The Wisconsin-based practice offers highly skilled, compassionate mental health services in physical locations across the state and virtually to meet the needs of its clients
WAUSAU, Wis., June 14, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Since its founding in Wausau, Wisconsin in 2007, Behavioral Health Clinic has made increasing access to mental health across Wisconsin and beyond its key priority. With equal-sized primary clinics in Wausau and Stevens Point, combined with a supplementary clinic in Fort Atkinson, the group that was once serving only Central Wisconsin is expanding. And the need is critical: as the mental health crisis continues to grow in the US and attitudes in Wisconsin toward mental health are shifting, clinic leadership is eyeing continued expansion to ensure anyone who needs access to vital mental health services can get the care they need.
A 2020 survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that 21% of adults aged 18 and older had any mental illness (AMI) in the past year, and 5.6% had a serious mental illness (SMI). Yet, in that same study, 30.5% of adults above 18 with AMI and 49.7% of adults with SMI reported a perceived unmet need for mental health services in the past year. Driven by closing the real and perceived gaps in mental health services, Behavioral Health Clinic aims to open new onsite offices, launch new physical and virtual services, and collaborate with physicians, school staff, and community members to address the needs of its clients.
"For 16 years, Behavioral Health Clinic has been proud to shine a spotlight on mental health and improve access to and standards of mental health care in Central Wisconsin and beyond," said Dr. Shannon Schaefer, Behavioral Health Clinic founder. "Our continual expansion across the state with physical offices and into the virtual realm is proof-positive that these services are needed and of the high standard of care we are known for. We are ever focused on growing our partnerships with healthcare groups and community members to ensure we can reach every person who wants and needs expert mental health care."
Behavioral Health Clinic's success is driven by its client-first approach to care. The clinic is known for low wait times to see clinical staff and for providing a comprehensive range of services, including individual and group therapy and robust assessment and testing services for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Learning Concerns. The growing team consists of 31 licensed psychologists and psychotherapists holding specific licensure and training to conduct superior counseling and assessment services both in-office and through a real-time online platform. The clinic's virtual appointments enable individuals to attain services in the comfort of their homes or private area.
The clinic has also created a specific, unique assessment protocol called ACE (Accelerated Comprehensive Evaluations). ACE clinics aim to provide clients with a complete assessment and feedback on the same day by utilizing the expertise of various professionals in a coordinated fashion. This service stands in contrast to the typical assessment process, which can last several weeks to months, causing delays and problems in obtaining adequate treatment.
"We are pleased that mental health is gaining the attention it deserves, especially in Wisconsin, where attitudes toward mental health are shifting for the better. These shifts make the state a prime candidate for expansion of mental health services, including psychiatry and medication management," added Schaefer. "We are excited to continue to expand our reach and improve mental health care accessibility in the coming years with new locations and talented, compassionate staff committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve."
To learn more about Behavioral Health Clinic, visit wibehavioralhealth.com.
About Behavioral Health Clinic
Formed in 2007 by Dr. Shannon Schaefer as a private practice in Wausau, Wisconsin, Behavioral Health Clinic has since expanded to four equal partners operating three physical locations and providing extensive virtual services throughout Wisconsin and beyond. The company is in-network with leading commercial insurance payors providing outpatient mental health services in Marathon, Portage, and Jefferson Counties in Wisconsin. Behavioral Health Clinic employs a team of 26 licensed psychologists and psychotherapists dedicated to providing the highest quality mental health services for individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples.
Media Contact
Shannon Schaefer, Behavioral Health Clinic, 1 (715) 842-9500, shannon.schaefer@bhcwausau.com
SOURCE Behavioral Health Clinic
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