Meet Your Trusted Therapist

I’m Anna Bankey, MSW, LICSW, mental health therapist and founder of Riverside Counseling in Brainerd, Minnesota. 

I opened Riverside Counseling on March 3, 2026, with the belief that everyone deserves a safe, supportive, and compassionate space to heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. 

My mission is to provide a therapeutic environment where individuals truly  feel seen, heard, and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful change. 

Previous clinical therapist roles included Lakeview Behavioral Health, Crow Wing County Drug Court Team, Northern Pines Mental Health Center, Nexxus, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe – Four Winds Treatment Center, Lakes Country Counseling, Behavioral Health Associates in the Twin Cities, and Nystrom & Associates, where I provided mental health services across outpatient, residential, community, and specialty treatment settings. 

I earned my Master of Clinical Social Work (MSW) from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where I completed clinical concentrations in Trauma and Adolescent Psychotherapy.  I was part of the university's inaugural cohort during its CSWE accreditation process. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, and my Associate of Arts (AA) from Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minnesota.

My clinical and generalist practicum experiences included Greater Minnesota Family Services, RSI in Duluth, Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office – Jail Programs, and Bridges of Hope, where I gained valuable experience in mental health, community services, crisis intervention, and justice system settings. 

Throughout my career, I have explored business, healthcare administration, anthropology, sociology, nursing, ayurvedic, and integrative wellness. My professional background includes natural health, fitness, yoga, massage therapy, bodywork, and the beauty and spa industries, where I operated successful wellness practices.

These experiences have shaped my belief that healing is not about reducing people to diagnoses or symptoms—it is about understanding the full story. True transformation begins when we honor the whole person: their life experiences, strengths, relationships, identities, and the environments that have shaped who they are.

I offer flexible in-person and virtual therapy options for individuals throughout Minnesota at Riverside Counseling. Weekly sessions are available for those ready to begin this journey of healing and growth. 

I invite you to reach out and take the first step toward a healthier, more empowered future.

Text or call )and leave a message) at 218-450-8400 or send an email inquiry for the quickest response.