My name is Nicole Bell and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am the Clinic Director and Founder of Synergos Counseling as well as a Licensed Psychotherapist. I received a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I also received my bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Child Development from UW-Madison. I work collaboratively with clients to sharpen their awareness of unhelpful living patterns while practicing self-empowering skills to help them to feel stronger and more confident about their direction.
I am frequently involved in the day to day operations at Synergos Counseling often responding to and scheduling initial sessions for clinicians, managing our online presence with social media, working with insurance companies to credential our staff, program development, community advocacy and philanthropy, professional development of staff, public speaking, and much more. I am passionate about community mental health and look forward to philanthropic advancements within our community and surrounding areas. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families for over 15 years. Additionally, I specialize in treating anxiety-related disorders (i.e., OCD, GAD, etc) as well as providing family therapy. I utilize an interpersonal approach to treatment using a variety of therapeutic techniques including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, Person-Centered Approaches, and others. I am also a certified Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapist trained by world renowned clinician and researcher, Edna Foa, PhD. PE is especially helpful in treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Additionally, I am a Level 1 Gottman trained Couples counselor. I am also a proud member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). I work Monday through Fridays. I am not taking on new clients at this time. |
My name is Sarah Adler and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor at Synergos for almost 5 years. I received both my Master’s degree in Counseling and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UW-Madison. I am passionate about utilizing Interpersonal Process to support clients in developing more adaptive and flexible intrapersonal and interpersonal patterns by using the counseling relationship as the vehicle for change. I have been trained at Synergos Counseling in using interventions such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), interoceptive training, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These modalities have been scientifically proven useful in reducing symptoms associated with anxiety disorders (i.e. OCD, social anxiety, panic disorder, etc) among others. I am also a certified TF-CBT Counselor. I am passionate and excited to offer treatment for those struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and/or body image concerns. I have engaged in a plethora of credible training in order to utilize Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size principles with my clients, and work closely with dietitians on staff to provide holistic care.
I work Monday through Thursdays. I am not taking on new clients at this time. Payors/Payments Accepted: Dean, Quartz, Group Health Cooperative of SCW (GHC-SCW), Optum, United Healthcare, Medica, BIND, Cigna (Insurance only, no EAP), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, Multiplan, PHCS, Health EOS and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health or Medicare. |
My name is Tim Abendroth and my pronouns are he/him/his. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Synergos Counseling. I also provide mentorship to staff as well as training for sexual health therapy and couples work. I received my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and my Bachelor’s in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Edgewood College. I received training from the Sexual Health Certificate Programs Sex Therapist track at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Additionally, I work as a course moderator for the same program and university, which keeps me in contact with emerging research, evidence based practices, and skills pertinent to providing ethical care to all client populations across respective identities, orientations, and relationship dynamics.
My therapeutic style brings a pragmatic approach that holds space for clients during their deepest struggles. It is my belief that psychotherapy can support clients in finding the most effective tools to set themselves free from their struggles. I find great pleasure and enthusiasm in working with clients in cultivating authentic self-acceptance, empowerment, resiliency, and drive to successfully complete their desired therapy goals. My professional working experience has included working with adolescents, adults, couples, and some families within the outpatient mental health setting. During this work I have assisted clients in addressing anxiety, depression and mood disorders, interpersonal &/or relationship concerns, gender and sexual identity, sexual dysfunction, and trauma related disorders. Tim does not treat anyone under the age of 18 for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). During my time at Edgewood College, I also competed at the NCAA Division III level in Indoor and Outdoor Track, as well as Cross Country. This experience as a student-athlete gave me experiences into understanding and cultivating leadership skills, creating healthy boundaries within work-life balance, listening to my mind and body, and advocating for clients needs. Bringing the stressors of this life experience to therapy can be supported with a lens of common humanity. Additionally, I have specialized training as a Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapist, as well as training in the PREPARE/ENRICH program as a Certified Facilitator to strengthen my work with couples. I also draw from several therapeutic modalities, including but not limited to; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) as well as interoceptive work for panic. I work exclusively as a telehealth counselor Monday through Fridays. Complete a client inquiry form here. Payors/Payments Accepted: Dean, Quartz, Group Health Cooperative of SCW (GHC-SCW), Optum, United Healthcare, Medica, BIND, Cigna (Insurance only, no EAP), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, Aetna, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health or Medicare. |
My name is Selina Lor and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist as well as an Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) trainer at Synergos Counseling. I also provide mentorship to staff, supervision and training to interns, and internal training opportunities in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) work. I received my Master’s in Counseling Psychology and Bachelors in Psychology and Communication Arts from UW- Madison. In my approach to therapy, I believe the client is the expert in their life and their experiences. I believe psychotherapy supports processing your experiences toward improved self-awareness and healing. I am focused on building a warm, genuine, and supportive relationship with clients allowing them to feeling safe and trusting. I work to provide a space where clients of all ages, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and disabilities feel safe and supported in their journey of self discovery.
