About Sensible
Meet Our Founder
I’m Karl Olson (he/him), a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and the founder of Sensible Mental Health. My practice serves adults with mood, thought, trauma, eating and substance use disorders.
It’s simple: I believe in guiding clients through the nuances of the mental health system and advocating for their recovery. Direct and empathetic, I recognize that medications can play a powerful role in mental health recovery—but that they aren’t always the answer.
In 2015, I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Minnesota. Having previously worked in community mental health settings and the emergency department at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), today I practice at The Calli Institute in Maple Grove and Carleton College Student Health and Counseling.
I consistently advocate for people who are struggling or marginalized—including those who are mentally unwell, hungry, LGBTQ+, unhoused, or survivors of gun violence. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two young kids, and also fixing small engines, brewing beer, and trying my hand at woodworking. You can probably find me downhill skiing or cheering for the Minnesota Twins too.
Our Vision
Over the last decade, patients have shared several reasons why they cannot or will not seek mental health treatment. Unknown or high costs, challenges in getting appointments, and frustration with insurance barriers are just the beginning.
There are real inconveniences at play. More broadly, people may be reluctant to schedule appointments or call mental health clinics because treatment can have staggering financial and emotional costs.
Today’s mental health model relies heavily on insurance, convoluted phone calls, and MyChart messages. Unexpected fees are the norm—and when people are nickeled and dimed for their healthcare expenses, they (understandably) feel ambivalent about prioritizing their recovery.
This is frustrating for everyone involved. And that’s where Sensible Mental Health comes in. The practice opened its doors in 2023 to offer cost predictability, accessibility, and convenience. With us, clients can enjoy clear pricing, multiple communication options, and the flexibility of in-person or telehealth appointments.
Most importantly, they can rest assured their needs will be met promptly and with compassion.
