Behavioral Health Clinic

  Therapy can be a beneficial, self-actualizing experience, but feeling safe to do the work is often the first step. As a  therapist  at  BHC , I work with clients who have diverse needs that require a strong feeling of safety and security. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals with diagnoses such as  autism ,  ADHD , or a history of trauma, as well as those with other sensory processing differences such as chronic pain or migraines. As a neurodiverse individual myself, making my office a sensory-friendly and affirming space was at the forefront of my mind when decorating. A truly “sensory-friendly” space minimizes non-essential sensory triggers and stress. Alongside this, a “sensory-affirming” space goes further by allowing individuals the autonomy to access and meet their specific sensory needs. Thoughtfully designed therapy spaces can increase a client’s sense of safety, their engagement, and the overall therapeutic alliance to benefit both t...

  Self-disclosure-the choice to share something personal as a  therapist -can be a powerful therapeutic tool when used intentionally and sparingly. Many clients appreciate moments when their therapist steps out from behind the professional wall just enough to show their humanity. When done well, self-disclosure can normalize a client’s experience, reduce shame, and strengthen the therapeutic alliance. But like any intervention, it requires care, mindfulness, and a grounding in ethics to ensure the primary focus remains on the client, not on the therapist’s desire for connection or validation. In the NASW Code of Ethics, we’re reminded that our work must prioritize  client well-being, self-determination, boundaries, and professional integrity . Those principles are the foundation for ethical self-disclosure. A therapist’s personal sharing should  never  be about meeting our own emotional needs or filling a silence with something that “feels relatable.” Instead, i...

  Muscle tension, sleep disturbance, headaches, fatigue… sound familiar? These physiological sensations can indicate stress. We have all been there- everyone has dealt with stress. However, there are different types of stress, including differences in what is tolerable to each  individual   and variations in coping mechanisms. Let’s start by discussing different kinds of stress, and eventually get into benefits of smaller scale, more manageable stress, and building resilience, so we can cope to the best of our ability. Lastly, we will discuss what coping tools research tells us actually help! Acute stress is brief but intense. Short-term stressors, such as being behind on a looming deadline, cause acute stress. Episodic acute stress can be experienced as regular mini-crises where we live in a state of tension (7). This would include taking on too much responsibility. Chronic stress is long-lasting and has significant effects on the body, including financial difficulties o...

  As a therapist, I often hear the same frustration from clients: “I feel anxious all the time, but I can’t stop scrolling.” “I wake up feeling exhausted, even when I get enough sleep.” “I just wish I could turn my brain off for a while.” In 2025, one of the biggest wellness shifts I’ve noticed is that more people are connecting the dots between their mental health and their screen time. Many are trying something called a digital detox-taking planned breaks from smartphones, social media, and other screens. And it’s not just a quick fad or a niche self-care trick anymore. It’s becoming a mainstream wellness choice. What does that mean? Simply put, digital detox is no longer viewed only as a “quick fix” or something to try here-and-there. It’s becoming more and more important to some as a lifestyle change. Not to say these changes happen overnight! People are taking steps away from screens by camping in areas with no Wi-Fi, blocking social media apps for weeks, and even swapping the...

  In 2025, more men are embracing therapy and challenging longstanding misconceptions about masculinity, connection, and growth. The reality is, therapy is increasingly seen as a sign of reliability and emotional availability — qualities linked with enhanced interpersonal interactions, stronger partnerships, and healthier families. It is no secret that for generations, the overarching message conveyed to men has been to “man up” and suppress emotions in lieu of seeking assistance from others. However, the tides are turning, and therapy has progressively become recognized as a “green flag” in men throughout the nation. Current statistics reveal both progress and ongoing challenges regarding men’s mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2022), more women diagnosed with mental illness (56.9%) received treatment compared to men with the same diagnoses (41.6%). Additionally, it has been found that depression affects more than 6 million men in the United Stat...

  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a  mental health  condition most commonly associated with children and adolescents because symptoms usually first appear in childhood. However, ADHD frequently persists well into adulthood with many of the signs going unrecognized or undiagnosed in adults. This can lead to a variety of life challenges and feelings of confusion, uncertainty, frustration, or a negative self-image. According to new research by the CDC, last year an estimated 15.5 million (6%) of U.S. adults had a current ADHD diagnosis, approximately one-half of whom received their diagnosis in adulthood (CDC, 2024). Throughout this blog post, we will briefly explain what ADHD is, identify the common signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults, explain why it might go unrecognized, and provide strategies for seeking help for ADHD later in life. Understanding ADHD ADHD is a neurodevelopmental brain disorder impacting children and adults that interferes with numero...

