Business Details
15 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Mental Health Services in Woodbury
Founded in 2011 by Dr. Shalene Kennedy, Aris Clinic was established to address the critical shortage of pediatric mental health services in the Twin Cities. Our mission centers on empowering children, teens, and families through comprehensive, evidence-based care tailored to individual needs. With a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and psychotherapists, we specialize in Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), medication management, and therapy for all ages. Our holistic approach integrates biological, psychological, and social factors, emphasizing lifestyle medicine such as nutrition, exercise, and nature. Over 191 youth successfully completed our IOP in 2024 alone, reflecting our commitment to fostering stability and long-term wellness.We prioritize collaboration with families and schools, ensuring seamless academic and therapeutic support. Our clinicians bring decades of combined experience in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral challenges, utilizing therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT. Accredited by industry standards and driven by compassion, we maintain a low patient-to-provider ratio to deliver personalized care. By combining clinical excellence with a nurturing environment, we guide patients toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Services
Intensive Outpatient Program
Medication Management
Play Therapy
Talk Therapy
School Year Program
Summer Program
Family Therapy
Group Therapy
Psychiatric Services
Telehealth Appointments
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer a highly individualized approach to mental health care.
- Our team specializes in evidence-based therapies for youth and adults.
- We integrate lifestyle medicine with psychiatric and therapeutic services.
- Our low patient-to-provider ratio ensures personalized attention.
- We maintain partnerships with local schools for academic and therapeutic support.
What people say
Compassionate and professional
Saved our child's life
Amazing transformations
Supportive and knowledgeable staff
Effective treatment programs
Services
Intensive Outpatient Program
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides structured, short-term treatment for youth ages 8-18 struggling with emotional and behavioral health issues. Patients engage in daily therapy sessions, medication management, and educational services during the school year. The program typically lasts 6-12 weeks, focusing on rebuilding social, emotional, and academic stability through evidence-based practices like CBT and DBT. Group sizes are limited to ensure personalized care.
Medication Management
Medication management services are led by licensed psychiatrists and nurse practitioners who assess, prescribe, and monitor psychiatric medications. This service addresses conditions like ADHD, depression, and anxiety, integrating pharmacological treatment with therapy. Providers collaborate closely with therapists to ensure holistic care, adjusting prescriptions based on patient progress and minimizing side effects through regular monitoring.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is designed for children aged 3-12 to express emotions and resolve psychological issues through guided play. Therapists use toys, art, and games to help children communicate nonverbally, develop coping skills, and process trauma. This approach fosters emotional growth in a safe, supportive environment tailored to developmental needs.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy includes individual and family sessions for youth and adults, utilizing evidence-based modalities like CBT and ACT. Therapists collaborate with patients to address anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, fostering self-awareness and resilience. Sessions are available in-person or via telehealth, ensuring accessibility for all clients.
Telehealth Appointments
Telehealth services offer remote psychiatric and therapeutic consultations via secure video platforms. This option ensures continuity of care for patients unable to attend in-person sessions, maintaining the same high standards of confidentiality and clinical expertise. Telehealth is available for medication management and individual therapy, accommodating flexible scheduling needs.
People
Shalene Kennedy
Psychiatrist MD
Dr. Shalene Kennedy founded Aris Clinic in 2011 to address gaps in pediatric mental health care. With over two decades of experience, she specializes in diagnosing and treating complex psychiatric conditions in children and adolescents, integrating medication management with holistic therapies.
Chad Cartier
Director of Psychotherapy
Chad Cartier leads psychotherapy services at Aris Clinic, bringing expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care. He frequently collaborates with local media to educate families on mental health strategies, emphasizing early intervention for school-related anxiety and behavioral challenges.
Jenna Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner DNP
Dr. Jenna Anderson specializes in medication management for youth and adults, with a focus on ADHD and mood disorders. Her patient-centered approach combines pharmacological treatment with lifestyle modifications to optimize mental wellness and minimize reliance on long-term medications.
Amy Hurla
Senior Psychotherapist
Amy Hurla provides individual and family therapy for children and adolescents, utilizing dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness techniques. With over 15 years of experience, she emphasizes building strong therapeutic relationships to foster emotional resilience and healthy coping mechanisms.
Tamara Tew
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner DNP
Dr. Tamara Tew specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma in adolescents. Her compassionate care approach focuses on empowering patients through personalized treatment plans, combining medication management with evidence-based therapeutic interventions to support long-term recovery.
Questions
How does Aris Clinic communicate progress to families?
Families receive weekly family therapy sessions and daily communication sheets to track progress and address concerns.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes, telehealth services are available for medication management and individual therapy via secure video platforms.
What mental health services are available for teens?
We offer IOP, individual/group therapy, medication management, and school-year programs for teens aged 8-18.
How are medications managed during treatment?
Licensed providers oversee medication assessment, prescriptions, and ongoing monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Can patients rejoin the IOP after leaving?
Patients who leave for over 30 days require reassessment before rejoining the Intensive Outpatient Program.
Do you provide educational services?
Yes, accredited school programs are integrated into IOP treatment during the academic year for enrolled patients.
