Canvas Health has over 30 openings in a range of positions all across the Twin Cities metro area. Openings include therapists, crisis clinicians, receptionists, and more!
As a nonprofit community mental health clinic, Canvas Health is a great place to work that allows staff to be supported and grow as professionals while living their values that all people—no matter age, identity, or life experience, etc.—get the care they deserve.
I was looking for somewhere that aligned with my values and where I could be supported and grow as a clinician. I found that at Canvas Health.
-Rachel, Canvas Health therapist
And there are more benefits! Canvas Health is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee health, savings, and balance. We offer a variety of benefits for eligible employees and their families. In many cases, you can also cover your dependents, including your spouse or domestic partner, and children.
Benefit options offered by Canvas Health include:
Come join Canvas Health, a pillar and critical provider mental health and substance use treatment services to the Twin Cities metro for more than 50 years.
For more info about Canvas Health, including a virtual tour of our Oakdale headquarters, visit our careers page. Otherwise head on over to the Canvas Health job board and find out how you can join our work helping our communities find hope, healing, and recovery.
Canvas Health has over 30 openings in a range of positions all across the Twin Cities metro area. Openings include therapists, crisis clinicians, receptionists, and more! As a nonprofit community mental health clinic, Canvas Health is a great place to work that allows staff to be supported and grow as professionals while living their values […]
Andrea*, an outpatient therapy client at Canvas Health, recently shared her story of how her work with her therapist helped her begin healing.
“I started seeing a therapist at Canvas Health a few months ago to help me manage my Bipolar Disorder diagnosis. I can honestly say that she is the best therapist I’ve ever had. She listens to me and helped me make therapy goals that make sense to me. She helps me solve day-to-day situations and respects that I need some time to work on my past traumas.
I also joined one of Canvas Health’s intensive therapy groups, which is helping me not feel so alone. I’m learning to manage my symptoms, and to stop and think before self-harming or making other impulsive and unhealthy choices.”
Outpatient mental health therapy at Canvas Health is provided both in our Bloomington, Cottage Grove, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, North Branch, Oakdale and Stillwater clinic locations as well via telehealth. To find a therapist at Canvas Health, please search our provider list.
Canvas Health offers a Sliding Fee Scale for eligible services based on income and family size. Those eligible for sliding fee discounted rates from Canvas Health include people who have low incomes and are uninsured or under-insured. Canvas Health also has flexible payment plan options for all clients.
Canvas Health accepts Medicaid, Medical Assistance, Tricare, Medicare, as well as most private insurance including Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthPartners, Medica, Optum, United Healthcare, UCare, Aetna, Cigna, and Preferred One. Call (651) 777-5222 to verify your insurance.
To make an appointment at Canvas Health, please call (651) 777-5222 to talk to our Intake Coordinators or complete our online appointment request form. They can help match you with a clinician who can get you, your loved one, or your client the help they need in the location that’s most convenient.
Andrea*, an outpatient therapy client at Canvas Health, recently shared her story of how her work with her therapist helped her begin healing. “I started seeing a therapist at Canvas Health a few months ago to help me manage my Bipolar Disorder diagnosis. I can honestly say that she is the best therapist I’ve ever […]
If mood-altering chemicals are of concern, Canvas Health offers Substance Use Comprehensive Assessments (known as “Rule 25 Assessments” until 07/01/2022). These can be scheduled on a required (legally motivated) or voluntary basis.
A Substance Use Comprehensive Assessment consists of an interview; a series of relatively standard questions conducted by a professional, Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC), and generally lasts about forty-five minutes to one hour. The individual will be asked to provide permission to the LADC to make “collateral” contacts – permission to reach out to someone who knows the individual well and can provide data helpful to the assessment process. All of this assists the professional in determining whether the individual has a diagnosable Substance Use Disorder.
Additionally, the individual’s responses and collateral data collected assists in determining whether there is a need for intervention through Substance Abuse Counseling or Treatment as well as in determining the appropriate level of care. Once all data is collected, recommendations are made for the individual and a report is sent to the appropriate and interested parties.
