Counseling services can benefit many people for many different reasons. Evidence-based therapies are treatment for anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder, health anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Therapists can also offer tools to manage mental stress, career counseling, mediation for family conflict, support for chronic illness, positive youth development, and guidance toward self-awareness and fulfillment.
When it comes to finding a therapist, Portage, MI may offer more than surrounding rural communities, but finding the right therapist can be challenging, even in a city. One reason for this is that within the mental health field there are a number of evidence-based practices and approaches. There may be limited licensed professional counselors in the specific approach you need. Or the nearest appropriate practitioner may not be taking new patients. That’s where online therapy can help.
BetterHelp is an online platform that offers access to a number of Portage-based online practitioners who specialize in a broad range of therapeutic approaches, and experience working with diverse populations. Simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the therapist that best meets your needs. And because a strong therapeutic alliance can be essential to success, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost.
Online therapy is also a convenient solution for busy professionals, overwhelmed parents, and swamped students from nearby Western Michigan University. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options you can meet with your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office.
If you’ve been thinking about seeking therapy for any reason, contact BetterHelp to get started. Or you can check out the list of Portage online-based therapists below for more information.
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Kamara Marsh
Hi, I am Kamara Marsh MA LPC. Welcome to a place where you'll feel heard, understood, and comfortable. My approach is holistic, client-centered and solution-based with over two decades of experience working with diverse populations and multiple problems. I use a variety of approaches and my favorites include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialetical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Do you desire guidance, skills, and tools to succeed in life? My aim is for you to take something away every session and apply in your daily life. Develop the coping and problem skills you need to reach your goals and attain your dreams for tomorrow :)
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Jennifer Schultz-Price
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan. I have over 5 years of counseling experience in women's issues such as divorce, self esteem, self confidence, relationships and parenting. I have also dealt with issues of grief and loss as well as stress and anxiety. My style of counseling is warm, supportive, and compassionate. My approach is cognitive behavioral as well as humanistic. However I will tailor my treatment plan and approach to your needs. Change does not always have to be feared or difficult. I am here for you, to walk with you through your journey, offering support and empowerment every step of the way. I look forward to meeting and working with you!
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Michael McWhirter
As a seasoned therapist working well over thirty years helping a diversified population from school age children their families to working with mentally-ill patients and providing substance abuse treatment to individuals and group therapy providing these services as career is very full feeling. Those whom are in need of getting their life back together is always a challenge and can be very stressful. So therefore, the approach to counseling requires different methods to the person needs depending on what is going on in their lives. Working with individuals does require different approaches such as cognitive/supportive/confrontational therapy to reach their ability to function well. It's always hard to ask for Help and open up to someone whom you do not know but the benefits can be very rewarding. If I can be of professional assistance to you please reach out and we can work together on these changes.
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Evelyn Reilly
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan. I earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Oakland University in 2017, and have since been working with clients with a variety of concerns. I have experience working with depression and anxiety, trauma, and adjustment to life stressors. I employ a client-centered, strengths-based approach, incorporating skills from cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, existentialism, and psychodynamic theory in order to meet each person’s therapy needs. My goal as a therapist is to assist clients in discovering and utilizing their strengths to implement positive change in their lives. I am here to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to work through whatever challenges life has thrown your way. I look forward to meeting you!
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LaShawn Myers
Well Hello! Thank you for visiting me today!!! I have over 20 years of experience in my field. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines Cognitive-Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, Compassion Focused, Strength-Based, Christian Counseling, and Trauma Focused. I like to use tools such as music, video, art, writing, and activity sheets during sessions. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I generally work with people that are having issues with, *Depression *Anxiety *Stress *Anger Management *Self Esteem *Communication *Trauma & PTSD *Sexual Abuse *Domestic Violence *Grief & Loss *Life Transitions *Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum *Coping Skills *Parenting *Family Conflict *Behavioral Issues I am here for you! Most clients I work with say I am personable and easy to talk to. It has often been said my witty and compassionate nature is helpful when working through difficult situations. Individuals have said working with me is more like talking to a friend than a therapist. Simply put I am all about guiding individuals through a journey that promotes HOPE, HELP, and HEALING. Everyone needs a place where they can feel safe. A place where they can be free to just be themselves. When talking with me you can be assured you have entered a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.
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Larry Powell
I am licensed in Michigan with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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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Karen Poindexter
I am licensed in Michigan with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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!
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Carrie Collier
I am licensed in Michigan with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. Other areas of interest also include addiction, OCD and disordered eating. My previous experience has been with moderate to severe populations. 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!
![Click here to view Vicki Wright-Trimboli's profile 1 This is Vicki Wright-Trimboli's avatar and link to their profile](https://d3ez4in977nymc.cloudfront.net/avatars/e5a29c882bece05aedbd63924fbd164a224938.jpg)
Vicki Wright-Trimboli
I believe that you are the expert of your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I look forward to helping you through the journey to discover them and implement sustainable strategies to lead us towards celebrating your success! Taking the first step to sign up for therapy is the most respectful and empowering thing that you can do for yourself! I am excited to walk along side you as you get closer to your goals. I have 22 years of experience in helping clients identify the need for change and process reasoning for and emotions surrounding such change, actively listen and partner together to check in, reflect, and move towards solutions at a pace that is effective and respectful to your current needs. I also have expertise is assisting individuals in navigating through change surrounding disability barriers. Nervous? It is perfectly fine to have mixed feelings about implementing change for yourself. Let's set up a time together to explore your needs and decide if we are a good fit together.
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Breanna Jones
I am licensed in Michigan with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Portage
Finding the best therapist close by in Portage can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can 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 in Portage 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 Portage. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Portage, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Portage region and in the state of Michigan. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Portage or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Portage area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find Portage therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Portage, elsewhere in Kalamazoo, or in the greater state of Michigan.
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 Portage 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 Portage therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Portage due to a higher cost of living. 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 Portage may not take health insurance, some in the state of Michigan may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Michigan you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.
How is a licensed therapist on this Portage online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Portage, 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. They 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, they 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 Portage 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 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 therapist, including the therapists in Portage above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.
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 lead by a therapist in Portage 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.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified Portage 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.
Specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques 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 - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy 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 Portage therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Portage?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Portage therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Portage 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 Portage 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 Portage 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 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 49024 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. 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 Portage counselor?
Before seeing your Portage therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They 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 in Portage.
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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice from a therapist. A Portage licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy with a Portage 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 Portage, Michigan can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Portage has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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 Portage, Michigan
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to 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 Portage:
49002, 49024, 49081