Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Bergstedt.
Hi Jake, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Minnesota, and my path into therapy began shortly after college when I took a job working at a homeless shelter in St. Paul. It was a powerful and formative experience. I met people with incredible resilience, but I also saw how many were already deep in crisis by the time support arrived. That experience shaped a guiding question for me: How can we help people earlier—before things reach that point?
While working at the shelter, I returned to school to earn my Marriage and Family Therapy degree. After graduating, my family and I moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where we lived for nearly a decade. There, I worked in school settings, started a private practice, and spent much of my time as a crisis therapist responding to emergency department calls when individuals and families were at their most vulnerable.
As part of that work, I joined a team that helped launch a mobile mental health response unit, partnering with law enforcement to respond to 911 calls involving mental health concerns. Being present during those moments—when fear, uncertainty, and overwhelm were at their highest—deeply shaped how I approach care today. It reinforced the importance of compassion, collaboration, and meeting people where they are, without judgment.
About five years ago, my family and I returned to Minnesota to be closer to loved ones. After working in a group practice, I founded Uff Da Mental Health in the summer of 2024. The name reflects both my Minnesota roots and a belief that life is complicated, relationships are hard, and it’s okay to say so out loud.
Today, I work with individuals, couples, and families using a client-centered, strengths-based approach that focuses on resilience, values, and meaningful change. I’m especially interested in helping families navigate modern challenges—like technology and screen dependency—while staying connected to what matters most. My goal is to offer a supportive, practical space where people feel seen, empowered, and better equipped to thrive.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No—there were definitely challenges along the way. Working in crisis settings was impactful but emotionally demanding, and launching Uff Da Mental Health happened more quickly than I originally planned. That period required flexibility, trust, and a lot of support, especially from my wife, whose patience and encouragement made a huge difference. Those experiences ultimately helped shape a practice grounded in balance, sustainability, and connection.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Uff Da Mental Health?
What truly sets Uff Da Mental Health apart is its light-hearted, approachable feel. Even the name was chosen intentionally. I wanted something that would make the average Minnesotan smile—something familiar and human that didn’t feel overly clinical or intimidating. “Uff Da” captures the reality that life can be overwhelming, while also signaling that it’s okay to talk about it.
That same spirit carries through the work itself. Therapy doesn’t have to feel heavy, sterile, or inaccessible to be effective. My goal is to create a space where people feel comfortable showing up as they are, where conversations can be honest and even occasionally light, while still doing meaningful, serious work.
Having spent years in crisis settings, I’m especially committed to helping people seek support before things reach a breaking point. Uff Da Mental Health is designed to feel welcoming, relatable, and grounded—so reaching out feels like a natural step, not a last resort.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Some of my favorite childhood memories are simple ones—growing up in Minnesota, spending time outdoors, and being together as a family. A lot of that time was tied to scouting activities, which meant camping trips, time in the woods, learning practical skills, and being away from everyday distractions. Whether it was being up north, around a campfire, or just spending long days outside, those experiences really stuck with me.
Looking back, they shaped my appreciation for connection, presence, and slowing down—values that continue to influence both my life and my work today.
Pricing:
- 175 hourly rate
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uffdamentalhealth.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UffDaMentalHealth
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1324057
