Psychiatric Services, S.C.

Maddie Wabiszewski, LCSW

Maddie Wabiszewski, LCSW

Maddie is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children ages 10 and older. Maddie works with a strengths-based and client-centered approach. She is a dedicated clinician who strives to create a supportive environment where people can successfully navigate emotional challenges.

Approaches:

• DBT – Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
• CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Education:

BS, Psychology and Human Development & Family Studies, University of Wisconsin – Madison
MSW, University of Wisconsin – Madison

Deirdre Green, LCSW

Deirdre Green, LCSW.

I believe therapy is a process of discovery, growth and finding ways to make changes and learn coping skills that make life more fulfilling and happy. I enjoy working with individuals and couples of all ages and backgrounds and am LGBTQIA+ friendly.

Treatment methods: My areas of expertise include CBT, DBT, EMDR, anxiety, depression, trauma and life transitions. I have extensive experience working with adolescents, children and parents and providing parent and family coaching to help families lead more harmonious lives together. My occasional co-therapist is Sunny, a registered therapy dog and I’m interested in finding more ways animals can be part of the therapeutic process.

Education:
BA, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
MSSW University of Wisconsin

Licenses and Certificates:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Wisconsin
Pet Partners Animal Assisted Activities team

Michael A. Gerst, LCSW, CSAC

Michael A. Gerst, LCSW, CSAC

Michael Gerst, LCSW loves his work which includes working with individuals  who have experienced trauma both complex and single incident experiences. Michael is certified in EMDR by EMDRA (EMDR therapy international association) as well as by the State of Wisconsin in addictions therapy (CSAC). He has found that addiction and trauma often go together in clinical cases. Currently, EMDR is the main focus of his treatment style, but he uses Internal Family Systems therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
Mindfulness, and Motivational therapy as well.

Areas of interest:

• Adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression
• Mindfulness practice
• Young adults and adults in stage II recovery from addictions
• EMDR

Education:

• MSW, University of Loyola,Chicago
• MA, Spirituality, St. Louis University
• M.Div, Aquinas Institute

Licenses and Certification:

• LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Wisconsin
• CSAC, Certified Clinical addictions counselor

Professional Affiliations:

• National association of Social Workers

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”   Barack Obama

Kristen M. Esbensen, LCSW

Kristen M. Esbensen, LCSW

Kristen has worked in the field of mental health for 32 years, both the private and non-profit sectors. She enjoys working with a constellation of people. This includes  adults, couples and families. She emphasizes each individual’s strengths and works with these strengths to identify the solutions to many of the challenges people face. She most often uses a combination of solution-focused, strength-based, and cognitive therapies when working with people. She also has extensive expertise in working with people who have experienced trauma in their lives, such as a loss by suicide and emotional and sexual abuse. She also has experience in working with individuals living with a persistent mental illness. Working at PSSC, she has access to some of the best psychiatrists and clinicians in the community for both consultation and referrals, when indicated. She has a vast array of experience that she brings to her work at PSSC.

Donna M. Ulteig, LCSW

Donna M. Ulteig, LCSW

In private practice for more than 25 years with PSSC. Interested in collaborative, respectful treatment relationships that are growth oriented.

Areas of Interest:

• adolescents, adults, senior citizens
• relationship issues
• marital/couples
• treatment and long term services for mental illness, personality disorders

Education:

• B.A., Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
• MSSW, Columbia University, New York, NY; University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Licenses and Certifications:

• LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Wisconsin
• ACSW, Academy of Certified Social Workers (NASW)
• DCSW, Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (NASW)

Professional Affilitiations:

• National Association of Social Workers, WI; chapter and national office
• National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI, Dane County Board)
• TEMPO Madison
• Meriter Hospital—member of Ethics Advisory Group and Social Work Section
• Vice-chair Board of Directors, Oakwood Prairie Ridge
• Meriter and St. Mary’s Hospitals

Allison Cabrera, M.D. (she/her)

Allison Cabrera, M.D.

Dr. Allison Cabrera is a board-certified psychiatrist. She completed residency training at University of California, San Diego. She values her patients’ experiences and the role they play in their mental health. She believes in a collaborative and patient-centered approach.

Professional Interests:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Women’s reproductive mental health
• PTSD and trauma-related disorders
• Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders

Nancy K. Henderson, LSCW

Nancy K. Henderson, LCSW

Areas of Interest:
Adult, and Family Psychotherapy, specializing in treating anxiety and depressive disorders with a mind, body, spirit approach; cognitive behavioral therapy.

Education:
BA, MA, EdS, University of Iowa–Iowa City
MSSW, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Licenses and Certifications:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Wisconsin

Professional Affiliations:
National Association of Social Workers
Academy of Certified Social Workers

FAQs

• Whom should I see?
• What can I expect at my first meeting?
• Will insurance pay for treatment?
• What should I tell my doctor if I try medication?
• What should I bring to the first appointment?

Who should I see?

Psychiatrists or Advanced Nurse Prescribers are licensed providers who specialize in mental health and can prescribe medication as part of your treatment. Psychiatrists/APNP’s also provide consultation and evaluation to clarify your mental health needs, so may prescribe ‘therapy.’ Several of our psychiatrists /APNP(s) also provide therapy that focuses on talking through problems and issues.

• Clinicians who are psychiatrists/APNP’s

Psychologists are licensed mental health provides who have completed a doctorate or Ph.D. They have specialized training in psychological testing to help with diagnosis and treatment. Most of our psychologists spend the majority of their time in direct treatment and therapy—figuring out what you need to get feeling better, but some also spend time doing assessments and evaluations.