If there is a need for Substance Abuse Treatment, there are several levels of care for those with Substance Use Disorders:
Generally, there is a continuum of care that involves a “step-down” process for the individual in need of Substance Abuse treatment. This is determined in collaboration with the LADCs involved in the individual’s care.
If you or someone you know is in need of a Substance Use Comprehensive Assessment or Substance Use Treatment our friendly and non-judgmental providers are here to help. Book an appointment online or call us at (651) 777-5222.
If mood-altering chemicals are of concern, Canvas Health offers Substance Use Comprehensive Assessments (known as “Rule 25 Assessments” until 07/01/2022). These can be scheduled on a required (legally motivated) or voluntary basis. What Is a Substance Use Comprehensive Assessment? A Substance Use Comprehensive Assessment consists of an interview; a series of relatively standard questions conducted […]
“The best thing about providing service to our clients is witnessing the healing process first-hand. It brings me such joy to see their progress.
Recently, a client entered the Bloomington office and was not even able to sit in a chair. He was so nervous and very uncomfortable. I welcomed him to our office and explained that there was some paperwork to complete, and that he could do it when he was ready.
He explained that he didn’t know where to turn or what to expect from therapy. I reassured him that he would have a conversation with his therapist, just like he was having with me. I explained that he was on a journey and he just took the first step, and it would be a wonderful process. I explained that over course of time, he would begin to increase his strength and understanding so much. That at some point, he would be filled with joy and wonder of his accomplishment.
Later, he stated that Canvas Health saved his life.
I will never forget him.”
~ Linda Pavlick, Administrative Specialist, Canvas Health Bloomington Clinic
Learn more about our Outpatient Services here.
Make a gift in honor of the work of our Outpatient Staff and Programs here.
“The best thing about providing service to our clients is witnessing the healing process first-hand. It brings me such joy to see their progress. Recently, a client entered the Bloomington office and was not even able to sit in a chair. He was so nervous and very uncomfortable. I welcomed him to our office and […]
We are super grateful to Tim Safe of Pathfinder Insurance for donating the proceeds of his first quarter referral program, totaling over $3,640, to Canvas Health.
To help make his program even more impactful, Tim’s community business partners match his donations! Partners include: Kevin Johnson, Forward Accounting, Nick Junker, The Nick Junker Team – Keller Williams Premier Realty, Eric Hoffman, Datastream Connexion, Jon Weaver, Jon Weaver – Mortgage Professional, Pamela Brown, Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo, F45 Training Stillwater, Kristina Marshall, Kristina Lynn Photography & Design, Matthew Stepaniak, Tawnya Stepaniak, Corey Oscarson, Northland Chiropractic Clinic, Lakeview Health Emergency Medical Services, Nick Howe, Mark Howe, Adam Bettin, Buildtec Contracting Company, and Jerry’s Auto Body.
If you’re interested in donating to Canvas Health you can donate online today!
We are super grateful to Tim Safe of Pathfinder Insurance for donating the proceeds of his first quarter referral program, totaling over $3,640, to Canvas Health. To help make his program even more impactful, Tim’s community business partners match his donations! Partners include: Kevin Johnson, Forward Accounting, Nick Junker, The Nick Junker Team – Keller […]
Canvas Health leadership recently announced the agency’s annual CEO Awards. The awards highlight accomplishments in areas including impact to the organization, stress/crisis management, going beyond job description, performance excellence, contribution to morale, and leadership development.
The 2022 CEO Award recipients include: Andrew Baur, Darcy Gassman, Rodney Gayle, Beth Hopkins, Jamie Lindstrom, Ali Ryan, and Jessica Torrey. Following are excerpts from the award nominations for these outstanding individuals who help make Canvas Health the incredible mental health agency that it is.
“Andrew’s assessments have been used as examples for staff, even when he was the most junior member of the team. His ability to connect with people and de-escalate crisis situations through both face-to-face and phone conversations is excellent.
