North Central Health Care Expands Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Team to Meet Growing Needs in Central Wisconsin
Two new specialists join NCHC’s behavioral health team, strengthening access to youth mental health care across Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade Counties.
North Central Health Care (NCHC) in Wausau is taking an important step forward in meeting the growing demand for youth mental health care by expanding its Child and Adolescent Psychiatry team. The organization is proud to welcome Dr. Josh Shupe and Dr. Trisa Danz to its outpatient behavioral health services.
Their arrival comes at a crucial time for Wisconsin, where a statewide shortage of pediatric mental health providershas made access to care increasingly challenging for families. According to recent data, Wisconsin currently has only 135 child and adolescent psychiatrists serving the entire state. Of the state’s 72 counties, 48 have no specialists at all, creating long wait times for children and adolescents in need of care.
The addition of Dr. Shupe and Dr. Danz significantly increases NCHC’s ability to deliver timely, high-quality psychiatric care for children and families throughout Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade Counties. Their experience, compassion, and expertise will help ensure that more young people in north central Wisconsin receive the help they need, when they need it most.
“Adding Dr. Shupe and Dr. Danz to our team is a significant step in meeting the growing demand for youth mental health services in central Wisconsin,” said Vicki Tylka, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services at North Central Health Care. “Their expertise will ensure access to specialized care for children and adolescents in our tri-county communities.”
Meeting an Urgent Statewide Need
Across the country, demand for child and adolescent mental health services has grown dramatically over the past decade, with increased awareness of conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. In Wisconsin, limited access to specialists means that families often face long travel times or months-long waiting lists to connect their children with appropriate care.
By expanding its team with two highly trained child and adolescent psychiatrists, NCHC is helping address this critical gap at the regional level. The organization’s outpatient clinic in Wausau serves as a central hub for behavioral health services across three counties, providing evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management for children and adolescents experiencing mental and emotional challenges.
Both Dr. Shupe and Dr. Danz bring strong professional backgrounds, broad training, and a shared commitment to serving rural and underserved populations.
About Dr. Josh Shupe
Dr. Josh Shupe completed his medical degree and psychiatry residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin – Central Wisconsin campus, followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
During his training, Dr. Shupe gained extensive experience working across multiple health systems, including North Central Health Care, Rogers Behavioral Health, Aurora Health Care, Froedtert Hospital, Children’s Wisconsin, and the Veterans Association. His work has focused on adolescent mental health, program development, and improving continuity of care between inpatient and outpatient settings.
Dr. Shupe has a particular interest in helping youth navigate anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and the challenges of adolescence through evidence-based treatment and compassionate communication. His return to NCHC marks a full-circle moment, as he trained with the organization early in his residency and is now returning as a specialist to serve the community where his medical career began.
About Dr. Trisa Danz
Dr. Trisa Danz earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed both her psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Hawaii.
Dr. Danz is dual board certified in Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has served in diverse clinical environments, including inpatient and outpatient facilities, private practice, and consulting roles for primary care and forensic cases. Her broad range of experience gives her a unique perspective on the many factors that influence a child’s mental health and well-being.
Dr. Danz emphasizes a holistic approach to behavioral health, considering not only the individual but also their family system, home environment, and social supports. She believes that successful treatment involves empowering children and families with tools, understanding, and a sense of hope.
“Children do best when their care is personalized, accessible, and family-centered,” said Dr. Danz. “I’m honored to join a team that values community partnerships and puts families at the center of care.”
Expanding Access Close to Home
With the addition of Dr. Shupe and Dr. Danz, NCHC can now offer expanded outpatient psychiatric services for children and adolescents while also strengthening its connections to schools, primary care providers, and community partners.
The organization’s behavioral health team works closely with the Departments of Social Services in Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade
Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade Counties to ensure that care is well-coordinated and that families have access to the right level of support. By offering both outpatient and community-based services, NCHC aims to help children remain connected to their families, schools, and communities while receiving the care they need.
These new providers also help ensure continuity of care between inpatient, residential, and outpatient services. For families navigating the complexities of mental health treatment, having access to consistent, familiar providers makes a lasting difference in outcomes.
A Commitment to Community Well-Being
As a regional leader in behavioral health, NCHC continues to invest in expanding access to mental health services for all ages. The organization’s integrated approach includes crisis stabilization, community treatment, outpatient psychiatry, counseling, and inpatient care.
NCHC’s focus on youth mental health is especially important given the impact of early intervention. When children and adolescents receive timely, evidence-based care, they are more likely to succeed in school, maintain healthy relationships, and build the resilience needed for lifelong well-being.
“Our goal is to ensure that every child and family in our region has access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care close to home,” said Vicki Tylka. “We are incredibly proud to welcome Dr. Shupe and Dr. Danz to the NCHC team and look forward to the difference they will make in the lives of our youth and families.”
Learn More
Families seeking support can contact North Central Health Care’s Outpatient Behavioral Health Services for more information about child and adolescent psychiatry, therapy, and other mental health resources.
To learn more about NCHC’s behavioral health programs, visit www.norcen.org or call 715.848.4356.