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In This Section

Behavioral Health

Welcome

Welcome to Behavioral Health where we provide outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse services to members of the Oneida community. Our licensed professionals believe in a holistic approach to your wellbeing by providing care in a culturally-sensitive manner to achieve positive outcomes. Behavioral Health is a State of Wisconsin Licensed facility, and we work cooperatively with the Brown County Crisis Center for after-hours crisis care.

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

 

 


Ka?nikuhli.yo Family Center – Behavioral Health Services

As part of the Comprehensive Health Division our mission is to empower individuals and families within the Oneida community to restore harmony in mind, body and spirit through culturally-inspired interventions for the next 7 generations.

Oneida Comprehensive Health Division

VISION: We Provide the highest quality, holistic health care to ensure the future wellness of our Oneida Community.

MISSION: Our Mission is to empower individuals and families within the Oneida community to restore harmony in mind, body and spirit through culturally-inspired interventions for the next 7 generations.

VALUES: Responsive Leadership, Continuous Improvement, Culturally Sensitive, Communication, Respect and Safety.


Meet the Behavioral Health Providers

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

Behavioral Health Management

Kriescher, Mari, MS, LPC, CSAC, ICS – Behavioral Health Director
Sayers, Kate, LCSW, LMFT – Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor
Salzwedel, Joy, MSW, LCSW, CSAC – Behavioral Health Intake Supervisor
Metoxin, Lori – Behavioral Health Patient Account Representative Supervisor
Blanks, Heidi, MA, LPC, SC-IT – Behavioral Health Supervisor

Adult Psychiatrist

Pareek, Yogesh, MD
Patel, Sangita, MD
Rodriquez, Josefina, MD
Tan, Egbert, MD
Linden, Maria, MD
Abbay, Semhal, MD

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Fischer, Jennifer, MD
Prince, Erin D., MD
Gunturu, Sushma, MD

Psychiatric RN

Skrivanie, Lois, RN, BSN, MSN
Telin, Sonja, BSN, RN
Albright, Carol, BSN, RN-BC
Weso, Binnayseequay A., BSN, RN

Psychologist

Sayers, Michael, Ph.D

BH Consultant-Integrating BH Primary Care

Garstka, Christine, PsyD

Head Start/Early Head Start Mental Health

Kelley, Elizabeth, MAC PC-TL, CSAC
DeGroot, Jessica MAC, LPC
Pazdera, Roxann, MSW, CAPSW, LCSW-IT
Seegers, Rachel, AS, CSAC
Vanderheiden, Katherine, MA, LPC-IT, SAC-IT

Psychotherapist

Cook, Brittany, LCSW
Cornelius-Adkins, Torland, LCSW, BCD, SAC, CSOT, ACSW
DeGroot, Jessica MAC, LPC
Haen, Robert, MS, LPC
White, Emma C. BS, MAC, LPC
Griffith, Tina, MAC, LPC, NCC
Skenandore, Jodie, MAC, LPC 
Vanderheiden, Katherine, MA, LPC-IT, SAC-IT
Carline, Cory M., MSW, APSW
Kelley, Elizabeth, MAC PC-TL, CSAC
Torres, Joanne, MA, CSAC, LPC
Chaffins, Jessica, MA, NCC, LPC
Pazdera, Roxann, MSW, CAPSW, LCSW-IT
Fischer Williams, Amy, MSW, APSW, DSW
Detrie, Melissa, MA, LPC-IT, SAC-IT 

Triage Counselor

Pociask, Andrea, BS
Funseth, Shelby, BS
Young, Keara, CSW
Boocock, Emma, BS

Safe Care Pathway

Haen, Robert, MS, LPC
Murphy, Jamie, MSW, APSW, CSAC

Adult Social Worker

Metoxen, Lynn, MSW, APSW, SAC
Sengkhammee, Elizabeth M., MSW, LCSW
Behnke, Julie, MSW, CSAC
Chacon, Adriana MSW, APSW

Youth Social Worker

Green Blanks, Rebecca, MSW
Matson, Ellen BSW, CSW, SAC-IT
Chacon, Adriana MSW, APSW
Behnke, Julie, MSW, CSAC
Sengkhammee, Elizabeth M., MSW, LCSW