“Rodney has received high praise from school staff in Anoka County for his work with children, and has been requested by a school to conduct assessments due to his gentle and helpful manner. Additionally, as a Veteran himself, Rodney has a passion to work with other Veterans and explore outreach opportunities with this community.”
“Ali’s work on Diversity Committee and its subcommittees has resulted in actions that will make Canvas Health stronger for years to come as our agency continues to evolve in its understanding of diversity issues. Ali also has taken on the task of implementing a new Circle of Security Group for parents and children in the Hastings School District.”
“Darcy consistently goes above and beyond in the Adolescent Day Treatment program. When the opportunity to start an all-day Day Treatment program in Oakdale presented itself, she agreed with excitement to lead the program. Her skills and strengths set the new program on a pathway to success.”
“Everywhere Jamie goes, staff and clients want to work with her. She’s not only fun, but she is accepting and safe. Kids and teens get better and heal because of Jamie’s work to create a safe and fun place for them to be themselves.”
“Beth sets the bar for clinical care, great paperwork, productivity, being an active participant in supervision/consultations, and providing excellent customer service to her clients, families, and her school. Beth mentors other school-based therapists and also helps her colleagues complete assessments for children under 5 years old. She’s a strong and steady presence on the school-based therapy team, while providing her team with light and laughter, which has been needed more than ever for staff working in schools during a pandemic.”
“Jessica has worked closely with Anoka County to set up referrals from 911 that are effective and help get people in mental health crisis the help they need. Jessica dove deep into our Credible transition to help make sure that mobile crisis teams had good workflows. She continues to run a consultation groups for LGSWs across the organization and also conducts supervision for LICSW interns.”
Canvas Health leadership recently announced the agency’s annual CEO Awards. The awards highlight accomplishments in areas including impact to the organization, stress/crisis management, going beyond job description, performance excellence, contribution to morale, and leadership development. 2021 Canvas Health CEO Award Recipients The 2022 CEO Award recipients include: Andrew Baur, Darcy Gassman, Rodney Gayle, Beth Hopkins, […]
Adam Wahlberg is one of Canvas Health’s new Board of Directors members who began his term in 2022.
Wahlberg has a BA in Mass Communications from St. Cloud University and a Masters in Public Affairs from the U of M. An entrepreneur, he lives in Minneapolis and is the founder of Think Piece Publishing which is dedicated to mental health books where he published Julie Barton’s memoir, Dog Medicine, which became a New York Times bestseller.
He has served in editor positions for Twin Cities Business Magazine, Super Lawyers and Minnesota Law and Politics, and currently is the copy chief at Fast Horse marketing agency. He has a wide skill set in communications on mental health, messaging, running events and raising awareness.
“I’ve long admired Canvas Health for everything it does in the community. It shows up for people, which has never been more important. I’m delighted to lend my talents to Canvas Health. You are on the side of the angels,” said Wahlberg.
Learn more about Canvas Health’s Board of Directors.
Adam Wahlberg is one of Canvas Health’s new Board of Directors members who began his term in 2022. About Adam Wahlberg has a BA in Mass Communications from St. Cloud University and a Masters in Public Affairs from the U of M. An entrepreneur, he lives in Minneapolis and is the founder of Think Piece […]
Canvas Health school-based clinicians in Minneapolis Public Schools provided an incredible 159 hours of therapy to students during the recent teacher strike. Canvas Health currently supports eight Minneapolis Public Schools.
Therapy was conducted wherever students were most comfortable – in school buildings, in coffee shops, over Zoom, in homes, and in the community.
“Caring for students’ mental health is vitally important, especially during times of uncertainty. Our therapists joined other mental health supports in Minneapolis to rise to the challenge for their clients, providing a safe place and connection when children really needed it,” said Emily Johnson, MSW, LICSW, school-based mental health supervisor. “We are so grateful for our relationships with teachers and administrators in all of our schools, and for their support of all school mental health services, including the Tier 3 (most intensive) services that Canvas Health therapists offer.”
