About Sidebar Counseling

Mental Health Support That Understands Your World

Sidebar Counseling is a mental health practice dedicated to supporting individuals who are ready to prioritize their well-being while maintaining their privacy and autonomy. Located in downtown Wausau, we understand that seeking help can feel like a big step, especially in close-knit communities where people value self-reliance and discretion.

Founded by Matt Shin, an attorney-turned-therapist who personally navigated anxiety, burnout, and depression, Sidebar Counseling was built on the understanding that life's challenges don't always have simple solutions. Sometimes the most practical approach is getting professional guidance from someone who understands the pressures you're facing.

Our Approach to Mental Health Care

We believe that seeking help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Whether you're dealing with persistent anxiety, feeling stuck in your relationships, struggling with habits that no longer serve you, or simply want to understand yourself better, our services are designed to meet you where you are.

Our practice operates on a self-pay model, which means no insurance complications, no employer notifications, and greater control over your privacy. This approach allows us to focus on your needs and goals without external pressures or limitations.

Our Mental Health Services

We focus on helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, and burnout, which are challenges that can show up in many different ways in your life. You might notice these issues affecting your family relationships, influencing unhealthy habits you've developed to cope, impacting your work performance, or simply making daily life feel more difficult than it used to be.

Our approach recognizes that mental health challenges rarely exist in isolation. The anxiety that keeps you up at night might be connected to family stress. The depression that's affecting your motivation could be related to feeling stuck in your career. The burnout you're experiencing might be driving you toward habits that aren't serving you well.

Whether you're dealing with specific symptoms that have a clear name, or you just know that something feels "off" and you want to explore it further, our services are designed to meet you wherever you are in your journey toward better mental health.

Executive Coaching Partnership

In addition to mental health counseling, Sidebar Counseling partners with Edward Shin, Chief Legal Officer at Clopay Corporation, to provide executive coaching services. Edward's coaching focuses on professional development, career transitions, and leadership skills for attorneys and other professionals nationwide through virtual sessions.

This partnership allows us to offer comprehensive support that addresses both mental health needs (through therapy with Matt) and professional development goals (through coaching with Edward), providing coordinated care when both approaches would be beneficial.

Service Areas

Mental health counseling is available to individuals residing in Wisconsin, both in-person in Wausau and virtually throughout the state.

Executive coaching (through Edward Shin) is available nationwide via virtual sessions.

Our Philosophy

We understand that everyone's path to well-being is different. Some people benefit from short-term support to navigate specific challenges, while others find ongoing therapy helpful for continued growth and resilience. Some need clinical treatment for mental health symptoms, while others benefit from coaching focused on professional development.

Our role is to provide a safe, confidential space where you can:

  • Explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment

  • Develop practical skills for managing life's challenges

  • Gain insight into patterns that may be keeping you stuck

  • Work toward changes that align with your values and goals

  • Build confidence in your ability to handle whatever comes your way

Why People Choose Sidebar Counseling

High Standards of Privacy: Our self-pay model entails no insurance records, no employer notifications, and greater control over your private information. You maintain a high degree of control over your privacy.

Professional Expertise: Matt's background as both a practicing attorney and therapist provides unique insight into the pressures faced by working professionals, while his personal experience with mental health challenges brings authentic understanding to the therapeutic relationship.

Flexible and Personalized: We work at your pace, with scheduling options that accommodate demanding lifestyles and therapeutic approaches tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Evidence-Based Care: All counseling services incorporate proven therapeutic methods and techniques, ensuring you receive effective treatment grounded in research and clinical best practices.

Cultural Understanding: We understand the values of self-reliance and privacy that are important in our communities, while recognizing that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is ask for help.

Taking the First Step

Whether you're dealing with specific mental health symptoms, navigating challenging life circumstances, or simply want to invest in your personal growth, we're here to help. Many people find that taking the step to prioritize their mental health is one of the most valuable investments they can make in their overall well-being.

To learn more about our services or schedule a consultation:

We look forward to supporting you on your journey toward greater well-being and personal growth.