. Mary's University of Minnesota
  • Post-graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Undergraduate degree — St. Catherine University

The dual-state licensure (Minnesota and Vermont) is worth noting if you split time between states or are considering telehealth across state lines — licensure requirements vary, so it's worth confirming your specific situation when you inquire.

Specialties

Tara's stated clinical specialties include:

  • Marriage therapy
  • Individual counseling
  • Shame
  • Depression
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Anxiety and fear

These overlap with the practice's broader service lines: individual counseling, couples counseling, and family counseling. The practice describes its work as helping people dealing with depression, anxiety, shame, relationship distress, trauma, or adjustment issues.

Therapeutic Approach

Tara describes her approach as tailored rather than protocol-driven: "No two people are exactly alike. Tara pulls from many different therapeutic models allowing her to tailor a unique approach for each client."

She also states that she keeps her caseload small so she can put her full energy into each person she sees, and that she aims to know each client as an individual and create a safe place to work through challenges.

Therapeutic Models Used

Model What it generally emphasizes
Attachment-based How early relationships shape current patterns
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) The link between thoughts, feelings, and behavior
Eclectic Blending approaches to fit the client
Family Systems How family dynamics and roles affect individuals
Narrative How the stories we tell about ourselves shape experience
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) Patterns of thinking and language (note: NLP is not a mainstream evidence-based modality)
Psychodynamic How unconscious patterns and past experience influence the present
Polyvagal How the nervous system regulates safety and connection
Trauma Focused Structured work specifically oriented around trauma

If you have a preference for a particular modality — for example, you specifically want CBT or trauma-focused work — it's reasonable to ask how much of your sessions would use that model versus others.

Who She Works With

Tara works with adults and teenagers. For family issues involving younger children, she will sometimes work with them for a session or two, but generally refers them to other therapists if more help is needed. If you're seeking ongoing therapy for a young child, expect a referral rather than an ongoing caseload.

Insurance and Payment

Tara is an out-of-network provider only. According to the practice, she submits claims on your behalf to make out-of-network benefits easier to access, and out-of-network claims can be submitted to the vast majority of insurance providers. Because she is out of network, your cost depends on your plan's out-of-network benefits — deductible, coinsurance, and reimbursement rate. The site does not list session fees or accepted payment methods, so ask about rates and payment directly when you inquire.

Location and Office Environment

The office is in Shoreview, Minnesota, located across Highway 96 from Kowalski's Market. Tara describes the space as a small, comfortable office suite in a nice building, with a waiting room, coffee machine, and two offices — a calm, low-stress environment where you don't have to worry about running into a lot of other people.

How to Decide If She's a Fit

Consider Tara if:

  • You want a therapist who works with adults or teens on anxiety, depression, shame, trauma, or relationship issues
  • You prefer a small caseload and a therapist who describes her style as individualized
  • You are out of network and willing to use out-of-network benefits (or pay out of pocket)
  • You are in Minnesota or Vermont and want in-person or state-appropriate care

Consider asking about:

  • Session fees and payment methods — not published on the site
  • Your out-of-network reimbursement rate — confirm with your insurer before starting
  • Whether your specific concern fits her scope — particularly for younger children, where she generally refers out
  • Availability — a small caseload can mean a waitlist

The practice offers new client paperwork and appointment scheduling; the site lists a "Schedule an appointment" option and a "New Client Paperwork" section for getting started.