Katie Olerud

RAY — Northland Health Centers has announced an expansion of the substance use disorder treatment program it started in 2025 to now include in-person telehealth services for patients in Ray, Minot and Rolette.

These in-person telehealth services will be led by Katie Olerud, a licensed addiction counselor. Patients will need to visit a Northland Health Centers location for the telehealth appointment to check-in with a nurse. From there, Olerud will see patients virtually from the clinic while she provides addiction and recovery services to patients in their hometown communities.

“Providing telehealth addiction counseling allows me to meet people where they are and offer support in a way that feels accessible and comfortable,” Olerud said. “My goal is to create a space where individuals feel heard, respected and empowered to take the next steps in their recovery.”

Olerud brings a strong clinical background and a person-centered, trauma-informed approach to her work, according to Northland. She holds a DUI Seminar Instructor Certificate and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in addiction counseling and community psychology from St. Cloud State University. She is pursuing a Master’s Degree in community mental health counseling at the University of North Dakota. She has been practicing since 2022.

Through telehealth, Olerud will provide a range of addiction counseling services, including individual and group counseling, chemical dependency evaluations, driving under the influence seminars and treatment planning and recovery support. Olerud works with adolescents and adults experiencing substance use challenges, collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams to promote recovery, accountability, and long-term positive outcomes.

Her clinical approach incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and solution-focused therapy.

“Telehealth allows us to meet patients where they are — literally and emotionally,” said Jennie Cornell, Behavioral Health director at Northland Health Centers. “Katie’s expertise and commitment to patient-centered care make her an invaluable resource for our rural communities.”

Outside of her professional work, Olerud enjoys reading, spending time with her son and dog, visiting the lakes, traveling to Red Lodge, Montana, and exploring the outdoors on ATV rides.