I work with clients ages 11+. I have experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with mood lability (depression, bipolar), anxiety disorders (GAD, OCD, Panic, SAD), relationship concerns, relationship/couples counseling, and trauma-based experiences such as intergenerational trauma and more. I also enjoy integrating Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These approaches allow me to work with clients to identify, label, and express their emotions in a healthy manner allowing them to feel empowered while demonstrating increased self compassion. I am a virtual therapist Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays. I see clients in-person on Wednesdays. Complete a client inquiry form here. Payors/Payments Accepted: Dean, Quartz, Group Health Cooperative of SCW (GHC-SCW), Optum, United Healthcare, Medica, BIND, Cigna (Insurance only, no EAP), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, Multiplan, PHCS, Health EOS and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health or Medicare. |
My name is Carly Chadd and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist In Training. I received my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Edgewood College and my Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from UW-La Crosse. My goal as a therapist is to provide a space where growth is fostered through a strong and safe therapeutic relationship.
I work with individuals ages 12+ and couples addressing a variety of issues including but not limited to relationship concerns, navigating life transitions, peri- and postpartum concerns, experiences of anxiety and depression, as well as other mood, trauma, and adjustment disorders. My practice centers on collaboration, recognizing internal dynamics, processing and releasing emotions, perspective-taking, and developing sustainable habits to promote healing. I utilize a systemic approach that incorporates elements of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) as well as interoceptive work for panic. I work Monday through Fridays. Complete a client inquiry form here. Payors/Payments Accepted: Quartz, Group Health Cooperative of SCW (GHC-SCW), Optum, United Healthcare, Medica, BIND, Cigna (Insurance only, no EAP), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health or Medicare. |
My name is Brooke Fornetti and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist - In Training. I completed my Masters Degree in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences: Marriage and Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University and my Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Alma College. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe space where clients feel heard and able to be their authentic selves. I am committed to guiding clients in self-exploration, gaining better understanding of their mental health concerns, and how to better them through their journey both with their self and inter-personally.
I work with clients ages 11+ experiencing various concerns including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety disorders including but not limited to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), self-esteem, gender and sexual identity, and relationship concerns. In addition, I have experience working with clients experiencing life cycle transitions and difficult family dynamics. I utilize a systemic approach that highlights the impact of previous family generations and larger systems on presenting concerns,and integrate aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), interoceptive work for panic, Narrative Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Specifically for couples therapy, I am trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Levels 1 & 2). Additionally, I am a Certified PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator. I work Monday through Fridays. Complete a client inquiry form here. Payors/Payments Accepted: Group Health Cooperative of SCW (GHC-SCW), Optum, United Healthcare, Medica, BIND, Cigna (Insurance only, no EAP), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health or Medicare. |
My name is Kim Kramer and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist-In Training. I completed my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus in Trauma Informed Care from UW-Milwaukee. I utilize a trauma-informed, multiculturally competent person-centered approach to work collaboratively with clients on their healing journey. I strive to create a warm, trusting, and supportive therapeutic relationship that allows the client to be their authentic self. I believe in utilizing a holistic approach which integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual forms of healing in order for the client to find a deeper understanding of themselves.
