Behavioral Health Care

Behavioral Health

We start by listening.  Together, we’ll build care around your goals, your strengths, and your life.

No two people—and no two journeys—are exactly alike.

Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, grief, trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed, we’re here to help you find a path forward.

Our approach recognizes the connection between mental and physical health. Working together, we’ll develop a personalized plan using evidence-based therapies and practical strategies that support lasting well-being.

Contact Information

Mad River Behavioral Health Clinic

Located in the Shaw Medical Pavilion
3800 Janes Road
Arcata, CA 95521

Monday-Friday 10:00AM-6:00PM

Phone 707-825-4939
FAX 707-825-4972

Care Built Around You

Every person’s needs are different. Your care plan may include:

• Functional psychiatry approaches
• Nutrition for mental and holistic health
• Mindfulness, meditation, and guided mental imagery
• Yoga and Tai Chi recommendations for mental wellness
• Individualized education and practical coping strategies
• Collaboration with your primary care provider when appropriate

What to Expect

Your first visit is an opportunity for us to get to know you.

Together, we’ll discuss:

• What brings you in
• Your health history and current concerns
• Your goals for treatment
• Questions you may have

From there, we’ll work together to create a care plan that fits your needs.

Meet Howie Friedman

Every patient deserves to be heard, understood, and treated as an individual. My goal is to partner with patients—and the providers who care for them—to create evidence-based, complementary treatment plans that support
lasting well-being.

As a Certified Psychiatric PA-C, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine, I bring more than 30 years of experience caring for the whole person. My approach combines evidence-based psychiatric care with an understanding that psychological health is shaped by our physical health, relationships, lifestyle, and life experiences.

Together, we will develop individualized treatment plans that build on your strengths and holistic needs, helping you to achieve meaningful, lasting progress while augmenting the care provided by your entire medical and therapeutic care team.