This is Karen Mueller's avatar and link to their profile

Karen Mueller

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MI, Custer
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, fully licensed by the states of Michigan and Maine, with over 20 years of experience working as a clinical therapist. I have worked with clients of all ages and stages of life with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, grief, relationships, career challenges, trauma, conflict resolution, health and wellness, LGBTQ issues, and more. My counseling style is positive, warm, and interactive. I believe in treating all clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, without judgement, creating a safe place for you to work on your challenges and struggles. My approach is cognitive-behavioral and solution focused, while also incorporating other techniques such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I also have training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Above all I customize counseling and treatment based on the individual needs of the client. Change takes courage! If you are ready to take that step, I can help! I am here to support and empower you towards the change you desire. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Megan Vaccaro

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MI, Custer
Counselor License Type(s): LMSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionADHD
20 years of experience

Hello! I'm so glad you're here. My name is Megan Vaccaro and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker from, "The Great Lakes State"...Michigan. I graduated in 2000 from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. I work with individuals, couples and families on issues such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, behavior issues, family conflict, trauma/abuse and parenting issues. My treatment approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy which works with challenging distorted thinking, aka-thinking traps (we all get tripped up with this). It's good to know how to challenge negative thoughts in order to have more positive experiences. I also use dialectical behavior therapy which includes work on mindfulness (awareness of thoughts, feelings, behaviors and behavioral urges), distress tolerance (stress will happen..what do we do about it?), emotion regulation (I'm overwhelmed with emotion...now what?) and interpersonal effectiveness (building and maintaining positive relationships). I thrive on problem solving, so, it makes sense that solution focused therapy is also used. I will take a non-judgmental stance allowing you to feel comfortable sharing whatever circumstance that brought you to Betterhelp. I care about people and know that we all go through struggles in life. I approach people with respect and honor as I often think how I would want to be treated or how I would want my family to be treated in the counseling environment. I value effective communication and place a high priority on this.

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Kimberley VanHaitsma

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MI, Custer
Counselor License Type(s): LMSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

Hello, and welcome! I’m glad you are here. My name is Kim, and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Michigan. I have been on the social work scene for 20 years, after a short career in the nursing field, and graduated with an MSW degree in 2002 from Grand Valley State University. I have a wide and varied background, from working in geriatrics in a health care setting to crisis counseling with high risk clients. For the last 5 years, I have been working with limited license social workers in a supervisory role as they work toward full licensure. As a crisis counselor, I continually assessed for safety concerns, including harm to self and others. I am well versed in suicide assessment and in-the-moment solution focused counseling, prioritizing safety planning and accessing emergency services when needed. Often, substance abuse, domestic violence, and medication issues proved to be the underlying cause, requiring swift and intuitive assessment skills to rectify the crisis at hand. Much of the counseling work I am currently involved in centers around boundary setting, compassion fatigue, and self care. Anxiety and depression, however, are increasingly the common thread that can become debilitating, affecting work productivity and personal relationships. I like to use a holistic approach to my work, as the physical body often becomes run down when a person suffers mentally (and vice versa!). I have a heart for individuals who are dealing with the mental agony of chronic physical conditions, as well as their caregivers, who are often equally exhausted. I am quite flexible in my availability, and can be reached via phone, text, or video. I am very comfortable with providing support over the phone, as this is what I did for years as a crisis counselor. I am not afraid to talk about tough issues, or troubling thoughts you may be experiencing. I am looking forward to coming alongside as you commit to improving your mental health, finding purpose, and experiencing happiness. This is what every person deserves, and I am here to help.

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Kirt Baab

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MI, Custer
Counselor License Type(s): LMSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
37 years of experience

I have practiced therapy in a variety of settings with people of different ages. I bring experience from working in addiction treatment, mental health treatment, hospital outpatient clinics, social service agencies, and schools. My approach to therapy is to focus on the person instead of theory. Yes, I'm trained in many clinical approaches and I know each of those approaches is most effective when applied in a relationship with the client. I've been trained by Native American, Hispanic, African American, Caucasian, and Asian therapists. My work includes providing treatment to people of different sexual orientations, physical abilities, and life stages. I enjoy our differences and have a common focus with each person. I provide training in the skills that will allow you to change your life in important ways. For example, my focus is on reducing emotional suffering, ending painful habits, and increasing the ability to live a life of abundance. My goal is to help you: Reduce the intensity of depression or anxiety in your life, Increase the length of time between bouts of panic, fear, or excessive worry, Reduce the frequency of your hopelessness or helplessness, Increase your ease in communication with significant others, Build your resilience to the challenges of living, and Reduce your overall emotional pain and suffering. I look forward to working with you. Kirt J. Baab, LMSW, ERYT-200

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Monica White

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MI, Custer
Counselor License Type(s): LMSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
17 years of experience

Life's struggles can sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. Maybe you have tried coping on your own or even talking to a friend or relative, but still feel like you are barely getting by. You do not have to face these struggles alone. I can provide you with a safe, comfortable environment to communicate your feelings and thoughts without judgement. As a therapist with 18+ years experience, I specialize in assisting with a variety of different struggles. This may include anger management, social skills, grief, relationship issues, parenting issues, depression, and anxiety. In my practice, I may use a variety of different modalities, depending on your individual need and desired outcome. My approach combines client/person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral techniques as well as Motivational Interviewing, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Dialectic- Behavioral Skills. I will start where you are, and provide you with encouragement, support, and personalized strategies you can use daily on your journey to becoming your best self. My schedule is flexible, with evening and weekend availability to accommodate your schedule. I look forward to working with you soon!

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Viergelie Liberal

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MI, Custer
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,LICSW
Parenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hello, I am a clinical social worker licensed in Florida. I enjoy working with people and I am dedicated to providing therapy and support that empowers my clients to see challenges as opportunities. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. It takes courage to seek counseling and to take the first steps towards change. If you're ready to take that step I'm here to support and encourage you. I look forward to working with you!

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Laura Duncan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MI, Custer
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Michigan with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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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Michael Barrett

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MI, Custer
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Michigan with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Siarra Maketo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MI, Custer
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Michigan with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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. 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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Michael Dubose

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MI, Custer
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Michigan with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Mind over mood. I believe that everyone can change & grow at any time in their lives. I don't believe that there is a limit to human capacity. Together we will work to regain a sense of normalcy in the lives of those who I serve. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Custer

Finding the best therapist close by in Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer. 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 Custer, 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 Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer, elsewhere in Mason, 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 Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Custer, 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 Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer 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 49405 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 Custer counselor?

Before seeing your Custer 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. Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer 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 Custer, 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.

Custer 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 Custer, Michigan

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Custer 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Custer.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Custer:

49405

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