Willow Creek Behavioral Health, located in Green Bay, opened its doors in January 2017 and offers a range of mental health services, including both inpatient and outpatient care. They provide support for children, adolescents, and adults struggling with a variety of mental health issues, substance use disorders, and more.
Decker sat down with Alison Denil, CEO of Willow Creek to have a conversation surrounding mental health and the resources they provide.
A major focus for Willow Creek is reducing the stigma around mental health. Denil noted that while stigma has lessened over the years, it is still there. “We talk about it more,” she said. The pandemic definitely impacted a lot of individuals’ mental health, especially adolescents who struggled with isolation, and that has trickled into young adults. The increased openness to discuss mental health has allowed more people to seek the help they need, but many still hesitate to admit they’re struggling.
Willow Creek’s role in the community expanded when they introduced an adolescent program in response to growing demand, particularly from local schools. Denil explained that school counselors often act as the first line of defense in spotting mental health issues in students, making their involvement in mental health care essential. This collaboration ensures that young people get the support they need.
When it comes to parents noticing signs of mental health struggles in their children, Denil offered some advice. She said to look for changes—are they eating? Interacting with family? Keeping up with hygiene and school? She also pointed out that while adolescents are naturally moody and might self-isolate, it’s important for parents to be aware of patterns that indicate deeper issues.
The creation of Willow Creek was driven by a significant shortage of psychiatric providers in Wisconsin. By offering more than just medication stabilization, Willow Creek aims to provide a treatment program that includes coping skills and trigger management.
When asked how adults can see within themselves that they need mental help, and what they should do to get it, Denil said, “Recognize your health from the neck up as much as you do from the neck down.” Willow Creek provides 24/7 support, ensuring that individuals have access to necessary care whenever they need it and whenever they choose to take that step to seek help.
With a full multi-disciplinary team that includes psychiatrists and medical providers, therapists, social workers, nurses, behavioral health associates, occupational therapists, a teacher for education, and dietitians to help with nutrition, Willow Creek is committed to delivering full support.
