Shifting Focus

Elysia Peterson
PMHNP-BC

Hello! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and graduate of The College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. Some hobbies I enjoy are: music (connoisseur of 90's Hip-Hop), reading, my pets, and traveling with my family. I am excited to get to know you better!

Shifting Focus

Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health

After spending nearly a decade in children’s mental health, I decided it was time to change lanes. Shifting Focus in Waite Park/St. Could was created to offer a more personalized approach in treating emotional and behavioral challenges that children and adolescents may face. We have a special interest in the psychiatric treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and Trauma. While these are our areas of interest, we are comfortable in treating all mental health needs. Our main goal is for your child to be the best at who they are.

Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation

In this assessment we will discuss your child's history, challenges, symptoms, current mental status, and potential treatments and recommendations.

Medication Management

Choosing to utilize medication is not always the best option. We will discuss the options and adjust as needed for the best outcome.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

We have real world experience with FASD in children and offer recommendations in a judgement-free atmosphere.

Childhood Trauma

Trauma can look different from one child to another. We will provide treatment and recommendations to help them recover and reach their full potential.

Autism Spectrum Disorders

We are experienced in treating and decreasing symptoms associated with ASD.

Therapy Dog

Coming Soon!!

My boys feel very comfortable with Elysia and can open up to her about how they are feeling. Her knowledge of mental health and medications is astonishing, but I especially appreciate her kindness and patience. I take comfort in knowing we have Elysia by our side through this journey of learning and healing.

-Judy B.-

It has been such a pleasure working with Elysia. When my daughter moved in with me, she was on close to 20 pills a day, feeling miserable. Elysia was so knowledgeable & patient and helped us work down to only 2 meds a day!! My daughter is feeling better than ever and we couldn't be more grateful. Thank you!!!

-Tricia W.-

There is no way that I will be able to tell you all of the things that our family has been able to accomplish or the impact on our day to day life because of Elysia Peterson. We have three boys with significant developmental delays, that are now thriving. She takes the time to get to know each one of our boys. There are not a lot of providers out there that take the time to put all of the pieces together in order to understand why a child is struggling, but she is definitely one of them. We often share our story about the boys and parents tell us they have tried everything, and nothing has helped. We totally were those parents a couple of years ago. We felt trapped at home, as the thought of going anywhere would set off panic attacks in our boys. We all know how lonely life can get when you feel trapped at home. With Elysia’s guidance, through referrals for different therapists and medications, we are now able to do the day-to-day things that were too hard before. Don’t give up. It might take a bit, but Elysia will work with you, like she did us. She will not only help your kids, but you too!

-Christina M.-

Elysia is very caring and knowledgeable. She is always there and available for my daughter. I love how she goes the extra mile for her patients.

-Sheila P.-

New Patients

Psychiatry Done Differently

Before your first appointment, please fill out the Intake Form and upload it to the message form below or email it to info@shiftingfocusmn.com.

Thank you!

Insurance Plans

Covering the Care We Provide

Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Health Partners Insurance
Will insurance cover my visit?
What should I ask my insurance?

Prior approval (if required) from your insurance company must be completed before your visit. Please call your insurance company to help determine your coverage as well as your deductible.

Copays are sometimes a fixed amount or they may also be a co-insurance which is a percentage of what is billed. Please be sure to verify your patient responsibility with your insurance to avoid any surprises. It is your responsibility to know and to pay your co-pay, co-insurance, or deductible at the time of your visit. Your insurance company will still be billed to validate your copay or deductible. Any amount not covered by your insurance will be billed to you.