Experience and Credentials
Barbara Bartlein brings over four decades of experience — and a grounded sense of humor — to the therapy room. As both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Nurse, she offers a rare and holistic perspective on the connection between physical health and emotional well-being. Barbara has spent her career supporting clients through anxiety, depression, grief, and the emotional toll of medical challenges. (Fun fact: she helped establish Wisconsin’s first hospice, a testament to her lifelong commitment to compassionate care.)
Barbara’s therapy style is warm, supportive, and refreshingly down-to-earth. She often uses gentle humor and honest conversation to help clients feel at ease. “And sometimes, she’s actually funny,” many clients have noted with a smile. Her approach is practical and collaborative — drawing on tools like cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you reframe unhelpful thoughts, explore what’s holding you back, and create space for healing.
Whether you’re coping with chronic illness, grieving a deep loss, or simply feeling stuck, Barbara creates a safe, judgment-free environment where you can process and begin to move forward. Her clients often say they feel genuinely seen and cared for.
Barbara’s work focuses on anxiety and depression (building insight and resilience), grief and loss (navigating change and honoring what matters most), and caregiver or medical-related stress (offering support for those managing illness — personally or as a loved one). She is culturally responsive and welcomes individuals from all walks of life.
With Barbara, you benefit from the insight of someone who’s seen what works — and who still finds joy and purpose in helping people rediscover hope, humor, and healing.
What Sets Barbara Apart
I’ve spent over four decades working in both healthcare and mental health, and I still believe that showing up with warmth, respect, and a good sense of humor goes a long way. I meet clients where they are, without judgment or pressure.
My approach is thoughtful and steady. Whether you’re navigating grief, dealing with anxiety, or adjusting to health changes, I’ll help you sort through what’s going on and figure out a path forward that makes sense for you.
I draw from both my clinical training and real-world experience. I’ve supported people through medical challenges, caregiving stress, and major life transitions — and I work to make therapy feel like a supportive space to reflect, problem-solve, and feel more grounded.
Clients often tell me they feel safe opening up — and that sometimes, they even leave sessions smiling. Therapy doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time. It just has to feel like you’re not in it alone.
Insurances Accepted
This provider accepts a range of insurance plans to make therapy more accessible.
Commercial | BadgerCare/Medicaid | Out of Network |
|---|---|---|
Advocate Aurora Team Member Plan (UMR) | Anthem/BCBS | Affordable Private Pay Rates |
Aetna | Chorus Community Health Plan | |
Anthem/BCBS | Dean Health Plan | |
Chorus Community Health Plan (coming soon) | United HealthCare | |
Dean Health Plan | ||
HealthPartners | ||
Medica | ||
United HealthCare |
| |
UMR | ||
WPS |
We verify insurance benefits before your first session, but clients are responsible for knowing their own coverage and costs.