Johnson explained that therapists facilitated everything from individual and family therapy to doing outreach by bringing school lunches to the homes of clients. One therapist was able to help a young student by walking him to the strike line to say “hi” to his teacher because he was missing her.
Canvas Health provides school-based therapy in 33 schools in five Minnesota districts.
Learn more about Canvas Health’s school-based therapy program.
Make a gift in support of the school-based mental health program here
Canvas Health school-based clinicians in Minneapolis Public Schools provided an incredible 159 hours of therapy to students during the recent teacher strike. Canvas Health currently supports eight Minneapolis Public Schools. Therapy was conducted wherever students were most comfortable – in school buildings, in coffee shops, over Zoom, in homes, and in the community. “Caring for […]
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. During this month, Canvas Health will be highlighting the work of our Abuse Response Services program in the community, our clinics, and on social media.
Canvas Health encourages those who have experienced a sexual assault or dating violence to call our 24 hour crisis line at (651) 777-1117. This line is for Washington County residents, but advocates can help others with referrals to additional resources.
“Working in sexual violence advocacy and education can be difficult, but it is incredibly important. I believe that our work is creating social change in the hopes that we can put an end sexual violence. I am grateful that Canvas Health supports Abuse Response Services’ work, including 24-hour telephone crisis response, short-term counseling, 24/7 response to local hospital emergency rooms, support groups, legal advocacy, Safe at Home application assistance and community education,” said Tara Kline, Abuse Response Services Therapist/Supervisor
Kline continued, “Remember, one of the most important things we can for victims/survivors is to believe them!”
Learn more about Abuse Response Services here.
Make a gift to support the work of Abuse Response Services here.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. During this month, Canvas Health will be highlighting the work of our Abuse Response Services program in the community, our clinics, and on social media. Canvas Health encourages those who have experienced a sexual assault or dating violence to call our 24 hour crisis line at (651) 777-1117. This […]
When Joel* joined the Partnering for Jobs program, he was unsure about how to incorporate work into his life while receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration. He had a few jobs in the past but was never happy with how they worked out.
The client and Employment Specialist collaborated with VRS to get him a detailed Benefits Analysis. After learning how a future job may impact his benefits, he decided that working a consistent job would be best for him. The Employment Specialist and client applied to many jobs and found success with Afton Alps as a Ski Lift Operator. The client was highly motivated by the benefits that Afton Alps offered; including a free pass to ski for the season. In preparation for Afton Alps, the Employment Specialist, VRS counselor and client worked together to make sure everything lined up with his social security benefits. Joel worked at Afton Alps the winter of 2021 and after a successful season, decided he also wanted to work there the winter of 2022.
Once this season is over, he wants to find a job that is close to his apartment. The VRS counselor is involved in ensuring his potential job options align with his benefits to support his financial needs. Prior to working with the program, his interests were limited. He has since broadened his scope to include working as a cashier, which he said he would have never been comfortable with doing before joining the program. His experience at Afton Alps and working on communication skills with the Employment Specialist gave him the confidence to do a job with a great deal of customer interaction.
Canvas Health’s Partnering for Jobs Individual Placement and Support Services program is dedicated to bringing hope, healing, and recovery by assisting individuals with finding and keeping competitive employment. The program is a collaborative effort between Canvas Health, Lifetrack and Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Learn more about Partnering for Jobs here.
Canvas Health Client Story When Joel* joined the Partnering for Jobs program, he was unsure about how to incorporate work into his life while receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration. He had a few jobs in the past but was never happy with how they worked out. The client and Employment Specialist collaborated with […]
Canvas Health is pleased to announce its status as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC). This certification was authorized through the Minnesota Department of Human Services on Feb. 4, 2022.
With this certification, Canvas Health will expand on many of the services that it is already providing, serving as a one-stop shop for mental health, substance abuse treatment, and other health care services in the community. The CCBHC model ensures access to 24/7/365 crisis care, ARMHS services, care for military personnel and veterans, care coordination with hospitals, law enforcement, and schools as well as access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), among other capabilities.
