Behavioral Health

Services Provided

“Very welcoming and understanding. I tend to over explain things and in the past with previous mental health services I’ve been shut down or felt as though I wasn’t heard. However, I felt understood today and realized a lot do things that I didn’t before and that’s beautiful. Thank you.”
– an OBH client

• Triage Counseling
• Therapy (Individual, Couples and Family Therapy)
• Gambling Assistance
• Tobacco Abuse
• Alcohol Abuse Awareness
• Psychological Evaluations
• Psychiatry (Adult and Child – Evaluations and Medication Management)
• Safe Care Pathway (helps identify those at risk for suicide)
• Social Work Services and family support teams
• Wellness Support Services (walk-ins welcome)
• Substance Abuse ATODA (Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse)
• Same Day Substance Abuse Care
• Co-Occurring Disorders
• Hub and Spoke – A Comprehensive Approach
• Insights Group
• Transformations Group – DBT for Recovery
• Discovery Group – Intensive Outpatient Therapy
• Journey Group – Aftercare Therapy
• Recovery Coaching
• NARCAN® and fentanyl test strips

Triage counselors are available to assist you in getting your initial intake appointment either by phone or walk in services. Our triage counselor is also available to assist if you are in crisis, suicidal or just not feeling well. Our triage counselor will either see you at our office location or will go out into the community if you are not able to get in to see us.

Our phones are transferred to the Brown County Crisis Center at 4:30 p.m. daily for any afterhours crisis calls.

“The services are vital to mental health healing and growth. I am grateful for the services…”- an OBH client 

Providers

Meet the behavioral health providers at Oneida Behavioral Health by clicking on a link below. Our licensed professionals believe in a holistic approach to your wellbeing by providing care in a culturally sensitive manner to achieve positive outcomes.

My provider “has been immensely helpful in being able to talk about my past in a safe respectful manner.”
– an OBH client

“I have been coming to Oneida Behavioral Health for many years always have exceptional care. Jodie is so amazing and has been extremely instrumental in my daughter’s well being. We are so thankful for the support to give. Helping us be the healthiest versions of ourselves, both mentally and spiritually.”
– an OBH client 

What's New

Join Us for Sobriety Game Nights!
You’re invited to join us at the Oneida Recovery Nest on the last Monday of each month from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. for Sobriety Game Nights. We’ll have refreshments and enjoy sober fun! Click here to learn more.

You Can Help – Fentanyl Awareness
Fentanyl is everywhere. And it’s right here in in our community in alarming quantities. “Fentanyl is now added to almost every kind of illicit drug available, often times unbeknownst to the person using them,” explained Mari Kriescher, Director of Oneida Behavioral Health. “That’s why we’re kicking off a Fentanyl is Everywhere campaign,” added Kriescher. “Our goal is to drastically raise awareness about fentanyl and the lifesaving resources you can use to counter its deadly effects.” Read more here.

Help protect our children with Small Talks

Councilwoman Jennifer Webster has teamed up with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) for their Small Talks campaign, which encourages talking to your kids about underage drinking. Listen as Jennifer Webster speaks about the power you have to make a difference in a child’s life. Small talks matter. Yaw^ko, Councilwoman Webster!

Mental Health Navigation Guide
If you’re seeking help finding mental health services, the Mental Health Navigation Guide is a great place to start. Simply click this link to access the guide and find the contact information you need now.

Treatment Facility Study
Oneida Behavioral Health is studying the feasibility of creating a transitional residential detox treatment facility for members of the Oneida Nation. Click here to learn more.

Informational Columns

New Year, New You: Discover the Benefits of Dry January
Stay Safe This Season: Holiday Tips to Avoid Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Risks
Safe Care Pathway: Supporting Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Our Community
National Recovery Month 2024
September is Suicide Prevention Month
The Start of School Doesn’t have to be Stressful
Grieving Due to Overdose
Reducing Overdose Deaths with Harm Reduction
What Levels of Care Can Substance Use Facilities Offer?
Five Tips to Make the Most of Mental Health Awareness Month
Facts About Alcohol That Will Have You Saying, “Oh Wow!”
Don’t Forget Mental Health During National Self-Check Month
Why Go Dry This January and Tips for Success
The Holidays: A Difficult Time for Those Facing Addiction
Brainspotting: A Brain Based Therapy to Speed Healing
Addressing Depression and Grief Can Help Improve Your Mental Health
This Suicide Awareness Month – How Can You Help
Three Tips for a Healthy Return to School
Oneida Hub and Spoke Pilot Providing Positive Outcomes
Fentanyl Deaths Continue, What Can We Do?
Focus on Self-Care, Reducing Stress and Healthy Choices during National Wellness Month
Recovery Coaching – A Key to Successful Recovery
Spring is a Perfect Opportunity to Reflect on Your Personal Mental Health
You Are Not Alone – Safe Care Pathway Helps Identify Those at Risk for Suicide

