March is Social Work Month, and here at Birchwood Therapeutic Services, we are rolling out the red carpet for our amazing social workers! These superheroes in human form play a vital role in providing Mental Health Counseling, offering top-tier Therapeutic Services in North Dakota, and ensuring Mental Health Support in Minnesota is accessible, compassionate, and effective.
If you’ve ever wondered what social workers actually do (besides saving the world one client at a time), buckle up. We’re about to take you on a journey through the world of Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Wellbeing, and the licensed pros who make it all happen!
What Do Social Workers Actually Do? (Hint: A Lot!)
Social workers wear many hats—and sometimes, those hats come with metaphorical capes. They help individuals navigate life’s challenges, from mental health struggles to family conflicts to accessing essential resources.
At Birchwood Therapeutic Services, our social workers specialize in a variety of areas, including:
Mental Health Counseling – Providing direct support to clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
Behavioral Therapy – Helping clients develop healthier coping mechanisms and behaviors.
Case Management – Connecting individuals with community resources, financial aid, and support networks.
Advocacy – Fighting for clients’ rights in healthcare, education, and social systems.
Without social workers, many individuals would struggle to access the help they need. So, let’s take a moment to appreciate these everyday heroes!
Meet the Dream Team: Our Social Workers at Birchwood
We’re fortunate to have an outstanding team of social workers at Birchwood Therapeutic Services. Let’s give a well-deserved shoutout to these incredible professionals:
Pamela Thompson, LICSW
Pamela earned her B.S. degree from Metropolitan State University in 1987 and her M.S. degree in School Psychology from MSUM in 1988. She practiced as a school psychologist for 25 years, working with children pre-K through grade 12.
Pamela began counseling in private practice in 1989 as a licensed social worker. In 2003, she opened her own practice, Solutions Counseling Services, Inc. Her current licenses are LICSW. Special focuses for Pam’s practice include EMDR, TFT, ADHD testing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has worked with children, adults, individuals, couples, and families. Pam is passionate about helping people take charge of their own lives.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Counseling Psychology and Child Development, Metropolitan State University, Twin Cities, MN
Master’s Degree of Science in School Psychology, Minnesota State University of Moorhead, Moorhead, MN
Associations/Memberships:
Minnesota Board of Social Work
Lori Cline, LICSW
Lori earned her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University in 2008 and graduated from the University of Southern California in 2016 with a Master’s degree in Social Work. She moved to the Minnesota area in 2020.
Lori has worked with individuals with co-occurring disorders in chemical dependency and mental health for over seven years. She has received training in DBT, crisis intervention, and trauma-focused techniques. Her approach to therapy is authentic and person-centered, empowering clients to build their best lives. Lori believes that while our journeys may be challenging, we don’t have to walk them alone.
Lori is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Dakota.
A message from Lori: “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”
Bridget Forst, LICSW
Bridget is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota and a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in North Dakota. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a minor in Corrections from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University, specializing in Mental Health & Substance Misuse. She is also a non-clinical supervisor with the Minnesota Board of Social Work.
Bridget has worked in various mental health settings, including adult foster care, ARMHS, probation, and county mental health case management. In addition to her role at Birchwood, she serves as the Behavioral Health Lead at Wilkin County Health & Human Services. She supports individuals 12+ and specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, Bipolar, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, and psychosis.
A message from Bridget: “Bridget believes that healing is achieved through uncovering our inherent strengths. Through exploration of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we can start to uncover who we truly are and what we are capable of.”
Katie Melgaard, BSW, Clinical Social Work Intern
Katie is currently a graduate student at Minnesota State University-Moorhead, pursuing her Master of Social Work degree to become a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW). Her passion for social work is fueled by personal experiences and a deep commitment to advocacy.
Katie has worked in mental health services for several years, including at Sanford Behavioral Health inpatient unit, where she supported adolescents and adults struggling with mental illness, suicidal ideation, and homelessness. She also spent four years as a county mental health case manager for children with severe emotional disturbances (SED). Katie specializes in working with children and adolescents dealing with depression, anxiety, autism, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
A message from Katie: “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” — Carl R. Rogers
Why Social Workers Deserve a Standing Ovation
Social workers don’t just listen—they problem-solve, advocate, and empower. They help people find stability in chaotic situations, provide a safe space for healing, and ensure mental health services are accessible to those who need them most.
Consider this:
They handle emotionally intense situations daily and still show up with compassion and empathy.
They navigate complex systems to help clients get the support they deserve.
They take on your stress so you don’t have to carry it alone.
In short, social workers are the backbone of mental health services, and we’re incredibly grateful to have some of the best right here at Birchwood Therapeutic Services.
Final Thoughts: Social Workers Are Essential
Social workers don’t just change lives—they save them. They are essential to our communities, tirelessly working to provide Mental Health Counseling, Behavioral Therapy, and comprehensive Therapeutic Services in North Dakota and Mental Health Support in Minnesota.
This Social Work Month, let’s make sure they get the recognition they deserve. If you or someone you know could benefit from the guidance of one of our talented social workers, reach out to Birchwood Therapeutic Services today. Because mental health isn’t just important—it’s everything.
Thank you, Pamela, Lori, Bridget, and Katie, for all that you do! Your dedication makes a world of difference, and we’re lucky to have you on our team.
Need support? Contact Birchwood Therapeutic Services to connect with one of our Licensed Therapists today!
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