Alyssa Knese, MSW, LICSW, Director of Mental Health

I earned my Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from St. Cloud State University in 2015, but my work in mental health began in 2011 in a residential foster care setting. Those early years taught me the value of stability, compassion, and showing up for people during their hardest moments. I later moved into outpatient mental health, providing Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS) before beginning my psychotherapy work at Catholic Charities in 2018.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy with additional training in dialectical behavior therapy. I focus on practical tools, emotional insight, and helping clients build skills that support long‑term healing. Alongside my outpatient work, I provide clinical supervision for therapists at Granite City Counseling and co‑facilitate the men’s Domestic Abuse Intervention Program (DAIP).

Physical wellness is a core part of how I understand mental health. My bachelor’s degree in kinesiology sparked a lifelong interest in the mind–body connection, and I enjoy supporting clients who want to explore how movement, nutrition, and lifestyle influence emotional well‑being. Outside the office, I’m usually with my dogs, running marathons, or competing in triathlons.

My goal is to help clients build lives that feel grounded, meaningful, and aligned with who they want to be.