News Releases

Join Us For the Free KUNHI-YO’ “I’m Healthy” Conference
National Silence the Shame Day Encourages Open Conversations About Mental Health
KUNHI-YO “I’m Healthy” Participants Make It a Meaningful Day
KUNHI-YO’ “I’m Healthy” Conference – August 31

Resources

Mental Health Self-Help Resources
NAMI Wisconsin
SAMHSA
SAMHSA – Violence Prevention
MentalHealth.gov
Treatment Locator
Treatment Referral Line
The Network of Care for Mental/Behavioral Health
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper Training
Resource Guide for Substance Use & Mental Health
Outagamie County Crisis and Support
Family Services Crisis Center
Bellin Health Psychiatric Center
Brown County Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic
Willow Creek Behavioral Health

Youth/Parent Resources
Stop Bullying
Native Youth Resource – SAMHSA
Small Talks – Underage DrinkingTalk. They Hear You. – SAMHSA
Willow Creek Behavioral Health
NAMI – Kids, Teens and Young Adults
The Trevor Project – LGBTQ Youth
NIH – Child and Adolescent Mental Health
HHS – Adolescent Health
Mental Health Literacy
Other Links
Disaster Distress Helpline 

Quick Links

Help is 3 Numbers Away

Mental Health Navigation Guide

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

988 Suicide & Crisis Prevention

Oneida Wellness Support Group Flyer

Prescription Medication Disposal

Amanda’s House by Mandolin Foundation

The Network of Care for Mental/Behavioral Health 

Testimonials

Below are links to video testimonials from Oneida Nation leaders sharing their experiences and perspective regarding Oneida Behavioral Health (OBH) and the role it plays in meeting the community’s mental health needs. 

Director of Public Relations for Oneida Nation Bobbi Webster

“Bobbi Webster believes that it’s important in our community to build upon our health…”

“It’s important that Oneidas are able to cope with that generational trauma in a wholistic manner…”

“Bobbi Webster believes that Oneida Behavioral Health helps our citizens move through healing…”

Chairman for Oneida Nation Tehassi Hill

“Chairman Hill explains how Oneida Behavioral Health responded to the opioid epidemic…”

“Chairman Hill believes that having access to services through Oneida Behavioral Health is a great opportunity…”

“Mental health is an important issue that needs to be addressed. OBH can help…”

Chief Judge of Oneida Nation Judiciary Layatalati Hill

“Judge Hill talks about the new Healing to Wellness Court…”

“Oneida Behavioral Health is here…”

“Oneida Behavioral Health is important for our community…”

Former Director of Oneida Nation Head Start Program Debbie Thundercloud

“Oneida Behavioral Health is about more than addiction…”

“Children can learn early how to build a toolbox to help process emotions…”

“Oneida Behavioral Health and Head Start have a partnership to help support our children…”

“Oneida Behavioral Health is here to help us through those times of change…”

Oneida Nation Member Marie Cornelius 

“Oneida Behavioral Health has a humungous impact on the community and it’s people…”

“Oneida Behavioral Health provides many important services…”

“Oneida Behavioral Health offers a cultural component of care that is vitally important…” 

Oneida Business Committee Member Kirby Metoxen

“Knows firsthand how it is to deal with an addiction and Oneida Behavioral Health is there to help when you’re willing to take the initiative…” 

Oneida High School Principal Artley Skenandore

“Oneida Behavioral Health is also responsive, sharing compassion and support…”

“The school has been working with Oneida Behavioral Health for several years which was particularly important during the pandemic…”

“The long-term, positive relationship with Oneida Behavioral Health has been a real benefit…”

Oneida Hotel & Conference Center General Manager Steve Ninham
 

“Oneida Behavioral Health is a wonderful resource for Tribal members…”

“Oneida Behavioral Health provided much needed services following the 2021 shooting at the hotel…”

“It’s important to consider your own mental health…”

Oneida Casino General Manager Louise Cornelius

“OBH was very instrumental in assisting the casino and hotel following the May 2021 shooting incident.”

“The benefit of making employee referrals to OBH.”

Oneida Nation Councilwoman Jennifer Webster

“Oneida Behavioral Health is so important to the Oneida community.”

“OBH has a phenomenal team that is responsive to the community’s health needs.” 

Complementary Heatlh Services

In addition to conventional therapies and services, Oneida Behavioral Health offers complementary and alternative health services. Providing complementary and alternative therapies offers individuals more ways to improve their wellbeing and health. These services are natural and non-invasive and can often times be used in combination with conventional therapies.

Following are some of the complementary health services we offer:

Breathwork: Breathwork has been around for thousands of years and has roots in practices like yoga and Tai Chi. When you consider what breathing does for your body, carrying oxygen through your blood to your entire body, you can begin to understand the impact breathwork can have. Breathwork involves using breathing techniques that can help release toxins, calm stress, elevate your mood and balance your body.  

