Dr. Shawna Boomgaard
ABOUT ME Hello! My name is Shawna and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Advanced Certified Trauma Practitioner with over fifteen years of experience providing therapy services. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings including: educational settings, intensive outpatient care, managing a private practice and organizations. I work with clients affected by depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma and relationship challenges from individual, group and family work. Originally from Seattle, I moved to Detroit, MI to continue my education and raise a family. I received my graduate degree in Clinical Social Work at Wayne State University in Detroit and my Educational Specialist post-graduate degree in Educational Leadership at Oakland University where I am currently a student in the PhD. program. My approach to therapy is client centered: clients are the experts on their lives and determine the direction and depth of therapy. Through a strengths-based and solutions-focused lens, I draw on multiple treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths and developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I assist clients in exploring relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to aid in discovering dysfunctional thought patterns leading to self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I support clients through developing skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation with the goal of moving clients towards a life involving the capacity for experiencing joy and freedom. Outside of my work as a therapist, I practice mindfulness to help me maintain balance. I also enjoy reading, biking and spending time with my family and pets traveling. SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes Also experienced in: Addictions , LGBT , Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Intimacy-related issues , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , ADHD Years of Experience: 15
Sara Rietsch
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 5 years of experience working with individuals in multiple treatment settings. Clients who have worked with me were experiencing a wide range of circumstances including addiction, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, gender and sexuality and life change challenges. My counseling style is person-centered and inclusive. I incorporate techniques from cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, existential and humanistic approaches. My goal is to provide a safe space for clients to access their own inner wisdom and support them on the path they want to follow. Treatment is individualized and designed around each person's unique needs and goals.
Annie Allen
I am a caring, sensitive, compassionate, and transparent clinical therapist. I have been practicing for approximately 20 plus years in both Medical and Mental Health Services. As a therapist, I provided individuals, couple ( I don't specialized in marriage therapist, but I have a lot of experience in couple counseling), faith based, and group psychotherapy, enabling clients to cope with their chronic depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, fears, sleep disorder, memory loss, grief, and OCD, I also provided support for clients to learn strategies to solve and cope with their unique issues in everyday lives based on their diagnoses and treatment plan focusing on mental, emotional, psychological, and behavioral problems. I have also facilitated an Alzheimer's. Women Support Group, TV and Radio Ministry in the community in various churches, senior centers, and other agencies. I believe all clients have the right to self-determination and be treated with dignity and respect. In addition, I would like to commend you for recognizing your need to talk to a trained professional therapist about various problems you are experiencing. I am here to actively listen, act as a guide, and be a source of support for you. I want you to realize we are partners (team) in this therapeutic relationship, and your experience holds the key to personal growth and development because you are a unique individual. Thank you for having confidence in my ability as a therapist to work on your team to develop and explore your coping strategies that target your current problems or situation. I look forward to working as a team with you.
Elizabeth Brennan
Welcome! My name is Elizabeth and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in public mental health for 10 years in a wide range of therapeutic settings including: direct care, assessment and diagnosis, case management and therapy. I also volunteered with a non-profit doing art and community development from 2011 to 2015. Originally from San Diego, I moved to Michigan in 2007 to complete my undergrad in Social Work and Fine Art. I moved to Indiana in 2015 and completed my masters in 2017. My areas of specialty include but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, neuro atypical family systems support, relationship challenges, substance abuse and dependency, post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, body image, chronic pain, somatic disorders, LGBTQ+ population, and intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities support. Therapy can be quite difficult, having a safe environment to talk about and process life's difficulties is so very important. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step I'm here to support and empower you. You can expect me to patiently walk with you through whatever difficulties you are facing and help you learn more about yourself, respect your uniqueness, and invest in your emotional well-being. I will hold space for you. I believe in the power of creativity to help us heal and grow and I am delighted to support you in being wildly self-expressed, joyful and connected to your deepest self. Outside of my work as a therapist, I create pottery and watercolor paintings. I also enjoy cooking, gardening, fermenting kombucha and kimchi, tending to my succulents, and traveling. I am excited to work with you to help you experience the greatest things that life has to offer you. Let us work together to make it happen! Thank you, Elizabeth
Nancy Reali
I am a Mental Health and Addiction therapist licensed in Ohio , Michigan and South Carolina with over 15 years of experience . I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, self harm and family counseling. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have worked with adolescents, those in addiction, and adults. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in humor in treatment as well. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and dialectal behavioral. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My hours are 8 am to 4pm Monday through Friday . I have different hours for sessions and those include nights and weekends. Please visit my schedule. I have times and days blocked out for those who need special times like early morning, evenings and weekends. Please ask so I can open an appointment. I am very accommodating to scheduling. My schedule looks full but many times have been blocked to meet the needs of clients. Please ask. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Naomi Ayla
I have over 20 years in the mental health industry, having worked with adults with Autism, teens in crisis, individuals who have experienced homelessness and those seeking help with depression, anxiety and bipolar. My style is eclectic, drawing from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Internal Family Systems (parts work). I approach therapy with kindness, compassion and a sense of humor and like to work as a team to achieve your best life and self.