Dual Diagnosis Therapist

Collier, Carmen MS, LPC, CSAC
Lambert, Tim, MSE, LPC, CSAC
Murphy, Jamie, MSW, APSW, CSAC
Verdo, Alyssa, MSW, LCSW, SAC-IT
Poritz, Allison M., MS, LPC, SAC, ICS

Substance Abuse Coordinator

Ninham, Jacqueline E., MAC
Hill, Shannon, BA 

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Abuse (ATODA)

Lalonde, Scott, MSW, SCAC
Seegers, Rachel, AS, CSAC
Allard, Ernie, MS, CSAC
Baraniak, Angela, CSAC, CS-IT, CSW
Geidel, Jesslyn, BS, CSAC
Risler, Shawneen, BA, SAC-IT
Behrendt, Courtney, BA, SAC-IT

Recovery Coach

Danforth, Patrick
Skenandore, Stephanie
Elm, Lori
Skenandore, Brittney
King, Kristy

“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

You’re Invited to Kunhi-Yo on August 29 Kunhi-Yo 2024 is coming up fast. Please consider joining us at the Oneida Hotel and Conference Center beginning at 9:00 a.m. for a full day of learning, healing and support in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day. Learn more and register for the event by clicking here.

Help Us Celebrate Oneida Recovery Nest’s Second Anniversary Please join us on Monday, September 23 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. as we celebrate the Oneida Recovery Nest’s second anniversary. The celebration will include food, beverages, fellowship, resource tables, speakers and a recovery fire. The Recovery Nest is located at 1240 Packerland Drive, in building #2. Parking is available at the bottom of the hill. For more information, you can reach us at (920) 490-3950 or recoverycoach@oneidanation.org.
Click here to download an event flyer.

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 – Oneida Behavioral Health Launches Fentanyl Awareness Campaign
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.
 

Kunhi-Yo 2024 – Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 29, and join us at the Oneida Hotel and Conference Center for KUNHI-YO 2024. The event is celebrated on an annual basis in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day (IODA), because no one should stand alone in the fight to end overdose. This year’s IODA theme is “Together we can” which highlights the “strength of coming together and standing in support of those connected to the tragedy of overdose.” Watch for more details about KUNHI-YO 2024 to be posted here later this summer and register to attend. 

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.   

Learn about the Transitional Residential Detox Treatment Facility Community Meeting…
…on page 5 of the March Issue of Kalihwisaks – Yaw^ko Kalihwisaks!
Oneida Behavioral Health is studying the feasibility of creating a transitional residential detox treatment facility for members of the Oneida Nation. Click the link above to learn more about the community meeting held in February courtesy of Kalihwisaks (on page 5). And see the information that was shared with the community here

Informational Columns

News Releases

Resources

 

Substance Abuse Self-Help

National AA
Green Bay AA
National ACOA
National NA
Local NA
National Al-Anon
Gamblers Anonymous
Smart Recovery
National WFS
Christian Recovery
National Sexaholics Anonymous 
Detox.com
The Network of Care for Mental/Behavioral Health
Resource Guide for Substance Use & Mental Health
Outagamie County Crisis and Support
Brown County Substance Use Services
Free Rehab Centers in Wisconsin
Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers in Green Bay
Start Your Recovery – Zip Code Resource Locator
Start Your Recovery Wisconsin 

Additional Information

AA Mtg List – District 1
Al-anon/Alateen Family Group Meetings
Prison Fellowship Family Support Group
2.1.1 Get Connected. Get Answers
Chronic Pain
Opioid Abuse
Opioid Treatment & Risks
Non-Opioid Treatment
WisHope
The Connection
Help is 3 Numbers Away

 

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 Drinking
Talk. 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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…”

 

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…”

 

Radisson 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 is requesting your feedback by completing the community survey specific to this project. Please click the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GNM3MKM  to take the survey. It will take less than five minutes to complete. We value your input. 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

Yaw^ko

Comprehensive Health Management Team

Oneida Behavioral Health deeply appreciates the importance of having the right types of services available for our community. As we move forward with our feasibility study, 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. 

KUNHI-YO 2024 Registration

Additional/Contact Info