Portage has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based treatment.
Counseling services can benefit many people for many different reasons. Evidence-based therapies are treatment for anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder, health anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Therapists can also offer tools to manage mental stress, career counseling, mediation for family conflict, support for chronic illness, positive youth development, and guidance toward self-awareness and fulfillment.
When it comes to finding a therapist, Portage, MI may offer more than surrounding rural communities, but finding the right therapist can be challenging, even in a city. One reason for this is that within the mental health field there are a number of evidence-based practices and approaches. There may be limited licensed professional counselors in the specific approach you need. Or the nearest appropriate practitioner may not be taking new patients. That’s where online therapy can help.
BetterHelp is an online platform that offers access to a number of Portage-based online practitioners who specialize in a broad range of therapeutic approaches, and experience working with diverse populations. Simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the therapist that best meets your needs. And because a strong therapeutic alliance can be essential to success, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost.
Online therapy is also a convenient solution for busy professionals, overwhelmed parents, and swamped students from nearby Western Michigan University. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options you can meet with your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office.
If you’ve been thinking about seeking therapy for any reason, contact BetterHelp to get started. Or you can check out the list of Portage online-based therapists below for more information.
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Ruth Vanden Bosch
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Life Coach, and Registered Nurse licensed in Michigan, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a member of the American Counseling Association. and the Michigan Counseling Association. I have 25-years of experience working as a Counselor and Life Coach. . I graduated with High Honors from Aquinas College with a BSN in Nursing and a BS in Psychology. I graduated from Western Michigan University with High Honors and received an MA in Counseling Psychology. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, compulsive eating disorders, and career challenges, I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. As an RN and an LPC, I have helped many people with cancer and other life-challenging conditions and their families cope with their illnesses. I have facilitated support groups for Hospice, PFLAG (Parents and Friends of LGBTQIA+), Cancer support, Pet Loss, Career, and Compulsive Eating. I co-facilitate "The Art of Healing" retreats with Dr. Bernie Siegel. I am a Contributing Author for Star Nations Magazine and I have been a Contributing Author for a chapter in a book written by Dr. Bernie Siegel entitled, "Faith, Hope & Healing'" which describes my journey with kidney cancer. I recently wrote a chapter in Dr. Siegel's new book, 'Love, Animals, and Miracles." The name of the chapter I wrote was "Maltese Miracle" which is a story about my little 5-pound Maltese dog named Bernie. My therapeutic style can be described as warm and integrative, assessing the needs and style that will best serve the person. I use a mix between Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and various holistic approaches, including positive psychology. I believe in exploring the connection between the body and the mind to treat all of the individual's needs. I believe that an individual must explore many areas of their functioning to ensure optimum physical and emotional health. I am positively focused to help the person move forward constructively with their life, and past their current obstacles. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I have read, understand, and agree to the Client Terms of Service at https://www.betterhelp.com/terms/ 24 This includes understanding and agreeing that: My Better Help clinician cannot provide, verify, or produce reports related to clinical diagnosis of a mental health condition. While trained to do so, services of this nature must be provided outside of the Better Help site/services at the discretion of my provider. My Better Help clinician cannot provide proof of attendance at, or reports regarding progress in, use of the site or services provided through the site. This includes documentation for court, custody agreements, employers, or any other party. My Better Help clinician cannot provide letters of support for Emotional Support Animal designations (or ESA’s.) I understand that I can seek out online therapy with Ruth Vanden Bosch, RN, LPC, NCC or another clinician OUTSIDE of Better Help if I have needs for clinical diagnosis, biopsychosocial assessment with diagnosis (including psychological testing), or referrals for treatment that come from the legal system, child welfare services, or my employer, and may require documentation or proof of attendance. I look forward to working with you!
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Alicia Clement
I have a passion to help people work through issues and concerns so they can live a healthy and well balanced life. During life transitions, changes and development, one may be presented with many challenges. These challenges may impact us as individuals as well as our family systems, peer groups, school and/or careers. Often times individuals and families can benefit from working with a therapist through these bumps in the road. My experience as a school counselor and licensed professional counselor provide me a unique and comprehensive understanding of the stress, anxiety and depression that can often occur during these transitions as well. I am dedicated to helping clients develop healthy coping skills to manage thoughts, feelings and behaviors. During the counseling process we will explore problem-solving techniques, develop decision-making skills and collaboratively create cognitive and behavioral plans. I have a Master of Arts degree (MA) in Counseling Education and a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Psychology. I have over ten years experience as a school counselor and academic behavior interventionist in secondary schools. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). As an experienced counselor, I am qualified to address all academic and career needs as well as personal, social, emotional, and parental needs.
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Jennifer Maise-Cormier
I am an addiction specialist based in Michigan. I have been providing intensive group therapy (IOP) for over 10 years to all ages of people who need help learning different habits that do not destroy their lives. In Michigan I have the highest certification and qualifications for this type of counseling called Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor or CAADC. I enjoy getting to know the whole person, their challenges, where they have come from and where they would like to go. Addiction is a disease that takes over your life and starts making all of your decisions. I can help you begin to make the decisions again. Listening and truly hearing what you say is my business. Together we can brainstorm about what you have already tried and other ways we can fight your habits. When I am not counseling, I enjoy northern Michigan, kayaking with mutts, biking with motors and without and exploring our beautiful world.
