Mental Health Services
Serving all of Utah. In-person appointments available in Ogden.
At Balance in Behavior (BIB), we believe mental health is at the core of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It’s what shapes how we think, feel, and act, guiding us in how we handle stress, connect with others, and make decisions in our daily lives. Mental health is vital at every stage of life, from childhood through adulthood, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We understand that mental health isn’t something that stays the same—it can shift depending on what’s happening in your life. Whether you’re dealing with long work hours, caring for a loved one, or facing financial stress, these challenges can impact your mental well-being. At BIB, we’re committed to helping you navigate these tough times, offering the support and care you need to maintain and improve your mental health, no matter what life throws your way.
What is Mental Health?
Why Choose Balance in Behavior (BIB)?
At BIB, our approach to mental health services is unique because we combine professional expertise with a deep, personal understanding of life’s complexities. We are not your traditional therapist—we’ve walked many paths and lived through various experiences, which allows us to connect with clients on a deeper, more relatable level. This lived experience enriches our practice, bringing a level of empathy and insight that goes beyond textbook knowledge.
What truly sets us apart is our solution-focused approach. We believe that understanding the “what” and “why” behind your experiences is key to healing and growth. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, helping you grasp the root causes of what you’re going through so that together, we can develop practical strategies to overcome challenges.
At BIB, we are committed to providing a professional yet non-traditional space where you feel seen, heard, and understood. We don’t just focus on treating symptoms—we focus on educating, equipping, and guiding you towards lasting well-being. Your journey is unique, and our approach is designed to meet you where you are, offering the support and tools you need to move forward with confidence.
Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.
More than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness.
Over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
About 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
Finding Balance: A Solution-Focused Approach to Mental Health
At BIB, we understand that mental illness doesn’t have a single cause—it’s often the result of a combination of factors. Whether it's past trauma, chronic health conditions, biological influences, substance use, or feelings of isolation, these challenges can impact your mental well-being. But rather than focusing on the problem, we’re here to help you find solutions.
Our approach is solution-focused, meaning we work with you to understand the underlying factors affecting your mental health and empower you to move forward. We believe that healing begins when you’re equipped with the knowledge and tools to address these challenges head-on. By working with our experienced therapists, you’ll gain insight into what’s happening in your life and why, which is the first step toward meaningful change.
The benefits of working with a therapist at BIB go beyond just understanding your struggles. We’re here to help you build resilience, develop coping strategies, and create a plan for improving your mental health. Our goal is to support you in navigating life’s difficulties, so you can focus on your strengths, find balance, and thrive.
At BIB, we’re not just addressing symptoms—we’re guiding you toward lasting well-being. Our team is dedicated to helping you rediscover your potential and lead a fulfilling life, no matter the challenges you face.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We offer a range of therapeutic services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Our therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, and holistic approaches that incorporate mindfulness, meditation, and integrative supports.
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If you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling with emotional challenges, or finding it difficult to cope with life's demands, therapy can provide the support and tools you need to navigate these issues. Our initial consultation will help determine the best approach for your specific situation.
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Your first session is about getting to know you. We’ll discuss your concerns, goals, and any relevant background information. This helps us develop a personalized plan that focuses on finding practical solutions to improve your mental well-being.
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The duration of therapy varies depending on your goals and progress. Some individuals find significant improvement in just a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term support. We’ll regularly review your progress and adjust the approach as needed.
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At BIB, we take a non-traditional, yet professional approach to therapy. We combine lived experience with clinical expertise, offering a solution-focused methodology that empowers you to understand the “what” and “why” behind your challenges. We prioritize education, collaboration, and real-world strategies to help you achieve lasting well-being.
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Yes, we provide therapy for individuals of all ages, including children and adolescents. Our approach is tailored to the developmental stage and specific needs of each child, using techniques that are both engaging and effective.
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Many insurance plans do cover therapy services. We’ll work with you to understand your coverage and assist with any necessary paperwork. If you have questions about insurance, our team is here to help.
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Getting started is simple. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation, where we’ll discuss your needs and goals.
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Moving to a new state can be a challenging transition, and continuing your therapy journey with minimal disruption is important. At Balance in Behavior, we understand the value of continuity in your mental health care. If you’ve been working with a therapist in your previous state, we’re happy to collaborate with them to ensure a smooth transition.
With your consent, we can connect with your previous therapist to discuss your treatment history, any ongoing goals, and specific strategies that have been effective for you. This information allows us to pick up where you left off and tailor our approach to your current needs. Our goal is to make this change as seamless as possible, so you can continue to make progress without feeling like you’re starting over.
We’re here to support you in this new chapter and provide the consistent, high-quality care you deserve as you settle into your new surroundings.
Meet Gina Shields | Therapist
Hi! I'm Gina, and I’m passionate about helping people navigate conflict to find the best possible solutions for their unique situations. As an objective outsider, I bring a fresh perspective that can be instrumental in breaking through negative patterns and guiding those in conflict toward meaningful compromises and resolutions. My work spans the fields of mental illness, mediation, and behavior analysis, where I draw on a wealth of experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and the criminal justice system.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in both outpatient and residential treatment programs, providing support for individuals struggling with addiction and acute mental illness. My background includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Weber State University, along with a graduate certification in mediation and conflict resolution from the University of Utah, where I specialized in divorce and victim-offender mediation. I also hold a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Capella University.
Whether you’re dealing with personal conflicts, mental health challenges, or behavioral issues, I’m here to offer the guidance and expertise needed to help you move forward with confidence.
I cannot say enough good things about Gina Shields. She worked with me over the span of a couple years, and I always learned new coping strategies that I still use in my daily life. I originally went to get help with the grief of an unexpected death but quickly learned that she was the therapist I had always needed and wanted. Throughout my time with her, she helped me with an eating disorder, couple’s therapy, and trauma. Gina has an outstanding balance of validation and pushing you out of your comfort zone. She is extremely knowledgeable and personable. Without a doubt, I would highly recommend her.
-Chelsea Johnson
I have been a patient of Gina Shields for several years. Gina is very warm and welcoming. She does everything in her power to make you feel comfortable during your sessions. She actually cares about your well-being, and it shows.
I've enjoyed how easy going and open her energy feels; she has been a great match for me. I enjoy that I can drive my own treatment and that we have an open dialogue that if the current feel of our treatment plan doesn't feel right or isn't working for me, we can always talk about it and work out something different. Gina makes me an equal in my treatment and I appreciate that very much, as with other professionals, I have not had the same experience.
I will continue to see Gina for as long as I can; she is truly amazing. I often recommend her to friends and family that are in need of someone to talk with and I would give that very same recommendation to anyone in need.
-Monica M. West Valley City, Utah
Accepted Insurance Plans
Get In Touch
Address:
The Bigelow
2510 Washington Blvd
Ogden, UT 84401-3137
Contact Information:
Email: mhteam@balanceinbehavior.com
Phone: 385-438-6829 [ Call | Text ]
Fax: 385-265-7206
