In Kentwood, MI, individuals seeking support for conditions, such as post traumatic stress disorder or eating disorders, can find a range of behavioral health services. These services are enhanced by the expertise of professionals, including licensed master's social workers and specialists, in the mental health field who employ therapeutic methods such as dialectical behavior therapy and solution focused therapy.
Some of the local therapists, all of whom have earned a master's degree, utilize a person centered approach to therapy. This approach is particularly effective in fostering personal growth and managing stress. This focus on stress management techniques can help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms, crucial for those dealing with intense emotional and psychological challenges.
Professionals in Kentwood are committed to delivering comprehensive care. This commitment is evident in the specialized training many have received, such as certification in advanced alcohol and drug counselor programs, which equip them to address a wide range of issues.
Located near Grand Valley State University, the community benefits from the collaboration between academic institutions and clinical practices, enhancing the resources available to those in need.
Please see the therapist profiles below for more information on the different therapists available online.
Therese Kaufman
Welcome! If you are here, you have probably decided its time to get some counseling. Life throws us situations we don't anticipate or have encountered before and we need help getting through. You are here because you or someone you care about is in pain. You have come to the right place. We have all had those times when we need someone besides family and friends to talk to. My name is Therese Kaufman and I earned my Masters in Social Work from Grand Valley State University. I have provided outpatient counseling services for all ages at a local outpatient clinic, worked as a behavioral health provider for Medicare funded clients, and I see all ages in my own private practice. People come to me for a variety of reasons: anxiety and depression, relationship problems, family issues, emotional and social struggles, rebuilding self-esteem, general life transitions, and grief and loss. I have had great success in helping individuals overcome their difficulties and unresolved issues that are affecting their day-to-day lives. I assist people in gaining insight as to what issues may be causing them anguish and making changes that are within their control. I am honored to have the opportunity to be part of someone's journey to healing. I like to address issues holistically, utilizing strategies such as mindfulness, mind/body activities such as yoga and walking, and healthy eating, healthy sleep hygiene. I offer safe, respectful and nonjudgmental support and a wealth of strategies to put in your 'toolbox". I look forward to meeting with you.
Alta Davis
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Grief Counselor with over 20 years of experience in assisting individuals with the issues of life. I have a MA in counseling and a Doctorate in Ministry. I have worked in a hospital setting as well as private practice with a variety of experience in Mental health issues. My therapeutic approaches include but are not limited to Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy to help identify and explore effective solutions and coping skills. I Work with individuals to encourage and support with a listening ear of compassion in a nonjudgmental environment. This journey of life can be very difficult at times, but it helps to know that someone will walk with you in a caring and safe space. I am here for you.
Michele Koenes
Hello ~ I am a licensed Masters level Social Worker in Michigan, California & New Hampshire with over 10 years of experience. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with young adults, adults, and older adults with a wide array of mental health concerns. I have also worked as a litigation attorney and as a teacher. These experiences have strengthened my abilities to relate, connect, and provide support to my clients. My counseling style is one of collaboration and responsiveness. I am attuned to my clients unique and individual personalities, situations and needs. I believe that empathy and letting the client set the pace of therapy is imperative to an effective process and the realization of desired outcomes. Therapy is a supportive, safe place where every aspect of you is welcome – even the parts that may be uncomfortable to share. As your therapist, I will strive to build and maintain a space for healing and growth. I am ready to begin the process with you! MI License #6801065517 - CA License #LCSW118004 - NH License #3943
Jennifer Plesz
I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in helping her clients overcome their individual obstacles and find new ways to reach their goals. Having overcome my own life-altering obstacles, coupled with my training and experience as a Counselor, have given me the tools to help others do the same. I have a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Wayne State University, and several years of experience working with people from all backgrounds. I offer individual, couples, and family services to people of all ages. I specialize in depression, anxiety, relationships, communication, mood disorders, career and academic, stress, change or life, grief, and adjustment counseling
Audra Jungnitsch
Hello and congratulations on reaching step one on your journey of achieving! What we wish to achieve in our lives both mentally and emotionally is unique to each of us, however needing support at some point in one's life I believe is universal. I am a counselor licensed in Michigan with over 8 years of experience working as a therapist in individual, family and group settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship and communication issues, parenting problems, crisis, thoughts of self harm, mood and personality disorders, loss, trauma including emotional and sexual abuse, OCD and ADHD. My counseling style is open and non-judgmental. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approaches can combine cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. However I will tailor my support and treatment modalities to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to take the first step, admitting there is a concern and wish to achieve a more fulfilling and happier life. Congratulations on taking that first step! When you are ready for step 2, I am here to support and empower you while you continue on your journey. I look forward to working with you!
Brooke Moore
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Michigan with over 3 years of experience working as a clinical therapist and intervention specialist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, communication concerns, bipolar disorder, career challenges, ADHD, trauma, and PTSD. I believe that you are the expert of your life. I will help you find ways to utilize your strength to overcome your struggles and move you from your current situation to where you want to be. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and heavily client centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion It takes courage to seek treatment 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!
Kelli Warren
I am licensed in Michigan with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Alisa Denilson Ikenwude
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Michigan with over 12 years of professional work experience. I graduated in 2010 with a Masters degree in Counseling. I have worked primarily with women within the judicial system as well as non-profit organizations. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also specialize in trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared within a judgment free zone. I adopted the philosophy, from my mentor, that people are precious. Every person is unique and created for a purpose. I do not believe anyone is a failure. All humans make mistakes but our past does not have to determine our future. So, together we will work to focus on creating a better future. Taking this first step of acknowledging you need help to move forward to a healthier and happier self can take courage, and I am so proud of you for getting started. I will be here to support you through the process. Please take a moment to review my calendar and select a time that works for you. In the event you do not see a slot that you prefer, I may be available for sessions outside of my normal scheduled times, upon request. I look forward to our journey together!
Jennifer Jennings
Together, we will explore the drama and trauma that life throws to identify the root cause of ”the struggle” in order to produce more positive outcomes. You need support in exploring your history and uncovering patterns you didn’t know existed to gain control of your emotions and be excited about life again. If you are ready to do the work, you will be surprised at how many parts of yourself you have to explore that you never knew existed. The process of therapy will allow you to grow more quickly than you ever have before.
Amie Stefanich
I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker in Illinois and Indiana with over 10 years of experience working with clients with a wide rang of concerns. I have helped many people working through end of life decisions and the grief process. I have also helped many caregivers who have experienced compassion fatigue. My counseling style starts with respect, and compassion. I believe in starting where you are. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused counseling. Ultimately, I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage 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!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Kentwood
Finding the best therapist close by in Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood. 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 Kentwood, 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood, elsewhere in Kent, 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Kentwood, 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 49546 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 Kentwood counselor?
Before seeing your Kentwood 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. Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood, 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.
Kentwood 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 Kentwood, 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood:
49508, 49512, 49546, 49548