Dr. Kevin Schlegel founded Oak Tree Behavioral Services in 2012 after relocating from the Midwest. Like the mighty oak tree, with its unique beginnings as an acorn to the strength to weather storms, he wished to endow these qualities to his patients. In 2015, the case load and referrals became too many, all the while many behavioral health needs were going unmet in the community. Frustrated that people were reaching out for help and not getting the services they needed, he decided to expand. A larger office in Highlands Ranch to serve the south metro area will open in this spring.
What is unique about your practice?
Our person-centered approach which meets the diverse needs of our community with a range of professionals and skill sets. We strive for accessibility and allow clients to access the services they need when they need them. Our clinicians include LPCs, LCSWs, Certified Addiction Counselors, and we offer academic testing for learning disabilities and ADHD. Clinicians use a variety of modalities including EMDR, CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, Existential, Narrative, Couples, Family, Adolescent, and strive to find the right treatment approach that fits the individual needs of our clients.
What mental health affects are you seeing from the COVID-19 pandemic?
An increase in alcohol, opioid, and marijuana consumption to help manage the stress as well as increased domestic disturbances. Finances are tight, families are spending more time together, without consistent access to gyms, spas, etc. The constrained opportunities for socialization have impaired the chance for people to engage in self-care. There is an increased need for genuine interactions. Since we offer in-person and virtual sessions in a sanitized and safe environment, we are helping to meet this need for connection, psycho-education, and support that have resulted from the pressures of the pandemic.
What advice do you have for our readers on caring for their mental health?
We know that social support can be one of the most effective ways of managing mental health but because we can’t control the quality and consistency right now, it becomes imperative to engage in a regular practice of self-care, such as managing your stress levels through exercise, hanging out with friends and family safely, returning to a hobby that was put off due to the "demands of life," or using regular mindfulness techniques. At the same time, we hope to reduce unhelpful coping skills.
