Meet Our Therapists

Jen Beckley, Ph.D. | (262) 719-1453

Dr. Beckley is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of adults with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. This includes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, social anxiety, panic attacks, generalized anxiety and worry, perfectionism, body dysmorphia, hoarding, trichotillomania (hair-pulling), and excoriation (skin-picking). Her approach is motivational, structured and practical, utilizing evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. Dr. Beckley received training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) for OCD and related difficulties. Additionally, she delivers Behavioral Activation Treatment for depression and Prolonged Exposure Therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When indicated, Dr. Beckley incorporates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills/mindfulness to enhance the effectiveness of other behavioral interventions. She is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and live a life that is fulfilling and in line with their core values.

Jennifer Christeson, Ph.D.    |    Retired

Jennifer Christeson, Ph.D., Is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the cognitive behavioral treatment of anxiety disorders. Dr. Christeson earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois, where she graduated cum laude, with distinction. She went on to earn her master's degree and doctorate from the Finch University of Health Sciences-Chicago Medical School. While earning her graduate degrees, she began working at the Center for Anxiety Disorders and Rogers Memorial Hospital. She completed her clinical training at the Milwaukee VA. Dr. Christeson has been at the Center for Anxiety Disorders since 1996.

Natalie Duerkop, LPC | (262) 424-2730

Natalie is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in treating children, adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) practices such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to treat clients who are struggling. She treats obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety and specific phobias using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). In addition, she also has experience treating eating disorders, major depressive disorder and body focused repetitive behaviors and Tourette’s disorder. She utilizes evidence-based methods. Natalie has more than 10 years of experience working with various age levels in various levels of care. She also involves family members in treatment when it is necessary or may benefit the client. She earned her master’s degree from Alverno College.

Jennifer Farrell, LPC    |    (262) 719-6188

Jennifer is a licensed professional counselor with 10 years of experience treating children, adolescents, adults, and families. Within her experience, she has worked in intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, inpatient, and residential levels of care. Jennifer utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Behavioral Activation to treat anxiety and depressive disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, specific phobia, and panic disorder/agoraphobia. Jennifer has her master's degree in clinical counseling psychology from Illinois State University.

Alyssa Greer, Ph.D.    |    (262) 719-4823

A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Greer received her Ph.D. from Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences in 2001, and has been working since 1997 in outpatient and partial hospital programs, specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD, OCD) with a special emphasis on obsessive compulsive disorder. She is trained in and utilizes an empirically based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment approach. Dr. Greer has trained with international experts in the field of anxiety and OCD research and treatment and is well versed in Exposure and Response Prevention, which is the treatment of choice for OCD as well as other anxiety disorders. This treatment is highly effective with all age groups, and she treats adults of all ages, as well as teens and children as young as 4. 

Dr. Greer can provide the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of anxiety and related disorders, including tic disorders, hair pulling, body dysmorphic disorder, depression, and some eating disorders. She collaborates with parents, spouses, other family members, teachers, and other health care providers to provide the most comprehensive and effective treatment possible. Her patients learn tools and skills that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. “Open, honest and direct” is her approach in life and in therapy.

Alicia Hall, LCSW | (262) 722-3590

Alicia is a licensed clinical social worker with experience treating children, adolescents, adults and families. She has experience working in inpatient and residential levels of care. Alicia uses evidenced-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to treat individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and specific phobia. Alicia also uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help patients regulate mood, practice mindfulness, build interpersonal effectiveness skills, and tolerate intense emotions. Alicia received her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.

Katie Kreitzer, LPC    |    (262) 719-5898

Katie is a licensed professional counselor who provides evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) practices such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She is trained in Habit Reversal Training for tic disorders and trichotillomania-related disorders, and provides Behavioral Activation for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Katie has worked in numerous levels of treatment, including a residential treatment facility, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs — with all ages diagnosed with anxiety disorders. She graduated with a Master of Arts degree in clinical psychology from Cardinal Stritch University.

Melissa Ptacek, LPC | (262) 424-5582

Melissa Ptacek is a licensed professional counselor specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders. This includes generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. She provides exposure and response prevention treatment (ERP) for OCD and has experience in habit reversal training for excoriation (skin-picking) disorder and trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder). Additionally, Melissa provides behavioral activation treatment for major depressive disorder. She has over 10 years of experience working with adults in various levels of care, including residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment. Melissa earned her master’s degree in community counseling from Mount Mary University.

Erin Schmidt, LPC    |    (262) 719-1864

Erin is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) practices such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to treat individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. In addition, she uses Behavior Activation for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Erin has more than 10 years of experience working with children and adults in various levels of care, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. She earned her master's degree in community counseling from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater.

Katherine Tackes, LCSW    |    (262) 719-3841

Katherine is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in treating children, teenagers and adults with obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD spectrum disorders and anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and specific phobia. She uses evidence-based practices that are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy based, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Katherine develops individualized treatment plans with her clients and includes family members in treatment when necessary. 

Katherine has been working with individuals with OCD and anxiety disorders since 2005, and has worked at the Center for Anxiety Disorders since 2009. She’s treated adolescents with OCD and anxiety disorders in a residential treatment setting, and is a member of the International OCD Foundation and a Behavioral Therapy Training Institute graduate. Katherine earned her MSW from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. 

Jessica Walos, Ph.D.    |    (262) 719-3625

Dr. Walos has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — with a focus on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — since 2004, working with OCD and anxiety disorder clients of all ages. Her training was done at Rogers Memorial Hospital under a nationally recognized clinical supervisor of OCD, and her experience has been at all levels, including residential adults/children, IOP adults/children and outpatient treatment for all ages. Dr. Walos also runs panic disorder groups, and has worked in the outpatient setting since 2007. In addition to her doctorate, she also has an MSW, which has provided her with extensive experience working with families and additional diagnoses. Dr. Walos offers daytime as well as evening hour appointments.