“CCBHC gives Canvas Health the financial and operational backing to more fully carry out community mental health care the way it was intended when John F. Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act in 1963. Though Canvas Health has always served our community in the spirit of that Act, which is helping vulnerable individuals and their families receive coordinated care, we will now be in the exciting position of expanding, increasing access, and improving those services,” said Matt Eastwood, Canvas Health CEO.
Canvas Health is now one of 13 CCBHCs in Minnesota, and is authorized to provide CCBHC services to individuals on Medicaid in Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Scott, and Washington counties.
Canvas Health is currently hiring for multiple positions supporting CCBHC services including an adolescent psychiatrist, adult psychiatrist, ARMHS supervisor, and care coordinator. Those interested in those positions and other clinical positions at Canvas Health are encouraged to apply at CanvasHealth.org/Careers.
Canvas Health is pleased to announce its status as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC). This certification was authorized through the Minnesota Department of Human Services on Feb. 4, 2022. CCBHC Certification With this certification, Canvas Health will expand on many of the services that it is already providing, serving as a one-stop shop […]
The celebration of Black History Month during February each year, offers an opportunity to explore and reflect upon the struggle and impact of Black people on the United States.
Canvas Health’s mission to bring hope, healing, and recovery to the people we serve fits well with Black History Month’s 2022’s theme, “Black Health and Wellness.”
To read about some of the Black leaders who have had profound impact on the mental health field and how the field serves Black people, you can visit the exploration we did last year. We also want to highlight Canvas Health’s understanding of mental illness and its disproportionate impact on Black people as part of our commitment to providing excellent care based on the individuals needs and circumstances of all our clients.
Mental illness is common, affecting one in four Americans. Though the impacts of mental illness on Black Americans in particular are often disproportionate, due to conscious and unconscious societal failings of bias and inequity. Black adults are “20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems, such as Major Depressive Disorder or Generalize Anxiety Disorder (see here).” Black Americans are more likely to be disadvantaged socioeconomically due to cultural and systemic biases.
Canvas Health tries meet these needs by hiring excellent providers, providing ongoing training, collaborative work between care teams and community resources, and through the belief that we always need to continuing learning and improving. If you want to speak with a Canvas Health counselor, you can reach out by message or by phone here.
Visit Mental Health America for a huge list of resources and information about Black mental health history, statistics and other information about mental health in Black communities, mental health resources, and more.
The celebration of Black History Month during February each year, offers an opportunity to explore and reflect upon the struggle and impact of Black people on the United States. Canvas Health’s mission to bring hope, healing, and recovery to the people we serve fits well with Black History Month’s 2022’s theme, “Black Health and Wellness.” […]
The Canvas Health Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Khu Thao, MSW, PsyD, LP, LICSW, as the agency’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective Feb. 28, 2022. Thao will succeed Dr. Matt Eastwood, who will retire after serving as CEO since 2015.
Dr. Thao is a highly respected leader in the mental health care community and is currently the Vice President of Community Mental Health for Touchstone Mental Health in Minneapolis. In that role, she provides executive leadership and oversight of multiple service lines, including case management, behavioral health, residential treatment, and outpatient services. She also has served as Senior Director of Operations at Touchstone. Prior to that, her professional roles have included Clinical Manager at Amherst Wilder Foundation, Clinical Psychologist Fellow at the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis, clinician at Washburn Center for Children, and child protection social worker for both Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
“We are confident that Dr. Thao is the right person to lead Canvas Health at this pivotal time,” said Karna Peters, Canvas Health Board Chair. “As a clinician, she understands and is fully committed to providing excellent care to clients. Additionally, Khu has a proven track record of persistence and results in driving initiatives and being a positive and insightful problem solver. She’s also a respected leader in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.”
Thao has an Executive Leadership Certification for Nonprofit Management from University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, a Psy.D. from Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, a Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota, and a BA from Gustavus Adolphus College. She is a recipient of the prestigious Bush Fellowship and a Title VI-E Welfare Fellowship.
