Behavioral Health Therapist Offers Services
The Lakes Community Health Center (The Lakes) has recently hired John Sopiwnik, MSE, as their newest behavioral health therapist to work primarily out of the organization's Ashland clinic.
“Taking this step to expand access to quality behavioral health services in this region by adding John to the staff is really exciting,” said Dr. Dave Beeksma, psychologist and director of Behavioral Health Services at The Lakes. “John brings superior counseling skills to the behavioral health department and we were excited to recruit him to join our staff.”
Sopiwnik graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from St. Olaf College in 2008 and most recently, in 2011, completed his master’s degree at University of Wisconsin-Superior in community counseling.
“The Community Health Center model allows me to successfully integrate medical and dental services with the behavioral health services I provide,” Sopiwnik said. “That is something that is rarely seen in the professional health fields so I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity.”
Sopiwnik’s biggest influence to become a therapist: his mom.
“Watching my mom, who was a social worker for more than 30 years, get through heavy caseloads but continue to be caring, show empathy and help people in the community was a real inspiration for me,” said Sopiwnik. “I hope I can do the same for my clients.”
Before retuning to school complete his counseling degree, Sopiwnik spent time volunteering with the special education department in Washburn and coached baseball at the college, high school and elementary level. He will primarily see patients in The Lakes’ Ashland clinic located at 719 Main Street East.
The Lakes Community Health Center (The Lakes) provides medical, dental and mental health (behavioral health) services to anyone regardless of the patient's ability to pay or their insurance status.
A sliding fee discount may apply based on income level. The clinic in Iron River is located at 7665 US Highway 2 and offers medical, behavioral health services, physical therapy, X-ray and full lab services. The clinic in Ashland is located at 719 Main Street East and offers dental care for children on Medicaid or BadgerCare, and emergency dental care for adults, in addition to on-site behavioral health services.
Both clinics also offer services to help patients with billing, advocacy and access to additional benefits through their insurance and other assistance programs. Call 888-834-4551 to make an appointment. For hours, directions or more information visit http://thelakesCHC.org.