Reiki: Reiki is an energy-based, healing modality that has been practiced for centuries. During a Reiki session, a practitioner will place their hands lightly on or just above your body to direct their energy into the patient. The goal of Reiki is to activate the natural healing process to restore both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Reflexology: Reflexology can be traced back to ancient civilizations. It is used in conjunction with other treatments to address anxiety, promote relaxation and relieve tension and pain. It involves the application of gentle pressure to specific areas on the feet, ears and hands in order to help you feel better.

Treatment Facility Study

We all know substance use is a growing concern and problem not just on the Oneida Reservation, but across the United States. While there are many treatment options and offerings available, there is not a nearby detox facility. Oneida Behavioral Health is in the process of studying the need for a substance use detox, residential or transitional living facility in our community. It’s important to understand the process in order to evaluate the feasibility of such a facility as well as what the facility can and cannot do if it becomes a reality.

Potential Project
The project (CDC #21-112) would establish an 8 to 10 bed facility with the potential to expand to 14 to 16 beds. Actual capacity would depend on the assessment of male to female ratios. The ability to find and hire trained staff to operate the facility will also impact the feasibility of the project.

Study Underway
Currently, a market assessment, financial analysis and feasibility study is underway. This will identify current challenges and opportunities, identify national and regional addiction recovery utilization trends and estimate the local demand for such services. The financial analysis will also look at the payer mix, reimbursement, revenue and staffing expenses along with capital costs and a five-year financial projection.

Expected Results
When complete, the study will be reviewed, and recommendations will be provided to the Oneida Business Committee related to a medically supervised alcohol and drug residential detox center and/or a residential treatment center and/or a transitional living facility.

Levels of Care
Before we can have an informed community discussion about the need, it’s important to understand what each type of facility can and cannot offer if one becomes a reality. The following are descriptions of the three types of facilities begin studied.

• Detox Center (Residential Withdrawal Management Service)
  

  What it is: A residential substance use treatment service that provides alcohol withdrawal management and intoxication monitoring. This includes medically managed 24-hour on-site nursing care, under the supervision of a physician. This is necessary because alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures and even death.
  
  Who it’s for: Participants must meet medical criteria for admission related to alcohol detox only. Those 18 and older are eligible for admission under IHS funding.

  Length of stay: Up to three days.

  What it doesn’t do/cannot provide: This facility can’t be used for withdrawal from methamphetamines, cocaine or opiate use. Admission cannot be limited to enrolled Oneida only and the length of stay is based on medical necessity, not homelessness or other psychosocial factors. This is NOT an inpatient psychiatric unit. Patients must be 18 years of age or older.

• Medically Monitored Residential Treatment Service

  What it is: A residential substance use treatment service provides 20 or more hours of treatment services per patient per week. This treatment can be for alcohol, methamphetamines, cocaine, opiate or other substances. Substance use and mental health treatment personnel provide assessment and treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders, under the oversight of a medical director. Medically monitored residential treatment services are delivered in a 24-hour clinical residential setting. This level of care is appropriate for patients who require a 24-hour supportive treatment environment to develop sufficient recovery skills and address functional limitations to prevent imminent relapse or dangerous substance use.

  Who it’s for: Those with substance use disorders as well as those with co-occurring mental health disorders.

  Length of stay: Up to 30 to 45 days.

  What it doesn’t do/cannot provide: Admission cannot be limited to enrolled Oneida only and the length of stay is based on medical necessity, not homelessness or other psychosocial reasons. This is NOT an inpatient psychiatric unit. A medication prescriber does not remain on site (Methadone is not provided). Medicaid does not cover room and board expenses. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

• Transitional Residential Treatment Service

  What it is/does: A residential substance use treatment service providing six or more hours of treatment services per patient per week. This treatment can be for alcohol, methamphetamines, cocaine, opiate or other substances. Substance use treatment personnel provide assessment and treatment for substance use disorders in a structured and recovery-supportive 24-hour residential setting, under the oversight of a physician or a prescriber knowledgeable in addiction, providing medical supervision and clinical consultation.

  Who it’s for: Those 18 years of age or older.

  Length of stay: Varies depending upon need.

  What it doesn’t do/cannot provide: Does not provide temporary residence for homelessness, domestic violence or abuse. Admission cannot be limited to enrolled Oneida only.

Oneida Comprehensive Health Division conducted a community survey specific to this project in early 2024. To see the information shared with the community during a February community meeting, please click here. Want to share this information with someone who doesn’t have access to the internet? Please click here for a downloadable flyer.

Oneida Behavioral Health deeply appreciates the importance of having the right types of services available for our community. As we move forward with our assessment, please know that Oneida Behavioral Health offers extensive outpatient substance use services for members of our community. We are here to help those who choose to enter recovery and can connect them with critical resources to support their journey.