Lake Country Associates

07/03/2025

Lake Country Associates with be closed tomorrow Friday July 4th. We will be back Monday July 7th. Have a Happy and safe 4th!

07/03/2025

Helping Preschoolers After a Storm: Comfort, Reassurance, and Healing

Storms can be scary—even for adults. For preschoolers, the experience of loud winds, flashing lights, or damage to their home can be deeply confusing and frightening. After a storm, it’s important to support their emotional and physical well-being with patience, love, and clear guidance.

At Lake Country Associates we have several trained counselors who work specifically with young children and their families. Attached is a link to a child-friendly activity that you can do with your children at home.
You are your child’s safe place. With your love and support, they will weather this storm—and every one to come. If you need help, let us know!

~Jessica Croatt Niemi, LICSW IMH-(IV)

Here’s how you can help:
🌧️ 1. Reassure with Safety and Love
Let your child know they’re safe now. Hugs, calm words, and routines provide powerful comfort. Say things like, “The storm is over, and we’re okay now,” to help them feel secure.
🏠 2. Acknowledge Their Feelings
Preschoolers may not have words for what they feel. They might act out, become clingy, or regress a bit. Let them express their emotions through play, drawing, or simply talking. “It’s okay to feel scared,” goes a long way.
🎨 3. Play is Healing
Children process big emotions through play. Offer toys, dolls, or art supplies, and let them lead. You might hear them "replaying" the storm with toys—that’s a healthy way to make sense of what happened.
🧸 4. Rebuild Routines
Familiar routines help children feel in control. Try to return to normal sleep, mealtime, and play schedules as soon as possible—even in temporary housing.
📚 5. Use Simple Stories
Read books about weather or overcoming fear. Stories help children understand that they’re not alone and that others have felt scared too.
👂 6. Keep Communication Simple and Honest
Answer questions honestly, but in age-appropriate ways. Too much detail can overwhelm them. Stick to facts: “The wind knocked down trees, but people are helping fix everything.”
🤝 7. Involve Them in Helping
If it’s safe, let them help clean up or comfort others. Giving them a “job” (like holding a flashlight or passing out snacks) can help them feel capable and brave.
💬 8. Watch for Signs of Stress
If your child seems unusually withdrawn, aggressive, or has trouble sleeping long after the storm, consider talking to an Early Childhood Mental Health Professional.
💞 Most of All: Be Patient
Healing takes time. Your calm presence is the greatest source of comfort they have.

Check out this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dgA1uIQF5CALObiZaapdWTJ2exTYGQMo/view?usp=sharing

06/22/2025

Lake Country Associates Bemidji office will be CLOSED TOMORROW JUNE 23rd due to power outage from the Storm. We will be reaching out about appointments. We will keep you all informed as we don't know when our power will be restored. We thank you for your understanding and apologize for the inconvenience. Thoughts with all in the Bemidji area at this time.

06/13/2025

05/26/2025

Lake Country Associates will be closed today Monday May 26th for Memorial Day. We will be open again tomorrow Tuesday 27th.

04/22/2025

Lake Country Associates will be closed Wednesday April 23rd for All Staff Training. Our offices will be open again Thursday April 24th. Sorry for the inconvenience.

04/09/2025

04/09/2025

Preschoolers- bring your families to our Bemidji office from 10-2 on Wednesday 4/9 to plant and take flowers in honor of Week of the Young Child!

04/03/2025

Come with your littles to the Early Childhood Wellness Center next to Lake Country Associates Bemidji on Wednesday 4/9 10am-2pm! Leave with a flower, pinwheel and children's books and posters about feelings! Sponsored by Primewest Health, Hills Greenhouse, Bemidji Early Childhood Collaborative, and LCA.

02/28/2025

Lake Country Associates is excited to announce our Patient Portal!!

If you are a current client or new client with LCA, the portal allows you to log in an do any of the following:
-Complete and Sign Documents
-See Past and Future Appointments
-Pay your Bill

As we are now using the patient portal, call our office to get set up at 218-366-9229 for Park Rapids or 218-444-2233 for Bemidji. Or stop in and talk to the front desk!

02/17/2025

Lake Country Associates will be closed today Monday February 18th for president's day. We will be open again tomorrow Tuesday February 19th.