The Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center Behavioral Health Department Unveils New Child & Family Services
The Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center has developed a program that is particularly focused on providing early intervention in children with disruptive behavior problems, ODD and aggressive behaviors, ADHD, childhood depression and anxiety and trauma-related issues. Untreated or under treated youth with significant emotional and adaptive difficulties are “at significantly higher risk of maladaptive behavior” (APA).
“Our goal at GLIIHC Behavioral Health Child & Family Services is to improve the quality of care in the community, by providing support for families and hope for their children’s future,”
Dr. Sardas was brought in to helm this new undertaking, and with over 25 years of experience in the treatment of childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders using a cognitive-behavioral, multicultural and psychodynamic perspective, she is well-prepared for the job. Through her many years of experience, Sardas has enjoyed the challenges and rewards of working with children, teens and their families.
“Understanding that everyone has strengths, weaknesses and faces difficulties and the importance and appreciation of helping people identify those strengths and world views truly is a collaborative effort. It’s all part of building that trusting relationship,”
The program is a systems-oriented program that emphasizes the importance of coordinating services not only with caretakers, but also with a chlid’s schoolteachers, special education professionals, school counselors, pediatricians and others in the community who are involved in a child’s care. Communication with other agencies and professionals involved in a child’s life is integral to the psychotherapy services we provide to children and their families.
If you would like more information about the program and the services we provide visit Child & Family Services on our website.
To make an appointment call Behavioral Health at 414-316-5004 or general reception at 414-383-9526.
Due to COVID-19, our providers are available via telehealth for psychotherapy services.
“Psychologists have a long history of working in—and adding value to—pediatrics settings. As early as 1964, the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested that every pediatrics office should have a child psychologist (Wilson, 1964). New models of integrating mental health services into pediatrics and primary care practices have emerged, and psychologists are uniquely equipped to be an integral part of such teams.”
Dr. Isabela Sardas, Ph. D. – Bio
Dr. Sardas is a Wisconsin-licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience in the treatment of childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders using a cognitive-behavioral, multicultural and psychodynamic perspective. She obtained her training in psychology from The Cambridge Hospital-Harvard Medical School, The University of North Texas, and The University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Sardas is the recipient of the 2010 Wisconsin SBA District Director’s Award, Marquette University’s Counseling Department Human Services Partner Award, and Wisconsin Association of Child and Youth Care Professionals Dedication Award . She is a long-standing member of the American Psychological Association and National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. Dr. Sardas is also a Certified Child Abuse Response Specialist. For the past 20 years, she was the Founder and Clinical Director of a child and adolescent mental health day treatment and outpatient center in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.. Prior to this, Dr. Sardas worked in various treatment settings, including hospital-based inpatient and outpatient centers. Having many years of counseling experience, Dr. Sardas has worked with children, adolescents and adults on numerous psychological disorders including mood, anxiety and trauma-related problems. She has previous clinical experience treating individuals with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma (PTSD), developmental disabilities, ADHD/executive function problems, and family issues. Dr. Sardas utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques in establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship and helping clients achieve their treatment goals. Dr. Sardas understands that everyone has strengths and everyone faces difficulties. That’s what she appreciates about working with children, teens and their families. She helps people identify their strengths and world views, she collaborates with them to develop strategies to address their challenges and provide personal encouragement to gain the traction needed to get started.