Marcus Padilla, MSW, LGSW, is a Clinical Trainee who earned his Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Marcus works with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families, and is passionate about helping people build meaningful, lasting change in their lives. He provides School-Linked Behavioral Health (SLBH) services, co-facilitates a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group for the Sexual Health Program (SHP), and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Marcus also has more than two years of experience providing Systemic Family Therapy (SFT).
Marcus approaches therapy from a strengths-based and empowerment perspective, helping clients recognize their abilities and build greater independence and quality of life. He integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles to help individuals understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors shape their experiences and relationships.
With more than 30 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges, Marcus brings a deep level of compassion, patience, and practical knowledge to his work. He has extensive experience in crisis intervention and is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where clients can develop skills, build confidence, and move toward their goals. Marcus also has proficient experience working with first responders, including police officers and firefighters.
Areas of Focus: Trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, child and adolescent behavioral difficulties, anger management, mindfulness, LGBTQ+ concerns, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), ADHD, and supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Marcus is DBT certified and EMDR trained.
Education: B.A. Music from Minnesota State University-Moorhead, Master of Social Work from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and LGSW licensed.