“I am thrilled and honored at the opportunity to lead Canvas Health,” said Thao. “The agency is in a position of growth and is poised to build on its rich history of providing excellent clinical care to those who need it most. I’m most excited about offering my experience and commitment to service of others to Canvas Health’s incredible staff and clients.”
The Canvas Health Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Khu Thao, MSW, PsyD, LP, LICSW, as the agency’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective Feb. 28, 2022. Thao will succeed Dr. Matt Eastwood, who will retire after serving as CEO since 2015. Dr. Thao is a highly respected leader in the mental […]
In the latest issue of the Phoenix Spirit, a publication focused on well-being, is a story about Randy Anderson, a man who went “From Addict to Mentor.”
Anderson was deep into drug use and drug sales at the time of his arrest. Years of prison followed. But it wasn’t until he met with a particularly “hard-nosed” counselor that he finally found a path to sobriety and advocacy for others like him.
Anderson is perhaps most passionate about training other recovering users like himself to be peer counselors. Offering peer counseling services, he believes, is one of the simplest, least expensive, and most accessible ways to address drug addiction. He even helped get state legislation passed to fund peer counseling services in some treatment settings.
Though recent studies seem to show most people with addiction, that doesn’t mean that is easy. But that’s where peer counselors, also called Peer Recovery Specialists, like Randy Anderson now is, can help.
“We want to find out what you think is best for you and to pull that out of you,” says Anderson. “I just want people to be successful. I don’t want people to suffer. I want people to get the help, no matter what that looks like for them.”
Canvas Health offers Peer Recovery Specialists and has found similar stories of success made through this service, like a female client who utilized all available services and had notable success in treatment, including continued care throughout the transition process into MCF-Shakopee. As a result of our collaborative treatment, and her commitment to change, and continued advocacy from a Peer Recovery Specialist, she was afforded opportunities leading to a reduced sentence (nearly 4 years) and entrance into the MCF Challenge Incarceration Program which can help the client rejoin her young daughter.
Sobriety has been even more challenging for people during the pandemic. Canvas Health continues to offer counseling and treatment for clients in person and via telehealth for our community.
Learn more about Canvas Health’s substance abuse program and make an appointment for a chemical health assessment or chemical health treatment.
In the latest issue of the Phoenix Spirit, a publication focused on well-being, is a story about Randy Anderson, a man who went “From Addict to Mentor.” The Path to Sobriety Anderson was deep into drug use and drug sales at the time of his arrest. Years of prison followed. But it wasn’t until he […]
Canvas Health’s Chief Executive Officer Matt Eastwood recently announced his plan for a March 2022 retirement from the agency.
During his years as CEO, Matt led Canvas Health through several key transitions, including navigating through a pandemic that continues to affect virtually every part of the agency’s operation. He also guided staff through the implementation of a new Electronic Health Records system to help improve the agency’s overall efficiency and service to clients.
Matt currently is leading Canvas Health through the process of becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, a sustainably financed model that will help ensure access to integrated, evidence-based addiction and mental health services for our clients.
Matt has served in the healthcare industry for over 42 years, including the past decade at Canvas Health. His plans for retirement include spending time with family, traveling, golfing, and fishing.
“On behalf of the staff and Board of Canvas Health, we extend our gratitude and thanks to Matt for his visionary leadership. The common theme of his accomplishments is his commitment to keeping Canvas Health’s mission of hope, healing, and recovery at the forefront of all of his decisions. Canvas Health is poised for a bright future because of his dedication,” said Eileen McMahon, Canvas Health Board Chair.
Those interested in learning more about the Chief Executive Officer position may contact Walter J. Flynn, W. J. Flynn and Associates, LLC, (651) 287-2370, walt.flynn@wjflynnandassociates.com.
Canvas Health’s Chief Executive Officer Matt Eastwood recently announced his plan for a March 2022 retirement from the agency. During his years as CEO…
