Learn About Our Therapists
We offer a variety of specialties including services for people suffering from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, domestic violence, sexual abuse, marriage and/or family problems, child/adolescent problems, suicide concerns, addictions/compulsions, disability adjustment/management, and sexual or gender concerns.
We have a staff of professionally qualified and experienced mental health practitioners who are also caring and giving people.
If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Sharon Barger
PH.D., LCSW, LPC, CRC, CADC
Background
Dr. Sharon Barger earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from University of Wisconsin- Madison.
Specialties
Eating disorders, marital counseling, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, addictions, anger management, coming out, domestic violence, grief/loss, trauma, self-esteem, coping skills, disability, weight loss, women’s issues, stress management, adoption and foster children / families.
Modes of Treatment
Behavioral techniques, imagery, self-management, cognitive restructuring, and problem solving skills.
Accomplishments
30+ years experience counseling, advocacy, and supervision
State Certified Rehabilitation Specialist
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Steven A. Elkind
PH.D.
Background
Dr. Steven A. Elkind, received a doctorate degree from the California School of Professional Psychology - Los Angeles in 1976. He has worked in California, New York and the Midwest with a wide variety of outpatient and inpatient populations. Dr. Elkind is a private practitioner in the Madison area providing direct services and consultation to individuals and organizations since 1999. He works with individuals, adolescents and has a particular interest in couples work. His work emphasizes how awareness and choice create the adventure of living.
Specialties
Steven specializes in marriage counseling, anger management, depression, grief/loss, anxiety, addiction, stress management, trauma, self- esteem, men's issues, career counseling and disability.
Modes of Treatment
Steven utilizes individual therapy , group therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and marriage therapy.
Accomplishments
30+ years practicing psychology
Mary Farmer-Oren
Occupational Therapist
Background
Mary Farmer- Oren earned an associate degree in occupational therapy. Mary has been providing direct services and consultation to individuals and organizations since 1980.
Specialties
Service Facilitation, Physical health monitoring, Individual skill development, Knowledgeable in working with the disabled and mental health population
Modes of Treatment
Coordinates and case manages referrals, providing resource information if additional services are needed.
Accomplishments
30+ years of work in Mental Health.
Galina Emmerich
Licensed Professional Counselor
Background
Galina earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters degree in Counseling. She is pursuing an education and international training in Gestalt Psychotherapy. Her experience of emigrating to the United States from Bulgaria in 2004, forms her understanding of clients' diverse experiences. Galina has previously worked with juvenile offenders. She is currently supporting youth and adults experiencing mental health challenges. She works with adolescents and adults to help identify their goals, prioritize their efforts, and take concrete steps in achieving them. Galina helps clients build confidence to overcome the internal and external obstacles. Galina prioritizes her clients needs and their dreams. She advocates for her clients and explores the best ways to support them in all aspects of their lives. She enjoys working with clients in community settings.
Specialties
Individual therapy for adolescents to adults, service facilitation, individual skill development, individual and family psychoeducation, advocate, mentor, and wellness management and recovery
Languages
English, Bulgarian, Serbian and American Sign Language
Accomplishments
International Gestalt Psychotherapy - Cyprus, Europe 2023
International Gestalt Therapy- Poland, Europe
International Honor Society in Psychology
Gestalt Therapy - Madison, Wisconsin
Gestalt Therapy - Italy, Europe
6 years of work with juvenile young adults - Advocate and Mentor
7 years of work as case management / service facilitation and psychoeducation
Greg Koehler
MS in Guidance & Counseling
Background
Greg earned a Masters of Guidance & Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Specialties
Individual counseling (10 years old to adults), couples, family therapy, marital counseling, depression, trauma, men's issues, anger management, anxiety, job coaching and job support
Modes of Treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy, experiential therapy, psycho-educational therapy, problem-solving, stress management and assertiveness training
Accomplishments
15 years of work in the Mental Health Field
10 years of work in the Occupational Health Field
12 years building and facilitating Ropes Courses for Experiential Therapy for adults and kids
Catherine Muich
MS in Marriage and Family Therapy-IT
Background
Catherine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Olaf College. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College. Catherine works with individuals, children/teens, couples and families.
Specialties
She provides Psychotherapy and the following CCS services; Service Facilitation, Individual Skills Development, ISD/Family Psychoeducation. Catherine works with people with disabilities, ADHD, aging, anxiety, autism, bipolar, couples/marriage therapy, depression, family therapy, LGBTQIA/gender issues, life-stage transitions.
Modes of Treatment
She uses a strengths-based approach, Solution-focused, Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Narrative therapy, Mindfulness and Somatic techniques.
Accomplishments
Catherine is a presenter in the field of mental health and impacts on families with children with disabilities
25+ years working with people with disabilities
Sherri Schroeder
MS, MSW, CSAC
Background
Sherri received her Master's Degree in Social Work from University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has provided counseling and treatment for substance use disorders in residential, outpatient, group and individual settings in the Madison area for the past 10+ years.
Specialties
Sherri is a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor certified with the State of Wisconsin. She provides CCS Services of Service Facilitation and as a Substance Abuse Professional. Her goal is to help individuals and families help themselves through the process of recovery from substances.
Jodie L. Rush
BSW, Comprehensive Community Services Provider
Background
Jodi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. With 25 years of professional experience in the mental health field, she has provided comprehensive support to youth, adults, and families across inpatient, outpatient, and hospital settings. She has developed a strong ability to identify the unique challenges clients face and to tailor treatment to meet their specific needs. Her work has primarily focused on promoting mental well-being and connecting individuals to vital resources. Her holistic approach ensures that individuals receive personalized comprehensive care that helps to maximize the effectiveness of treatment and support long-term recovery.
Specialties
As a provider within the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) program, I offer a range of services that include service facilitation, physical health monitoring, and individual skill development. I work closely with clients to create personalized plans that promote overall well-being and empower individuals to build the skills necessary for greater independence. With professional experience supporting clients across a wide spectrum of mental health diagnoses, I am skilled at adapting my approach to meet each person’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the tailored care and support required for their recovery journey.
Mia Galang
Comprehensive Community Services Provider
Background
Mia Galang earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology from Carroll University. She has experience working with individuals in inpatient and residential settings, specifically with adolescents experiencing mental health and behavioral challenges. Mia has experience providing trauma-informed care and is well versed in dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral skills. She is an outspoken advocate for mental health and ending the stigma around mental health.
Specialties
Mia currently provides services through CCS including service facilitation, individual skill development, and psycho-education. She has professional experience working with survivors of violence, individuals with autism, ADD/ADHD, and learning disabilities. Mia is a LGBTQIA+ affirming provider.
Eric Shelton
Rehabilitation Worker
Background
Eric is a dedicated rehabilitation worker supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and independence. He is passionate about holistic healing and employs a compassionate and person-centered approach to create tailored rehabilitation programs that empower clients to achieve their goals. He believes in fostering resilience and self-advocacy, helping clients build essential life skills and connect with community resources. Eric is committed to ongoing professional development and regularly participates in workshops and training to stay current with best practices in rehabilitation.