Who we are...
At Big River Psychology, our clinicans are board certified in their field, and bring years of clinical experience to the practice. Our doctors are passionate about supporting children, teens and young adults and their families, in pursuing mental health goals. Our support staff is just as committed to assisting patients and families, and our Dyslexia Remediation teachers are enthusiastic about supporting children's literacy skills. Our entire team looks forward to getting to know you and your child, and supporting their mental health and literacy needs.
Dr. Hannah Nixon
Psy-D, M.P. (Medical Psychologist)
Dr. Hannah Nixon is a licensed psychologist who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. She completed her undergraduate degree at Carroll College before pursuing a doctoral degree at Pacific University. Dr. Nixon then went on to complete a Master’s degree in psychopharmacological training at New Mexico State University, which allows her to prescribe medications for psychiatric conditions in select states (not currently a Montana privilege for psychologists). This training allows greater knowledge in the assessment and treatment of psychiatric conditions and their interplay with physiological diagnoses. Dr. Nixon uses this training to assign recommendations and consult with your primary care provider to support your child’s well-being.
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Dr. Nixon specializes in the assessment of a full spectrum of mental health disorders, including ADHD, Autism, learning delays, developmental delays, anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral issues, and trauma-related disorders. She also offers treatment for anxiety-based disorders (OCD, Panic Disorder, Phobias) using CBT, DBT, Exposure with Response Prevention, as well as parent training. Dr. Nixon has extensive training working with children and their families in a variety of settings, such as private practice, community-based services, and residential services.
In her free time, Dr. Nixon enjoys spending time with her family, cycling, hiking, travelling, watching basketball, and eating tacos.
Dr. Kelly Haugen
Psy-D
Dr. Kelly Haugen is a licensed psychologist based in Helena, Montana, specializing in psychological and neuropsychological assessment for children and adolescents. She earned her Doctorate and Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology (Child and Adolescent Track) from Pacific University, and holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Montana State University in Bozeman. Dr. Haugen values the comprehensive and pluralistic clinical foundation her training has provided, allowing her to approach mental health with a nuanced understanding of its many contributing factors. Her clinical experience spans diverse settings, including inpatient acute and residential treatment, outpatient clinics, school-based programs, and juvenile justice facilities.
Dr. Haugen’s work has encompassed individual, group, couples, and family therapy; psychological and neuropsychological evaluations; and medical readiness assessments for youth pursuing gender-affirming medical care. Dr. Haugen’s areas of specialty include the assessment of emerging personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, trauma-related conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disorders, and learning/developmental challenges.
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Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Haugen enjoys woodworking, spending time outdoors—particularly camping and fly fishing—as well as connecting with family and friends.
Dr. Heather Zaluski, MD, MA, DFAACAP
Dr. Heather Zaluski is a Board Certified Child Psychiatrist who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of complex mental health disorders in children and adolescents. Dr. Zaluski attended Medical School at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and graduated with Honors in 2002. She completed her 5 year residency and fellowship program at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and then moved to Montana with her family. Dr. Zaluski worked at Shodair Children’s Hospital for 15 years, worked in the Acute, Residential and Outpatient settings, and was the Medical Director from December 2019 - July 2022.
Currently, Dr. Zaluski is in private practice and her professional focus is on providing clinical consultations for complex cases. She also provides psychiatric care to the children in the Intermountain Residential Treatment program.
In her free time, Dr. Zaluski enjoys travel, spending time with her husband and children, yoga, snorkeling and scuba diving, cooking, birding, rock hounding and quilting.
Meet the Team!
Administration - Taylor Fjeldheim
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Taylor Fjeldheim serves as the administrative assistant at Big River Psychology. She assists in coordinating intake appointments for patients, responding to calls, voicemail, and email, and managing the waiting lists.
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Taylor moved to Helena with her husband and children from northeast Montana. She was working at the Montana City School before joining this practice.
In her free time, Taylor enjoys taking advantage of all of the outdoor activities that Montana has to offer. She loves cooking, gardening, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Psychometrician - Whitley Begger, MSW, SWLC
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Whitley Begger is a Social Work Licensed Candidate (SWLC) with over a decade of experience in public health and mental health. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology at Dickinson State University before completing her Master of Social Work at the University of North Dakota.
As a psychometrician, Whitley administers and scores psychological and neuropsychological assessments under the supervision of Dr. Nixon. She is dedicated to providing accurate and comprehensive evaluations to help individuals and families gain clarity and support in understanding their strengths and challenges. Whitley strives to create a supportive and compassionate environment, ensuring that each person she assesses feels comfortable and confident throughout the process.
In her free time, Whitley enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting out on the lake, attending local events, and traveling.