Mental Health Counseling in Wausau, Wisconsin | Sidebar Counseling
Private mental health support for residents of Central Wisconsin and beyond.
Welcome to Sidebar Counseling.
Your confidential resource for mental health support.
Mental Health Support in Wausau, Wisconsin
Located in downtown Wausau, Sidebar Counseling provides private self-pay mental health services for individuals ready to invest in their well-being.
I'm Matt Shin, a therapist and formerly practicing attorney who personally navigated anxiety, burnout, and depression. I understand the pressure to perform and provide, along with modern expectations to be strong and handle things yourself.
I founded this practice on the belief that seeking help is a sign of wisdom and an opportunity for growth, not weakness, and that connection and understanding a critical component of our well-being. If you're here looking for help, I would welcome an opportunity to work with you.
Ready to begin? Schedule a Confidential Consultation
Services
Clinical Counseling
Evidence-based therapy that acknowledges your strength while addressing your struggles.
Burnout Therapy
Restore balance and find renewed purpose in your work and personal life while preventing future overwhelm.
Anxiety Therapy
Build confidence and calm to fully engage in work, relationships, and activities that matter to you.
Depression Therapy
Regain motivation, energy, and enjoyment in your daily life while developing lasting skills for managing challenges.
Not sure which service fits your needs? Get Personalized Guidance
Supported Subject Areas
Tailored services for specific populations and challenges.
First-Time Therapy
For individuals exploring therapy for the first time who want clarity about the process and confidence in their decision.
Family Issues
Help with relationship challenges, family dynamics, parenting pressures, and the mental health needs of adolescents and young adults (13+).
Habit Change
Developing healthier relationships with alcohol, work, technology, and other patterns that may be affecting your well-being.
Work and Careers
Specialized support for attorneys and other professionals, drawing from personal experience in corporate and legal environments.
Take the first step toward sustainable success
Ready to prioritize your well-being? Professional support can help you build on your existing strengths while developing practical strategies for life's challenges.
About Sidebar Counseling
Mental Health in Wisconsin
From pressure to practical support
After years practicing law and experiencing firsthand the toll of high expectations and pressure, I transitioned to mental health to help others facing similar challenges. I understand what it means to value self-reliance while recognizing when professional support can make a meaningful difference.
Having lived in Wausau for over five years with my office located downtown, I've come to deeply appreciate the work ethic, family priorities, and resilience that define our community. This practice builds on those strengths while providing modern, evidence-based mental health care for individuals ready to prioritize their well-being.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Self-pay practice protecting your privacy
No insurance involvement - Your therapy remains private with no insurance records or claims
Professional discretion - Located in a discrete downtown office with high confidentiality standards
Flexible scheduling - Appointments that work with your schedule and privacy needs
Virtual and in-person options - Secure online sessions available throughout Wisconsin, plus in-person appointments in Wausau
Frequently Asked Questions
"How do I know if I need therapy?"
If you're questioning whether therapy might be helpful, that curiosity itself is often a good indicator. You don't need to be in crisis or have a diagnosed condition - therapy can benefit anyone wanting to better understand themselves, develop coping skills, or navigate life's challenges more effectively. Many people find it most helpful when they address concerns before they become overwhelming.
"How much does therapy cost without insurance?"
Private pay rates vary across practices in Wisconsin. All sessions are $200 at Sidebar Counseling, with limited sliding scale spots available. We operate on a self-pay basis to improve privacy and flexibility -- no insurance records, no employer notifications, and no shared medical records without your consent. Many clients find this investment worthwhile for the confidentiality and personalized care it provides.
"What should I expect in my first therapy session?"
Your first session is conversational and focused on understanding your situation. We'll discuss what brought you in, your goals, and how therapy might help. There's no pressure, no judgment - just an opportunity to see if we're a good fit to work together. Most people leave feeling relieved that it wasn't as intimidating as they expected.
"Do I have to commit to long-term therapy?"
Not at all. Some people benefit from just a few sessions to work through specific challenges, while others find ongoing therapy helpful for continued growth. We'll regularly check in about your progress and adjust as needed and you are free to terminate the engagement at any time.
Still have questions? Schedule a Confidential Consultation
Wausau Office
300 N 3rd Street
Suite 302
Wausau, WI 54401
Virtual services are also available.