About Nathaniel Van Heuveln
Focus areas
Anxiety
Psychological Trauma
Work-Related Counseling
Burnout
Stress
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Therapy
Clientele seen
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Young adults (18-24)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Exposure Response Prevention
Coaching
Identity
Gender
MaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Nathaniel Van Heuveln
If you’re here, there’s a good chance something isn’t working the way it used to.
Maybe you’re overthinking everything, running the same conversations or decisions through your head without landing anywhere solid. Maybe you feel stuck in patterns you can clearly see but can’t seem to change. Or from the outside, things look “fine,” but internally it feels heavy, disconnected, or harder than it should be.
That’s where I come in.
I’m Nate Van Heuveln, a therapist and owner of Criterion Counseling in St. Cloud, Minnesota. I work with people who are ready for more than just talking about problems and emotions; they want direction and real change.
Our work together is straightforward, honest, and focused. I won’t just sit back and nod. I’ll help you understand what’s actually driving the patterns you’re in, and we’ll build practical ways to shift them. That might mean learning how to respond differently to anxiety, breaking cycles in relationships, or getting out of your own head so you can move forward with confidence.
Clients often tell me they appreciate having a confidential, impartial, and non-judgemental space where they don’t have to filter themselves; a place where they’re also challenged in a way that actually helps. Therapy with me is both supportive and productive: a place to be understood, but also a place to make things happen.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting. You just need to be open to taking a closer look at what’s going on and willing to do something about it.
If you’re ready for therapy that feels clear, grounded, and genuinely useful, we’ll likely be a good fit.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Starting therapy can feel uncertain, especially if you’re not sure what to expect or you’ve had an experience in the past that didn’t feel helpful.
Working with me is a more active, engaged process than many people anticipate. I won’t just listen and reflect, I’ll ask direct questions, point out patterns, and help you connect dots that may not be obvious yet. Sessions are conversational, but they’re also focused. The goal is not just insight or emotional processing, but movement.
You can expect a balance of support and challenge. I take the time to understand your experience and what matters to you, while also being honest about what may be keeping you stuck. At times that means slowing things down and building awareness; other times it means identifying specific changes and practicing them in real life.
I tend to work best with clients who want something practical out of therapy. That might include learning how to manage anxiety more effectively, navigating relationship dynamics with more wisdom, or changing patterns that keep repeating. We’ll often identify things to pay attention to or try between sessions so the work continues outside of the therapy room.
You don’t need to show up with the “right” words or a clear plan. It’s okay if things feel messy or unclear because that’s part of the process. What matters most is a willingness to be honest and to engage with the work.
If you’re looking for therapy that is straightforward, thoughtful, and focused on helping you actually move forward, that’s what you can expect here.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Most people come into therapy unsure of how it’s actually going to work or thinking, "What am I getting myself into?" That’s completely normal.
We’ll start by getting a clear picture of what’s bringing you in and what you want to be different. Not just the surface-level concerns, but the patterns underneath them. I’ll ask focused questions to understand how things have been unfolding for you and where you tend to get stuck in a rut.
From there, we’ll begin identifying what’s actually driving those patterns and whether it’s thought processes, habits, relationship dynamics, or ways you’ve learned to cope over time. The goal early on is awareness: understanding what’s going on and why.
Once we have that, sessions become more targeted and practical. We’ll work on specific ways to respond differently, whether that’s managing anxiety in the moment, communicating more effectively, or interrupting patterns that aren’t working. You won’t just be talking about your week; we’ll be actively working on change.
Sessions are conversational and structured at the same time. There’s room to bring in what’s most relevant to you, but I’ll also help keep us focused so the work stays productive. At times we may slow things down to explore something more deeply; other times we’ll stay very solution-focused and action-oriented.
Therapy isn’t meant to stay in the room. We’ll often identify things to notice, practice, or experiment with between sessions so you can start seeing progress in your day-to-day life.
Over time, the goal is for you to not need therapy. The goal is to have a clearer understanding of yourself and the tools to handle challenges more effectively on your own.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
More information on payments and coverage
Criterion Counseling accepts direct-pay clients and select commercial insurance plans. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, deductible, copay, coinsurance, and medical-necessity requirements.
Patients are encouraged to verify behavioral health benefits with their insurance plan before the first appointment. When insurance is used, payment for any copay, coinsurance, deductible amount, or non-covered service is the patient’s responsibility.
Payment is typically collected at the time of service. Superbills may be available for eligible out-of-network reimbursement when appropriate.
For questions about payment, coverage, or whether your plan is accepted, please contact Criterion Counseling before scheduling.
Office location
Nathaniel Van Heuveln, MS also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- St. Cloud State University, Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
NPI number
1912753120
How soon can I make an appointment with Nathaniel Van Heuveln?
Generally, Nathaniel Van Heuveln has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Nathaniel Van Heuveln's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Nathaniel Van Heuveln accepting new patients?
Nathaniel Van Heuveln generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Nathaniel Van Heuveln's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Nathaniel Van Heuveln accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Nathaniel Van Heuveln is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Nathaniel Van Heuveln online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Nathaniel Van Heuveln using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Nathaniel Van Heuveln work with?
Nathaniel Van Heuveln works with Criterion Counseling.
Where is Nathaniel Van Heuveln's office located?
Nathaniel Van Heuveln has 2 office locations in Saint Cloud, view full addresses on Nathaniel Van Heuveln's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Nathaniel Van Heuveln?
Nathaniel Van Heuveln frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Nathaniel Van Heuveln on their profile.
What languages does Nathaniel Van Heuveln speak?
Nathaniel Van Heuveln speaks English.