Today we’d like to introduce you to Harmony Carlson.
Hi Harmony, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been working in the mental health field for over two decades, beginning my training in more intensive clinical settings including forensic and high-acuity care. Over time, I felt a strong pull toward more relational, preventative, and deeply human-centered work, especially supporting women and families through some of the most vulnerable seasons of life.
That work also became deeply personal for me. Between 2008 and 2015, I had five boys, and we experienced the loss of our middle son due to a rare condition incompatible with life. Walking through that as both a mother and a psychologist gave me a very clear view of the gaps in care, particularly around grief, trauma, and support during and after pregnancy loss.
That experience, combined with my professional background, led me to found The Nest in Stillwater in 2016. I wanted to create a space that felt different from traditional clinical environments, something more grounded, warm, and connected while still offering high-quality, evidence-based care.
Since then, The Nest has grown into a boutique mental health and wellness clinic serving individuals across the Twin Cities and beyond. While we specialize in areas like perinatal and reproductive mental health, grief and loss, and care for professionals who value both privacy and depth in their work, we also serve a wide range of clients, from children and teens to adults and older adults, across our community.
At its core, my path has really been about creating the kind of space I believe people deserve when they’re navigating hard things, one that feels both deeply supportive and genuinely transformative.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like many small business owners in healthcare, we’ve navigated a lot of external challenges over the years, including the impact of COVID, broader societal stress, and periods of unrest within our local community.
At the same time, mental health is an interesting field in that it’s widely talked about and deeply needed, but not always supported in ways that reflect its true value. Reimbursement rates from insurance companies can make it difficult to sustain high-quality care while also creating a work environment where providers feel respected, supported, and fairly compensated.
That balance has been one of the most meaningful and challenging parts of building The Nest. From the beginning, my goal was not only to create an exceptional experience for clients, but also to build a place where providers genuinely want to be, where they feel valued and can do their best work.
There have certainly been seasons that required a lot of resilience, both professionally and personally, especially while raising a busy household of boys at the same time. But those challenges have also shaped the clinic into what it is today and reinforced why this work matters so much.
We’ve been impressed with The Nest Clinic, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Nest is a boutique mental health and wellness clinic located in downtown Stillwater, serving individuals across the Twin Cities and beyond. We offer both in-person and telehealth services, with a focus on creating a highly personalized and thoughtfully curated experience for each client.
We are especially known for our work in women’s mental health, including perinatal care, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum support, perimenopause and menopause, as well as grief and loss. In addition to these specialties, we work with children, teens, adults, and older adults, offering care that is both evidence-based and deeply relational.
What sets The Nest apart is the level of intention behind every aspect of the experience. Our space is designed to feel calm, elevated, and restorative, creating an environment where clients can slow down and feel genuinely cared for. Clinically, we take a collaborative and individualized approach, tailoring care to each person’s needs, values, and goals.
We also offer discreet, private-pay services for professionals and individuals who value a higher level of privacy and flexibility, along with integrated care that includes in-house medication management. Our work is grounded in both clinical excellence and a deep respect for the complexity of the people we serve.
From a brand perspective, what I’m most proud of is that The Nest truly lives up to its name. It is a place of care, protection, and growth, not only for our clients, but also for the providers who choose to practice here. That balance of warmth, integrity, and elevated care is something we’ve been very intentional about building.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say a deep sense of intention has been one of the most important qualities in my work. From the beginning, I’ve been thoughtful about not just what I’m building, but how I’m building it, including how clients are cared for, how providers are supported, and the overall experience of The Nest.
I also place a strong value on relationships. Whether with clients, providers, or community partners, I believe trust and genuine connection are foundational.
Lastly, resilience has been essential. Building something meaningful and sustainable takes time, and I’ve learned to stay grounded and steady through that process.
Pricing:
- We accept most major insurance plans and offer both in-person and telehealth services.
- For clients who prefer not to use insurance, we offer private-pay therapy with flexible options.
- Concierge and curated care wellness packages are available and can be customized based on individual needs and goals.
- Our team is happy to verify insurance benefits and discuss pricing options to help clients find the best fit for their situation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheNestClinic.com