• Clinicians who are psychologists

Clinical Social Workers have completed a Master’s Degree in Social Work and are licensed to help you with a wide range of issues that affect your well-being.  The social work perspective is one of “person in environment,” and exploration of contributing factors—job, school, marriage, family relationships, and life transitions—is customary.

• Clinicians who are social workers

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What can I expect at my first meeting?

The first meeting is different than follow-up appointments because:

• time is spent reviewing paperwork and discussing treatment
• it is a give-and-take interview that may seem different than therapy

By the end of the first meeting you should:

• know whether to schedule another appointment
• know if you need to contact other providers
• have a good idea of your next steps toward feeling better

Most of the first meeting is spent in an interview with the clinician asking questions about your current concerns and your personal history. By the end of the first appointment, you and your clinician should be able to formulate a general plan of how to proceed. You might continue to work with that clinician, be referred to someone who might better meet your needs, or be asked to expand your treatment to include other providers. The core issues will be identified and if you are using insurance, you will have a diagnosis (i.e. a formal way of categorizing your mental health needs).
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Will insurance pay for treatment?

If you choose to use insurance, you are responsible for understanding your policy. Check with their benefits coordinator to verify coverage for you and your provider, and to check for prior authorization requirements. Treatment that is ‘medically necessary’ is usually covered, but some policies have specific restrictions you need to know about.

Services that are not directly related to patient care are rarely covered by insurance. Things like team meetings to coordinate care (mostly for children and teens), phone consultations, copying of medical records for legal cases, non-clinical reports (e.g. for a school or legal issue), or coordinating on a legal issue are usually out-of-pocket expenses. We will work with your insurance company to help you get the coverage you deserve.
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What should I tell my doctor if I try medication?

If you work with a psychiatrist who prescribes medication to help you, it is important for you to tell your other doctors what you are taking. Some psychiatric medications interact badly with common medications, so you should list all your medications whenever any physician asks, including your psychiatrist. Most physicians have numerous patients who take medications for mental health problems, so are not surprised if you are receiving medication from a psychiatrist. What you tell your primary care physician about other aspects of your treatment or the personal issues that affect your mental health is up to you. If your psychiatrist would like to discuss your overall health with another physician, he or she will get a signed release before information is shared.
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What should I bring to the first appointment?

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete your paperwork.

You need to bring:

• a copy of your insurance card
• any information about prior authorizations from your insurer
• a parent or legal guardian who can consent to treatment for a child or teen

You might also bring:

• names and contact information for previous treatment providers
• reports from test results or legal proceedings that might be important
• print-outs of any forms you completed on-line

At your first appointment we will obtain general information about you, a fee agreement and specific permission to bill your insurance company if you choose. Your clinician will also provide an overview of mental health treatment so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment. If a child or teen is being treated, consent must be obtained from the parent or legal guardian in order to begin treatment. Teens who are 14 years old or older are also asked to consent to treatment.

If your clinician determines that there are other people (such as physicians, teachers, etc.) who might be able to provide useful information about your treatment, you will be asked for written permission to talk with them or obtain their records. Teens will also be asked for their permission before anyone is contacted.
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Find a Therapist

[Notes: this context is actually overridden by the content of “page-find-a-therapist.php” (under Themes). For a person to show up in the list, at minimum, they must have the “Staff Clinician” category. Possibly also “Client Type,” “Specialty,” “Treatment Type,” and “Uncategorized.”]

[Concept: Directory using custom post types. Advertised through slide and “Welcome” text, on home page.]

Browse by client type: [dropdown: Child, Adult, Teen, Couple, Family]

Browse by specialty: [dropdown alpha list: any specialty, ADHD, anxiety disorders, adoption / foster placement, autism, bipolar disorder, counseling / therapy, custody, depression, disability, divorce, EMDR, expert testimony, health psychology, learning disabilities, personality / self-regulation, psychiatry, stress, testing / evaluation.] [Would you like a a structure to these search terms that would include main categories of specialties and subcategories of specialties? 5/15: Maureen says the current list is fine, no need for subcategories.]

Find a therapist by name: [link by alphabet; OR we could have a search box with a prompt of ‘first name or last name’.]

A | B | C | D | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

• Kristen M. Esbensen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work
• Michael A. Gerst, LCSW, Clinical Social Work
• Sherri M. Hansen, MD, Psychiatry
• Rachel K. Heilizer, PhD; Clinical Psychology
• Nancy Henderson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work
• Kenneth J. Herrmann, MD; Child/Adolescent Psychiatry
• Charles J. Hodulik, MD; Psychiatry
• Daniel L. Levin, PhD; Clinical Psychology
• Alexandra McMurray, MD; Child/Adult Psychiatry
• Colleen M. Mortell, PhD; Psychology
• Maureen D. Rickman, PhD; Clinical Psychology
• Donna M. Ulteig, LCSW; Clinical Social Work
• Audra Yentz, PA-C, CAQ-Psych; Evaluations and Medication Management

[Result page: Title (‘Therapists:’search term’) followed by a grid of photo/clinician name three across. Photo and clinician name linked to clinician’s pages.]

Location

Our main office is conveniently located at 2727 Marshall Court near UW Hospitals and Clinics, just off University Avenue. If you are driving on University Avenue, head North (toward the Lake) at the University Bay Drive stop light, and turn left into Marshall Court. We are on the left-hand side, near the end of the block toward University Station.

Additional offices—2828 Marshall Court, Suite 112—are located next door, west of the main office.
This is the main office for:
Kristen M. Esbensen, LCSW
Rachel K. Heilizer, Ph.D.
Nancy K. Henderson, LCSW

There are also more than a dozen Madison Metro Bus routes