Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Appleton, WI

I believe that healing begins the moment you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. As a therapist, my heart is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can show up exactly as you are—no judgment, no pressure, just honesty and compassion. What sets me apart is my ability to listen beyond the words. I pay attention to your story, your emotions, your patterns, and even the things you don’t always know how to express.

I have over 24 years of experience working with a broad range of individuals and families of diverse cultural and economic populations. I've provided treatment to individuals with addictions, behavioral and mental health challenges. I don’t treat people with a one-size-fits-all approach. I honor your uniqueness. I take the time to understand your background, your experiences, and the goals that truly matter to you. My role is to walk alongside you, helping you uncover the root of what you’re facing, not just the symptoms on the surface.

In our work together, I focus on helping you gain clarity, build emotional resilience, and discover healthier ways to navigate life’s challenges. I’ll support you, encourage you, and at times gently challenge you—because your growth matters. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, identity issues, or simply feeling stuck, I will help you identify what’s holding you back and empower you to move toward the person you were created to be.

My passion is helping people heal, grow, and thrive. I believe change is possible, hope is real, and your life has value and purpose. If you’re ready to begin your journey toward emotional freedom and wholeness, I’m here to walk with you every step of the way.

I am licensed in both mental health and substance use treatment in the state of Wisconsin, and have spent over 20 years working with a wide range of people and concerns in many different settings. I understand that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, and my goal is to offer a grounded, respectful space where you feel heard, accepted, and supported at your own pace.

I am someone who enjoys uplifting others and helping others succeed with their mental health. I am an active listener, able to show empathy, and still challenge clients when needed. I have a direct approach when counseling.

I work to provide you a safe, non-judgmental environment in which to work. Each of us are unique and complex. I see my job as helping you to develop tools and skills to deal with your complex life. I am able to help you in the areas of anxiety, depression, motivation, substance use concerns, self-esteem and confidence, grief/loss, and adapting to life changes, to name a few. My goal is to be approachable, accepting, and act as a guide through the process. Much of our power to be happy or unhappy depends on our ability to put our experiences in perspective and find our own path to heal.

We will focus on the strengths you have and how I can help you grow through changing self-defeating thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We will work together to identify your goals, what the barriers are to moving forward, and developing needed skills to navigate through or around barriers. We are all human and at times need the help from an objective party to get through our struggles and to grow stronger!

Bobbi Jo Durst is the CEO of Alay Health Team. She sees patients across the life span, with all different mental health conditions, including emotional health, behavioral health, and addiction problems. She began her nursing career while serving her country in the United States Army as a combat medic and then a trauma nurse. She served 10 years in the military, married, and raised her family on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. While raising her family, she worked as an ER nurse, and a Psychiatric nurse on a maximum-security Forensic unit. She also managed the healthcare needs for the school district in the area, working with kids with physical and mental health conditions.

Bobbi Jo chose to go back to school for her MSN is nursing education. Prior to graduating with her degree, her 7-year-old son tragically died from medical complications. At that point, she decided it was important to go back for her Nurse Practitioner degree and specialize in Mental health to assist others with mental health issues including trauma and grief.

Bobbi had worked with Alay Health Team for 5 years prior to purchasing the business and has mentored and educated over 100 students who are also pursuing their degree as a PMHNP.

I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2023, and I have had the privilege of working with a great variety of clients in an outpatient hospital setting over the last three years. Through a trauma informed and person-centered lens, I want to help clients explore concerns relating to shame, depression, anxiety, identity, and more.

I’ve spent my career supporting people who have experienced trauma, mental health, and substance use issues. I have used a mix of traditional talk therapy, art and adventure therapies to assist in the healing process. I have been in practice since 2002 after completing my master's in social work at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to completing my master's I worked in the social work field, working as a case manager and substance use counselor, and volunteering at my local domestic abuse program answering the crisis hotline, facilitating community support groups, and assisting in the annual walk for women's safety. I work with children, adults, families, couples, and groups. My style is natural and organic, giving you space to heal in a way that feels right for you. My approach is person centered. My focus is to help you build trust and safety at your own pace and create a strong therapeutic relationship for you to heal.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with adults and young adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional overwhelm. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and collaborative space where clients can feel safe exploring difficult experiences while building great self- awareness and lasting change. My approach is grounded in relational and experiential therapy, while also integrating evidence- based techniques tailored to each client's unique needs. I value authenticity, curiosity, and helping clients reconnect with themselves in meaningful and empowering ways.

I am Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered care. I am known for being friendly, personable, and highly relatable, I focus on building strong connections with those I serve. I love to educate and empower the clients I work with.

I graduated from UW-Stout in 2020 and had a crash course of therapy during the pandemic. This has allowed me to become a more empatheic and passionate therapist who works hard to support clients through all of life's changes. I specialize in couples and relational work, but also work with indiviudals who are looking to navigate grief, anxiety, life changes, and stress. I support and research women's health, fertility/infertility and treat perinatal mood disorders.

I think it is important to know that I am a very genuine person who strives to make the counseling space feel warm and safe.