Michelle Van Thiel, LCSW

I’m intrigued by all areas of medicine, but was especially drawn to this one because of the family practice residents and faculty I first met in med school. I appreciated the warmth and practicality they showed their patients and was inspired to have the same kind of interaction with my own. This job is pretty neat in the sense that I can be working with a day-old baby and a 100-year-old adult all in the same hour. I strive to be a thoughtful listener who engages patients and allows them to share their whole story. I like to keep things relaxed, too, which means that humor often finds its way into the exam room during a visit.

ThedaCare Behavioral Health-Appleton is a healthcare provider located in Appleton, WI, offering a range of behavioral health services. Individuals can easily find care throughout northeast Wisconsin at various ThedaCare locations, ensuring accessible mental health support. The organization provides virtual care options, allowing patients to connect with providers through online video visits or eVisits using their devices. New patients can conveniently schedule appointments, while returning patients can use their MyThedaCare accounts for scheduling ease. Generated from the website

In my many years on the job, I’ve often heard that the hardest part of seeing a psychiatrist is making that first appointment and showing up. Once you’re here, it gets much easier. Many patients have told me that coming in and starting to talk through everything is not nearly as difficult as they first expected. My hope is that we can communicate openly and collaborate on what the best options are for treatment.