Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD services Minot, ND

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For many, time and self-care can heal the trauma of such events, but for some, the experience leads to long-lasting symptoms that can interfere with daily activities. If these symptoms persist for months or years, you may have PTSD, and getting treatment is crucial to recovering from the trauma of your experience. At Ascend Wellness MBS, we are here to help you process what you’ve been through, which can help to reduce your symptoms and improve function.

Symptoms of PTSD are generally grouped into four primary types – intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.

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Kira MacKay

MSN, PMHNP-BC
Kira MacKay is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). She grew up in Minot, North Dakota, and began her nursing career at Minot State University. It was during her time working with at-risk youth and families at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch that she discovered her passion for mental health. This led her to the University of North Dakota, where she earned her PMHNP degree. Kira is a proud member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), connecting with professionals who share her commitment to mental health care and advocacy.

Many people might recognize Kira from her days as the “OG Infusion Lounge Nurse” at Ascend, where she had the privilege of meeting and connecting with countless patients. While she misses the bonds she built in that role, Kira is excited to take her passion for mental health care into a new chapter. Her approach to mental health is all about blending compassion with practicality. Kira knows life can be tough, but she believes in finding light in the dark and helping her patients do the same.

Kira is committed to empowering her patients to not only manage their symptoms but thrive by supporting them in becoming their best selves. For Kira, mental health care isn’t just a profession—it’s a way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Her practice takes an integrative approach, combining medication optimization, mindfulness techniques, and supportive therapy to treat the whole person—mind, body, and soul.

When Kira isn’t working, she’s busy at home with her husband, three children, two dogs, and two cats, which is just enough chaos to keep life interesting. She enjoys camping, traveling (especially Disney cruises, because who doesn’t love a good Mickey Mouse sighting?), and recently, she’s been diving into new hobbies like sourdough bread baking and gardening. Kira is excited to continue her journey in mental health and to support her patients as they grow, heal, and maybe even laugh a little along the way.

  • Dog names: Lucy and Lilo
  • >Cat names: Mac and Cheese
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Katie Heupel

Clinical Counselor
Katie Heupel is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands. Katie is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), trauma-sensitive yoga, and emotionally focused therapy (EFT).

Before she became a counselor, Katie was an English teacher and also taught group yoga classes and private yoga sessions with a focus on trauma-sensitive emotional regulation. She has been providing counseling services since 2022 and works with adults of all ages, adolescents, and couples. Katie’s approach focuses on providing an integrative counseling experience utilizing many forms of evidence-based treatment modalities to fit the needs of her clients. One of the most important pieces to Katie’s approach with counseling is to provide a non-judgmental space for clients to feel heard, to help them face difficult situations and symptoms, process past and current distressing or traumatic experiences, and improve their quality of life overall. She works specifically with people who struggle with trauma/PTSD, anxiety, OCD, depression, relationship issues, stress, ADHD, and more. Katie is offering individual and couples counseling services in-person & virtually at Ascend starting in September 2025!

When Katie isn’t working, she is often spending time with her husband and two children. Katie enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, learning, traveling, and being outside.

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