I work with clients ages 18+ working through trauma including but not limited to sexual assault, early childhood trauma, complex trauma, interpersonal trauma, and intergenerational trauma. I also have experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety disorders including but not limited to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), ADHD, neurodiversity, and mood disorders. I believe in creating a space where clients of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and socioeconomic statuses feel supported, safe, and heard. Additionally, I am trained in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) as well as interoceptive work for panic. I work Monday through Fridays. Complete a client inquiry form here. Payors/Payments Accepted: Quartz, Group Health Cooperative of SCW (GHC-SCW), Optum, United Healthcare, Medica, BIND, Cigna (Insurance only, no EAP), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health or Medicare. |
My name is Lexi Malkusak and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am an Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master's degree in Social Work with a focus on Behavioral and Mental Health from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and received my Bachelor's in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe and supportive space for clients to heal and build upon their strengths. I approach each individual with compassion, curiosity, and unconditional positive regard.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I currently work with individuals ages 14+ who are struggling with anxiety disorders (including but not limited to OCD), disordered eating & eating disorders (only ages 18+), and body image concerns. In addition to working with clients, I also have experience working with families and support systems to provide psychoeducation related to supporting loved ones struggling with mental illness. I use a trauma-informed care approach and integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), interoceptive work for panic, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into sessions. I work Monday through Thursdays. Complete a client inquiry form here. Payors/Payments Accepted: Dean, Quartz, Group Health Cooperative of SCW (GHC-SCW), Optum, United Healthcare, Medica, BIND, Cigna (Insurance only, no EAP), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health or Medicare. |
My name is Katy and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am an Advanced Practice Social Worker at Synergos for almost 2 years. I received my Master’s degree in Social Work with a Mental Health Focus from UW-Madison. I also received my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UW-Madison. I approach my work with clients collaboratively and with compassion, empathy and unconditional positive regard. I believe developing a strong therapeutic relationship is key to making progress in therapy. I tailor our work together to ensure every client has space to feel safe and validated.
I have experience working with children & adolescents ages 7+ as well as adults to address a range of challenges, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, adjusting to impactful life changes, coping with stressors and recovering from trauma. I provide affirming care to clients of all identities and have experience working with clients who are LGBTQIA+. I use a trauma-informed approach and have received training in play therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) approaches. I work with clients to identify and build upon existing strengths and work to uncover how past experiences or underlying beliefs may be impacting and affecting learned patterns and behaviors. I believe clients are experts on their own lives and work to ensure all clients feel heard and supported in their journeys. My experience and education also lends itself to an overall systems lens. I use a feminist approach in my work to, alongside our individual work, identify the ways systems such as capitalism, racism, sexism, heteronormativity and others shape the world we live and impact healing. We will work together to identify these impacts and find ways to cope with struggles, build individual power and work toward improved well-being. I work diligently to create a safe and inclusive environment and am honored to walk with clients on their path toward healing. I work Monday through Thursdays. Complete a client inquiry form here. Payors/Payments Accepted: Dean, Quartz, Group Health Cooperative of SCW (GHC-SCW), Optum, United Healthcare, Medica, BIND, Cigna (Insurance only, no EAP), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health or Medicare. |
My name is Gabby Gallegos and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist-In Training. I received my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mount Marty University. One of my goals in the therapeutic relationship is to foster a collaborative relationship with clients that promotes safety and comfortability in freely expressing needs and goals for therapy to develop healthy coping skills to reduce daily stressors. I strive to create a nonjudgmental space to support you on your journey to healing and growth.
