Outpatient Counseling

Family & Children’s Center has a variety of mental health therapists at various locations who provide mental health counseling services. These professionals provide counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and families seeking a safe, supportive environment where they can manage and cope with life’s challenges. Our experienced staff addresses issues including trauma, PTSD, behavioral problems, anxiety, relationship, divorce or marital problems, autism, childhood trauma, ADHD and concerns with hyperactive or defiant children. Participants are able to develop a healthy, solid foundation for becoming productive members of society by developing social skills, coping techniques, and problem-solving skills.

• Individual, family, or couple therapy options available
• Telehealth services available
• Assessments available
• AODA
• Highly skilled and experienced staff
• Diverse backgrounds of staff ensure expertise across spectrum of emotional, mental and behavioral issues, as well as among a range of ages.
• Helps participants achieve happier, healthier lives

**Please note that FCC’s Outpatient Counseling accepts most insurance plans

Aileen is a trained EMDR therapist with a graduate degree from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. She specializes in trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, depression, phobias, shame, avoidance, cravings, and low self-esteem. Aileen’s approach is to update emotionally charged experiences, thoughts, and beliefs to healthier, more adaptive perspectives, to promote behavioral change.

Chelsie has a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling from Winona State University (2013) and a certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health from the University of Minnesota (2020). She was endorsed as an early childhood mental health clinical mentor in 2024. She works with children and families. Her focus is on anxiety, mood disorders, relationship conflicts, wellness, stress management, and trauma.

Barb Miller has a B.S., along with an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from Viterbo University. She is licensed in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Barb has training in EMDR and Relapse Prevention Counseling. Barb has experience working with men, women, LGBTQ, residential care, and courts.

Leah Morken, Ph.D., LP, is a Licensed Psychologist and serves as the Clinical Director of Family & Children’s Center. She earned her Doctorate in Psychology from Walden University. Leah provides clinical leadership to programs across the agency in addition to providing direct services. She works with clients of all ages and specializes in psychological testing, working with children ages 0-5, and play therapy with children during the therapeutic process.

Carrie is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Counselor, and Intermediate Clinical Supervisor and provides services at offices in La Crosse and Viroqua. Carrie uses a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Motivational Interviewing and DBT skills. Her focus is on challenging and changing cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotion regulation, and developing personal coping strategies targeting current problems. In addition, she is experienced in working with teens and adults in mental health and substance use disorder counseling.

Barb Miller has a B.S., along with an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from Viterbo University. She is licensed in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Barb has training in EMDR and Relapse Prevention Counseling. Barb has experience working with men, women, LGBTQ, residential care, and courts.

Timothy Hall is a licensed professional mental health counselor (LPC) with Family & Children’s Center. Tim has worked in a variety of roles and settings within the mental health field and has experience with populations such as veterans, the LGBTQ community, people with severe and persistent mental illness, people with grief, or trauma experiences, and children, teens, adults, and others. Tim uses a variety of techniques and strategies that best match each individual to help heal and assist in achieving meaningful recovery goals. Tim uses cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Illness Management & Recovery (IMR) and other evidence-based practices. Tim has lived in the La Crosse area for 20+ years with his family. He graduated from Viterbo University with a Masters of Science degree in mental health counseling.

Patrick Kelley is an Ordained Minister and has a B.S. in Substance Use Disorder Counseling (AODA). Patrick has experience in residential programming as well as working for the Department of Corrections. Patrick specializes in working with people on the fringe of society, including the homeless, urban and rural poor, AODA, and LGBTQ people. Patrick uses a variety of techniques and has over ten years of counseling experience.

Suzie Howe, LCSW, earned her Master of Social Work at the University of Illinois. She worked with children age 12-18 in residential care for 12 years before moving to Wisconsin. She has worked at FCC for 22 years, primarily with adults who have experienced trauma and severe and persistent mental health issues. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She is trained in Motivational Interviewing and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.

Zach Petrie has a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Winona State University. Zach works with children ages 0-5, teens, adults, families, couples, and groups. Zach specializes in using trauma-informed cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), play therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. Zach uses a client-centered and strengths-based approach to therapy and works with those experiencing anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and trauma. Zach’s passion lies in supporting clients through adversity, empowering them to unlock their potential and live their most fulfilled lives.

Mindy Schaefer has a Masters of Science in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and a Graduate Certificate in School Counseling from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Mindy works with children ages 0-5, teens, their parents, and groups. Mindy specializes in using Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Emotional Regulation Strategies, Behavioral Role Play and Solution Focused Therapy and Reality Therapy. Mindy employs a play-centered and strength-based approach to therapy, helping clients enhance their quality of life at home and in school through ongoing collaboration with parents and school staff. In addition, Mindy has experience working with children diagnosed with Autism and sensory processing disorders, with families and communities experiencing grief and loss, and with supporting parents of children with emotional and behavioral disorders.