SANDPOINT — Cultivation Counseling — a locally owned mental health therapy agency in North Idaho — is opening its fifth branch, this time in Sandpoint.

Over the course of 12 years, Cultivation Counseling has provided mental health therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Its new Sandpoint branch is located at 123 Third Ave. in downtown Sandpoint. In addition to providing therapy and counseling, Cultivation’s Hayden location is also offering medication management services. By expanding their mental health agency to Sandpoint, Cultivation strives to continue to meet the emotional and psychological health needs of the North Idaho community.

Working in mental health, I feel like a firefighter who can only help manage the flames in their area, yet can see the widening of the flames all around them," Dan Hanks, Cultivation founder and owner, said. "The needs of our community are growing all around us, and it is an exceptionally difficult time."

The pandemic turned up the volume on an already chronic mental health crisis, Hanks said. And, while the needs are significant, Cultivation is committed to providing therapy and medication management.

"Over the past four years we have expanded our capacity significantly, opening in Boise, Post Falls, and Hayden, and we look forward to continuing to expand and improve our offerings," Hanks said. "While I am excited about our agency’s growth, there is little time to pause, and an imminent need to act and support the needs of our North Idaho community.”

Starting in 2011, Cultivation Counseling has provided mental health services for individuals, couples, and families. Cultivation offers services in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Boise, Hayden, and offers virtual appointments. The team at Cultivation includes therapists, counselors, social workers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. Cultivation Counseling is in-network with a wide range of insurance plans.