With mental health diagnoses on the rise nationwide, Behavioral Health Clinic (BHC) has opened a new location in Eau Claire to help meet growing demand for care in western Wisconsin. The BHC said that the new clinic, located at 1324 W. Clairemont Ave., offers both in-person and telehealth appointments with immediate availability and no referral required.
BHC is one of Wisconsin’s largest outpatient mental health providers.
According to Sami Hamann, a licensed professional counselor at BHC, and Dr. Shannon Schaefer, a co-owner of the clinic, its services are designed for a wide range of clients, including children, adolescents, college students, adults and families, with care aimed at addressing concerns across the lifespan.
The clinic says that the new location will primarily offer individual therapy, family counseling and couples therapy. In addition, it will provide assessment services for concerns related to learning, such as ADHD and autism, as well as online psychiatric and medication management services.
BHC has nearly 100 clinicians across Wisconsin, with additional locations in Brookfield, Eagle River, Fort Atkinson, Grafton, Green Bay, Madison, Marshfield, Merrill, Sheboygan, Stevens Point and Wausau.
According to the clinic, mental health diagnoses nationwide rose nearly 40 percent between 2019 and 2023, and for the first time in 2024, behavioral health visits surpassed primary care visits.
The clinic also says that during this same period, depression diagnoses increased by 42 percent, generalized anxiety disorder diagnoses by nearly 60 percent and ADHD diagnoses by more than 70 percent. Among all age groups, young adults ages 18–25 have the highest rate of mental illness diagnoses in the country at 33.7 percent.
Clinic staff said these trends highlight the growing need for accessible mental health care.
Hamann and Schaefer said they identified a service gap in the Chippewa Valley, something they noted is common across many Wisconsin communities and the broader Midwest, making it more difficult for individuals to access timely care.
The BHC said they hope the new location will help address this issue by expanding access to care and reducing barriers such as long wait times.
“Appointments can be scheduled directly by individuals, either by phone or online, eliminating the need for a referral,” the BHC said. “This helps remove barriers and allows people to seek care as soon as they feel they need it.”
Eliminating the need for a referral means patients are not required to consult a primary care provider first, which can sometimes be a costly or time-consuming step, the clinic said.
The clinic said they also offer both in-person and telehealth options, allowing clients to choose what best fits their schedules and needs.
Hamann and Schaefer said some feel that traditional in-person appointments provide a more direct and personal connection. Telehealth, on the other hand, offers a more accessible option for those who may face barriers to in-person care, such as scheduling conflicts, transportation challenges or personal preference.
They also said that although the clinic is still establishing its presence in Eau Claire, they have already seen strong interest in the new location.
“We want students and community members to know that care is accessible, welcoming and designed with them in mind,” the BHC said. “You don’t need a referral, and reaching out is simple and confidential. Whether someone is navigating stress, academic pressure, relationships or more significant mental health concerns, support is available.”
Whitford can be reached at [email protected].