Kristen Shepherd
I am a 2010 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work. I spent the first 10 years of my career working in high needs school settings. While I loved that role, my real passion is in working with individuals and couples to develop strong therapeutic relationships. Working with couples is especially rewarding as I get to see two people who are struggling learn how to do the work to improve their communication, their intimacy and their enjoyment of the relationship with each other. I work with all ages and situations. I see each client as an individual on their own personal journey and I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet my clients where they are in life and work with them to identify areas where they might need help evolving. I provide trauma focused care and I am passionate about helping clients identify traumatic psychological wounds that may be holding them back from becoming the best version of themselves. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is critical to a successful outcome. I look forward to joining you on your own journey.
Andraya Przekora
I am licensed in Michigan with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Alana Gottler
I am licensed in Michigan with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Charlotte Kennedy
I am an African American female with a passion for helping others. I acquired my Michigan Master Social Work license in 2005 . I have provided therapeutic counseling to children, adults, and families for years within my community and work environment. Some areas of focus are anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting skills, anger management, abuse, neglect, domestic violence, self-care, conflict resolution, substance abuse, relationship issues, etc. My experience spans over 40 years working with children, adults, and families. My work and counseling experience encompasses those connected to the human services arena, hospital settings, and non-profit community service agencies. I also have a wealth of knowledge surrounding macro level human service management, policy development, and establishing professional relationships and collaborations. My treatment approach and focus provides the support and guidance individuals need to help manage those challenging life circumstances. I utilize various therapeutic approaches such as CBT, ACT, Attachment Therapy, Solution Focused, etc. Therapy is a process that takes time. I encourage my clients to make a commitment to themselves, the process, and the journey. Also, be patient and give themselves grace. I can provide support by offering tools and resources for their life journey. I listen to their concerns, gather background information, and explore their overall needs. Together, we strategically establish interventions and goals that are meaningful, attainable, and promotes their overall well-being. All clients are treated with respect, compassion, and patience. Life happens and sometimes coping with circumstances can be challenging. I will meet you where you are, and assist you with progressing in the right direction for a wholesome life. Taking the first step to seek help takes courage. I am here to support you so, let's get started!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Almont
Finding the best therapist close by in Almont can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist 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 in Almont that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Almont. 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 or are new to counseling in Almont, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
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 clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Almont 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 counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Almont or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Almont therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Almont area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
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 Almont, elsewhere in Lapeer, 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 therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Almont area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Almont therapist?
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 Almont 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:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Almont 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 therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this Almont online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Almont, 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 in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Almont psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists 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 Almont 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.
Through BetterHelp therapy, 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 counseling, and more. Get matched today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
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. See below for examples.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 Almont provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Almont?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Almont 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 and therapists 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 Almont therapy 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 Almont therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art 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 or therapists 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 48003 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 in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Almont counselor?
Before seeing your Almont therapist, 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. Almont therapists here 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 why you're attending therapy.
Should I find a 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 Almont 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 Almont 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.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist 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. A psychologist 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 psychologist in Almont, 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.
Almont 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 online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists 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 therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
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 the leading online counseling platform for Almont, 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 Almont therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy 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.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- 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.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Almont:
48003