Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Appleton, WI

Welcome. I am a dedicated mental health professional with extensive experience supporting both children and adults. I primarily work with individuals struggling with sadness, guilt, loss, loneliness, panic, overthinking, shame, ruminating thoughts, family issues, trauma, and worry. Having worked as a Grief Counselor in my previous role, I helped individuals navigate life while adjusting to their grief by sitting with people as they share their deepest thoughts and emotions. I offer an inclusive space where clients can feel safe, respected, and seen.

Welcome! I am Dr. Michelle Rake! I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner providing medication management services/brief therapy.

Are you looking for a Psychiatry provider that listens to you and includes you in the your treatment plan? Would you like a compassionate, non-judgemental psychiatry provider that provides a comfortable, safe environment? Do you want to feel empowered knowing you are on the proper medications to overcome your struggles, and turn around your life?

Let me help you today!

I am kind, compassionate, I like to have fun, and I enjoy learning new things.

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!

I am a licensed mental health therapist with a background in social work. I have a master's in clinical social work from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. I have experience working in outpatient therapy and medical settings, which has shaped my grounded and integrative approach to care. I work with adults and children navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, professional stress, grief, and patterns that feel difficult to shift. I also support individuals experiencing self-doubt, boundary concerns, emotional overwhelm, and relational dynamics that leave them feeling unseen or unheard.

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.