  As speech-language pathologists, we often hear comments like,  “They talk just fine, why do they need speech therapy?” While it’s true that some individuals articulate their words perfectly, speech therapy goes far beyond just “speech sounds” and verbal expression. Let’s explore two critical areas we address that may not be as obvious:  social communication  and  cognitive communication. Social Communication: Navigating Relationships Social communication involves the subtle and complex skills of engaging with others. This includes understanding nonverbal cues, interpreting tone of voice, managing conversational turn-taking, and using language appropriately in different social contexts. For instance, a child might speak clearly but struggle to make friends because they can’t recognize when someone is losing interest in a conversation. Or an adult might excel in their career but misinterpret sarcasm or fail to navigate conflict in relationships. These challenges...

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  The practice of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) rightfully holds a seat at the table of many current discussions relating to trauma,  mental health , treatment options, and more. Opinions on its effectiveness and theoretical basis are wide ranging, making it a controversial topic today, even decades after its introduction to the field. In light of this, a discussion on the history and background of the treatment modality is included below to further increase awareness and acceptance of EMDR amongst the general public and clinical community. What is EMDR?  EMDR is a therapeutic approach widely used by trained  mental health  professionals in a variety of treatment settings. American psychologist Francine Shapiro stumbled upon the practice while on a walk in 1987, during which she experienced a relief of distressing thoughts and images while her eyes naturally dashed rapidly. Over the next several months, Shapiro created a standard therapeut...

  Have you ever returned home from a trip feeling exhausted or irritable, finding it difficult to focus or find motivation? These are some common symptoms of jetlag, the body’s natural response to traveling over two or more time zones in a brief period of time. Adjusting mentally and physically to a new time zone can take days and potentially weeks, but could you imagine experiencing this adjustment more frequently, despite having no travel plans? Unfortunately, this is a reality for many individuals who experience jetlag-like symptoms which sprout from their social demands, commonly known as social jetlag. Researchers have found that this phenomenon impacts two-thirds of individuals currently studying or working in industrialized countries (Caliandro, 2021). What is Social Jetlag?  Social jetlag is the term used to describe inconsistent sleep patterns that result from a difference in our internal biological clock and our external social clock. Put simply, social jetlag happen...

  “Binge Eating”, “Binge Watching”, or “Going on a Binge” are common euphemisms that are used interchangeably to describe people who are indulging more than they normally would. Because of the commonplace nature, people don’t often take the time to think about the true struggle of the condition behind this language. For folks who struggle with Binge Eating Disorder (BED), it’s more than just eating too much now and then; it’s a serious eating disorder. People with BED experience episodes where they eat large amounts of food quickly, often to the point of feeling really uncomfortable. These episodes are often prompted from negative emotions, such as anxiety and shame, rather than any semblance of feeling indulgent or relaxing. Episodes of binge eating come with a sense of losing control, followed by intense feelings of guilt or shame. Binge Eating Disorder is the most common eating disorder in the U.S., and it affects all kinds of people—no matter their age, gender, background, or s...

  Marriage is often viewed as a union built on love, trust, and mutual respect. However, in some cases, the darker shadow of verbal abuse can cast a long and damaging presence over the relationship. Verbal abuse, a form of emotional abuse, is a pattern of behaviors and language that can have profound and lasting effects on the victims involved. In this blog, we will explore the different forms of verbal abuse in marriage and the serious consequences it can have on individuals and their relationships. Forms of Verbal Abuse Name-Calling:  Verbal abusers may resort to name-calling, insulting, or belittling their partners, using derogatory language to undermine their self-esteem. Yelling and Shouting:  Frequent shouting and yelling in a marriage can be an intimidating form of verbal abuse. This aggressive behavior is meant to control and dominate the partner. Blame and Accusations:  Accusations, blame-shifting, and false allegations can become a routine part of communica...

  Therapy for cross-cultural adolescents and teens involves addressing the unique challenges and experiences that arise from navigating different cultural identities. Here are some considerations and approaches that therapists may use when working with cross-cultural adolescents: Cultural Competence: Therapists need to be culturally competent and sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of their adolescent clients. Understanding cultural nuances, values, and communication styles is essential. Identity Exploration: Cross-cultural adolescents often face identity exploration challenges as they navigate between different cultural expectations and norms. Therapy can provide a safe space for them to explore and express their cultural identity and heritage. Family Dynamics: Family plays a significant role in a cross-cultural adolescent’s life. Therapists may involve family members in therapy sessions to explore and address intergenerational and cross-cultural issues. Cultural Conflict: Adoles...