I work with individuals ages 12+ addressing a variety of presenting concerns such as anxiety disorders including but not limited to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, behavioral struggles, and interpersonal distress. I have experience working with, but not limited to, individuals managing adjustment, grief and loss, family conflict, and life transitions. Additionally, I provide bilingual services for Spanish speakers. The therapy approaches I draw from integrates an evidenced based approach called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, I am trained in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), interoceptive work for panic, and Trauma Focused-CBT (TF-CBT). I work Monday through Thursdays. Complete a client inquiry form here. . Payors/Payments Accepted: Group Health Cooperative of SCW (GHC-SCW), Optum, United Healthcare, Medica, BIND, Cigna (Insurance only, no EAP), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health or Medicare. |
My name is Edna Dawit and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I have been working at Synergos for the past 2 years and am a Licensed Professional Counselor - In Training. I am completed my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology at UW-Madison, and also received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UW-Madison. I am passionate for the therapeutic relationship to be healing in itself. As a therapist, I desire to work together to support you in finding the most effective ways to address concerns you have while fostering empowerment, liberation, and confidence in your abilities.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I currently work with individuals 14+ and wanting to address a variety of concerns including but not limited to: anxiety disorders including but not limited to OCD, eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, depression, life transitions, interpersonal conflict, ADHD, identity development, adoption, and trauma (sexual abuse and assault, physical abuse, racial, community violence). I also have experience working with children as young as 8. My approach to therapy emphasizes radical acceptance and honoring your strengths to collaboratively find paths towards being true to their authentic self and values. I find importance in our interpersonal relationships and communities we belong in. I acknowledge the impact of one’s own culture as well as broader societal cultural contexts and how that can shape our experiences. I utilize a systems approach and integrate modalities, such as; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), interoceptive work for panic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative therapy, and feminist approaches. I am also trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and am finishing the work toward certification. I trained in treating eating disorders & disordered eating (only ages 18+). I work exclusively as a telehealth counselor Monday through Thursdays. Complete a client inquiry form here. Payors/Payments Accepted: Group Health Cooperative of SCW (GHC-SCW), Optum, United Healthcare, Medica, BIND, Cigna (Insurance only, no EAP), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health or Medicare. |
My name is Emily Lilly and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist- In Training. I received my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University, and received my Bachelor's degree in Psychological Science from Carthage College. As a therapist, I am committed to creating a safe and validating space for individuals to continue their healing and pursue a valued life. I am here to walk with you on your journey towards healing. Our working relationship can provide opportunities to refine skills in emotion regulation, asserting boundaries, and managing difficult conversations.
I have experience working with adolescents and adults in various levels of inpatient and outpatient behavioral healthcare. I currently work with individuals ages 14+ who are seeking support with symptoms stemming from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), trauma-related experiences, anxiety disorders (including but not limited to OCD), depression, and grief. In addition to working with the individual, I have experience facilitating family/support sessions to provide psychoeducation and create strategies to support and empower everyone involved in your healing. I use a trauma-informed care approach and integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Prolonged Exposure (PE), interoceptive work for panic symptoms, Schema Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into sessions. I will also be pursuing training in treating eating disorders & disordered eating (only ages 18+) through Synergos. I work Monday through Fridays. Complete a client inquiry form here. Payors/Payments Accepted: Group Health Cooperative of SCW (GHC-SCW), Quartz, Optum, United Healthcare, Medica, BIND, Cigna (Insurance only, no EAP), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health or Medicare. |
My name is Michael Hartwell and my pronouns are he/him/his. I am a clinical counseling intern completing my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marquette University.
Prior to counseling, I received a Master’s of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University and worked in public education and non-profit arts. I am a recent Midwest transplant, having spent most of my life on the east coast, in upstate New York and Baltimore, Maryland. My personal background and previous careers have granted me the opportunity to work with a wide range of diverse people across the lifespan. These experiences have helped me cultivate a unique skill set and perspective that is rooted in empathy, humility, understanding, and awareness. I recognize how the complexities of modern living can overwhelm and distract, but I believe everyone has the power to look inward and discover new possibilities for themselves. I work with clients ages 14+ experiencing a variety of concerns, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, and major life transitions. My approach to counseling involves deep listening, personal connection, grace, and empathy. I believe in a strengths-based, human-centered focus with all clients. I am excited to be training at Synergos to learn more about individual and group counseling with a variety of therapeutic orientations. I will also be engaged in a variety of trainings at Synergos to learn more about specialized treatments. I work with clients on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays. Complete a client inquiry form here if you would like to meet with me. Please call our office or complete a client inquiry form to inquire about our intern rates and availability. I am unable to take insurance. |