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David Sullivan
I would be happy to help you move forward in your life. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I have a M.A. in Counseling and also a Master of Divinity degree, but I never superimpose my beliefs or convictions on anyone else, because that is not ethical. My aim is to help individuals and couples move forward in life in a consistent manner with their particular goals and values and convictions. As for experience, I have the least experience working with LGBTQ clients. For licensure I have the LPC, and for certification I have the CADC. As such, I am able to help individuals with issues of depression, severe anxiety, major life changes and losses, substance abuse issues, relationship issues, learning to be assertive and to have boundaries, closure for trauma and abuse, and helping individuals create a strategy for finding an ideal career. I draw on several different treatment approaches, but my foundation is the Cognitive-Behavioral approach, because it is proven that guarding the thoughts, avoiding assumptions, and learning to pause and reflect rather than just reacting is what helps people the most to be at peace with themselves, and to better handle the stressors that life throws at us. I look forward to working with you.
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Naomi Smith
My name is Naomi Smith. I am a licensed master social worker with 23 years of experience in working in mental health and also providing therapeutic services to Individuals. My primary focus as a clinician is helping my clients meet their needs and build their confidence. As a therapist, I have the skill to compassionately listen, be non-judgmental, and at all times provide support, encouragement and empowerment. My approach to therapy is simple: “Restoring peace, one day at a time, one piece at a time.” My commitment to my clients is to be open and honest in all my communication and to help each client reach their personal goals. The process of change is a heart issue and that change can only come from within. I believe every client has a purpose to fulfill and the ability to realize that purpose in their present life. This is why I enthusiastically use Person-Centered Planning with clients. In order to be successful, a client must be willing, dedicated, and committed to accomplishing their individual plan. My commitment as a therapist is to help guide, impart, and facilitate that change process. The integrity of my character and words are of the highest standard. My communication is honest and open. I am excited and privileged to be a part of your journey to change, success, and a future that looks much brighter. I look forward to working with you! SPECIALTIES • Bi-polar Disorder • Depression • Anxiety • Grief and Loss • Self-Esteem • Anger Management Also experienced in: Spiritual Counseling, Emotional Issues, Behavioral Issues, Substance Abuse, Life Application Coach, Forgiveness, Communication Problems, Caregiver issues and Stress, Abandonment, Co-dependency, Guilt and Shame Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic Therapy Years of Experience: 23
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Kathleen Gallagher
Welcome ! I would like to introduce myself. I'm Kathleen Gallagher and I have been a Master's Level Clinician for the past 25 years. I received my Bachelor of Social Work degree from Eastern Michigan University and my Master of Social Work degree from Wayne State University. I have worked in a Community Mental Health setting for 29 years with Children, Families and Adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, severe emotional disturbance and mental illness. I have also provided supervision to clinicians for the past 17 years. I practice in a person centered, strength based approach. I have extensive training in Trauma , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Compassion Fatigue. I am have an interest in working with people who are experiencing compassion fatigue and/or burnout in their careers.
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Ikesha Brown
I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan with over 8 years of experience working with a diverse population. I have worked with clients with a multiple of different mental health challenges which includes low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting issues and other family conflict. I have also worked with clients with a history of trauma, bipolar and schizoaffective diagnoses. My therapeutic style is eclectic and person-centered. My approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic and mindfulness therapy to address my clients’ individual needs. I assist my clients in developing a personalized treatment plan to meet their specific needs. I am eager to assist you with moving forward in your journey of recovery and wholeness. I am glad you had the courage to make the first step. I am here to support you on your journey.
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Dr. Ana-Rocío Escobar-Chew
I am a bilingual (English-Spanish) couple and family therapist, licensed in Michigan with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse. My most important goal is ensuring clients' safety while also achieving productive therapy outcomes though evidenced-based treatments. I work from a strength-based and collaborative approach. I firmly believe in my clients’ unique potential and resilience. I am here to assist you in facing the particular challenges you are experiencing at this moment and to help you move forward towards your goals.

Leann Buffmyer
I am a fully licensed Clinical Social Worker in Michigan with more than 20 years of experience working with individuals and families in a variety settings. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, lgbtq+ related issues (as a lgbtq+ ally), family conflicts, & eating disorders. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
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Megan Giacoletto
My name is Megan (she/her), and I am licensed in Michigan. My areas of expertise include helping folks cope with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes, stress, and anxiety. I see counseling as a collaborative effort; you’re the expert on your life, while I can help you build skills so you can cope confidently with whatever challenges you’re facing.
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Portage, Michigan
Finding the best therapist close by in Portage can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Portage region and in the state of Michigan. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Portage or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Portage area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Portage, elsewhere in Kalamazoo, or in the greater state of Michigan. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Portage area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Portage due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Portage may not take health insurance, some in the state of Michigan may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Michigan you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Portage online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Michigan working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Portage psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Portage above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day.
Portage therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy in Portage is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in MI, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 49002 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Portage therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Portage therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Portage licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. An experienced clinician can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based licensed clinician in Portage, Michigan can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Counseling with an online Portage provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of Michigan
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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