  In recent years, the world has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the way healthcare services are delivered. One notable advancement is the rise of telehealth, which has extended its reach to various medical fields, including mental health. In this blog, we’ll explore why telehealth has proven to be an effective form of therapy, offering countless benefits to both patients and therapists alike. Accessibility and Convenience One of the most significant advantages of telehealth therapy is its unparalleled accessibility. No longer bound by geographical constraints or the need to travel long distances to see a therapist, patients can access therapy from the comfort of their own homes. This convenience is especially beneficial for individuals who live in rural areas, have physical disabilities, or have busy schedules that make it difficult to attend in-person sessions. As a result, telehealth increases the availability of therapy services to a broader and more diverse range of p...

  Therapy Dog Benefits: In the world of mental health care, where empathy, support, and comfort play pivotal roles, therapy dogs are emerging as incredible companions for both therapists and clients. These furry, four-legged therapists offer a unique set of benefits that significantly enhance the therapeutic environment and the well-being of those seeking mental health services. In this blog, we’ll delve into the heartwarming world of therapy dogs and explore the myriad ways in which they benefit mental health clinics. 1. Stress Reduction:  Life’s challenges can often lead to heightened stress levels, which can be particularly pronounced in a clinical setting. Enter the therapy dog, a natural stress-buster. Interacting with a friendly and affectionate dog has been proven to reduce stress hormones like cortisol and increase the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone.” The simple act of petting a dog can provide immediate relief from anxiety and tension, creating a more relaxed ...

  Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition involving repetitive unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to engage in certain behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with and cause problems in daily activities. Exposure therapy is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) commonly used to treat OCD. It often involves confronting the fears (or obsessions) without performing the usual ritualistic behaviors (compulsions). It can be difficult, especially for children. It’s critical that parents and loved ones going through therapy for OCD offer support and understanding during the therapeutic process. Some ways to do this include the following: Educate Yourself : Understand OCD, its symptoms, and the principles of exposure therapy. The more you understand, the better you can support your child. Maintain Consistency : Stick to the treatment plan and maintain consistency in daily routines. Any deviation might make the e...

  We offer: Comprehensive assessment and therapeutic intervention for all ages. We treat: Speech Sound Disorders: difficulty with producing sounds or saying words in an intelligible and age appropriate manner. Expressive Language Disorders: difficulty producing verbal language with organizing words, seeking vocabulary, recalling words, making grammatical errors in spoken speech, or having difficulty with producing sentences. Receptive Language Disorders: challenges in understanding or processing language such as trouble answering questions, differences in following directions or recalling information, and difficulty responding to others. Resonance/Voice Disorders: trouble with pitch, volume, or quality of the voice. Oral Motor Disorders: difficulties with feeding, swallowing, or speech. This could be due to birth defects, weak oral muscles, or acquired conditions. Cognitive Communication Disorders Attention Memory Problem solving Executive function skills Social Communication Disor...

  What is Feeding & Swallowing Therapy?  Feeding and Swallowing Therapy is a therapeutic service that instructs adults, families and children about how to overcome difficulties with picky eating and problem feeding. With adults, therapy focuses on regaining oral motor skills, rebuilding muscle strength and coordination, implementing positioning techniques, and diet modifications. Pediatric feeding therapy employs play and systematic desensitization approaches to increase a child’s sense of safety and comfort with foods.  So, who needs feeding/swallowing therapy?  Feeding & swallowing therapy is provided to adults who have lost eating/swallowing functions due to an acquired condition or trauma (a condition called Dysphagia). Children who receive feeding therapy typically struggle with picky eating, difficulties following mealtime routines and expectations, trouble with chewing, drinking, and/or swallowing, poor oral motor skills, and sensory aversions.  W...

  Online therapy is particularly helpful in rural areas due to several reasons: Access to mental health professionals: Rural areas often have limited access to mental health professionals, as there may be a shortage of therapists in those regions. Online therapy breaks down the geographical barriers, allowing individuals in rural areas to connect with qualified professionals from anywhere in Wisconsin. This expands their options and increases the likelihood of finding a therapist who meets their needs. For those living in Northern Wisconsin, online therapy provides access to mental health care without having to travel far. You no longer have to plan to take off an entire day to travel to Madison, Milwaukee, Eau Claire, or Green Bay for mental health services.  Reduced travel time and costs: Rural residents often have to travel long distances to reach the nearest mental health clinic or therapist’s office. This can be burdensome, time-consuming, and expensive, especially if pub...