Portage has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based treatment.
Counseling services can benefit many people for many different reasons. Evidence-based therapies are treatment for anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder, health anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Therapists can also offer tools to manage mental stress, career counseling, mediation for family conflict, support for chronic illness, positive youth development, and guidance toward self-awareness and fulfillment.
When it comes to finding a therapist, Portage, MI may offer more than surrounding rural communities, but finding the right therapist can be challenging, even in a city. One reason for this is that within the mental health field there are a number of evidence-based practices and approaches. There may be limited licensed professional counselors in the specific approach you need. Or the nearest appropriate practitioner may not be taking new patients. That’s where online therapy can help.
BetterHelp is an online platform that offers access to a number of Portage-based online practitioners who specialize in a broad range of therapeutic approaches, and experience working with diverse populations. Simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the therapist that best meets your needs. And because a strong therapeutic alliance can be essential to success, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost.
Online therapy is also a convenient solution for busy professionals, overwhelmed parents, and swamped students from nearby Western Michigan University. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options you can meet with your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office.
If you’ve been thinking about seeking therapy for any reason, contact BetterHelp to get started. Or you can check out the list of Portage online-based therapists below for more information.
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Bri Harless
I have a master’s degree in Counseling with a focus on professional counseling and marriage and family therapy. Since 2009 I have worked providing individual, couples, and group counseling. I spent the first half of my career working with individuals and families affected by substance use and the last several years I have worked in a private practice setting helping people with a variety of mental health concerns. While there are very few issues I have not worked with, I have spent a significant amount of time with those working to overcome depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorders, PTSD, stage of life adjustments, and parenting stressors. My experience over the last 11 years has taught me to know my clients first. There are several theoretical approaches to providing counseling, but there is no one size fits all approach. My first goal is to know my clients and what might suit them best. I view my role as a guide, a helper, a teacher. I believe each individual and their autonomy is to be respected. Every tool used in therapy should be something you can use in a way that fits your life. I believe every person has what it takes to overcome the trials they face in life. I know reaching out for help can be uncomfortable for a variety of reasons, but I’m glad you took the step. I have hope we can work together to make it worth your investment. I look forward to getting started.
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Paula Mardit
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor living in Michigan. I hold degrees in both Special Education (B.S., Wayne State University) and in Counseling (M.A., Oakland University). As a counselor, my approach focuses primarily on cognitive behavioral therapy and on solution-oriented therapy. Some of the issues I can help with include depression; anxiety; stress management; relationship difficulties; parenting challenges; divorce; grief and loss; and trauma. I specialize in working with adolescents 12+ and with adults of all ages. With well over a decade of experience in counseling, my additional experience in special education has offered unique insight into autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, cognitive impairment, and learning disabilities. In case you or a loved one are struggling with these issues, I can tailor my approach accordingly. At our initial visit, you’ll be welcome to say as much about yourself as you feel comfortable sharing. If you already have an idea of what you might like to achieve through our work together, that would be helpful for me to know… but in case you are not sure yet, that’s ok too – we can figure it out together! Regardless of how much or how little experience you may already have in therapeutic settings, I aim to help you identify and focus on concrete, achievable goals which I hope will lead to positive outcomes in your life. In addition to standard Monday-Friday daytime hours, I can accommodate clients seeking evening appointments until as late as 8pm EST. Weekends between 9am and 2pm EST are likewise possible.
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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!
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Cara Gibson
Hello, I'm Cara and I have practiced counseling for over 10 years. I have worked with those battling addiction, adults and adolescents who struggle with depression, anxiety and conflict resolution. I have experience working with adolescents, families, couples and individuals. My experiences include working in outpatient, residential and in-home counseling settings. I believe in listening to what the client needs and at the same time challenging them. I feel the way to do this is building a good rapport and to have open communication. I use more of a client based approach but am open to adjusting to what the client needs. There is a stigma around mental health which I feel needs to change. I believe every individual should seek counseling if they feel they need help and there should be no shame attached to receiving counseling services. I look forward to helping those who are looking to take the steps to better themselves.
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Solimar Mattei-Welch
I am a clinical social worker licensed in both Michigan and Florida with over 27 years experience. I specialize in clinical assessments, treatment of depressive and anxious disorders, as well as helping with life transitions. I have training in evidence based treatments that help individuals improve their quality of life and achieve their life goals. I primarily work with individual adults seeking to make a positive change using solution focused strategies and personalized treatment plans. I am open minded, LGBTQ+ friendly and bilingual in Spanish as well.
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Jeremy Combs
I am a Michigan-licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience working as a therapist. I have spent the majority of my career as a Social Worker on Active Duty with the military, treating conditions from mild anxiety/depression to PTSD. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach strength-focused, supportive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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 am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! .
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Erika Okafor
I am licensed in Michigan with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Lori Simmons
If you are seeking therapy, you have already been working so hard! It's time to try something different. I practice a therapy focusing on mindful awareness and living in the present; fully and peacefully experiencing life. As a result, clients experience symptom reduction and improvement in functioning. This therapy emphasizes values, forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, living in the present moment, and accessing a transcendent sense of self. This practice can often help people who have been unsuccessful with therapy in the past, have had a return of symptoms after repeated therapy, or are reluctant to engage in the therapeutic process. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and The Gottman Method, I am skilled at a variety of strategies to find a customized approach to meet your individual or relationship needs. Many people find relief from anger, anxiety, depression, substance or food cravings, and improved communication and connection in their relationships through this process. They also develop an improved relationship with themselves and an increased sense of peace and well-being. My aim is to provide you strategic tools that will allow you to quickly and permanently assist you in changing how you experience your circumstances and stressors, as well as improve your interactions with others. I look forward to working with you!
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Sonya Coleman
I am licensed in Michigan with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Linda Seyfarth Ward
I am a health and wellness based clinician, committed to quality care in partnership with those who seek help. My mission is to serve others in transforming their lives. Life in this era is challenging. Managing the stressors of living successfully translates into health and wellness. I focus on treating individuals, couples, and families on how to manage stressors and build resiliency behaviors to counter stress and how they react to it. Changing lifestyle behaviors and patterns is difficult. I offer tools to facilitate and motivate clients in order to facilitate change. I help identify an individuals strengths and empower them to succeed by focusing on lifestyle-related behaviors that must change for improved health. A therapist is a guide, much like a personal trainer, that provides support, guidance, and encouragement to manage specific symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, relationship, grief, loss, trauma, addictions, and aging.
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Portage, Michigan
Finding the best therapist close by in Portage can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Portage region and in the state of Michigan. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Portage or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Portage area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Portage, elsewhere in Kalamazoo, or in the greater state of Michigan. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Portage area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Portage due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Portage may not take health insurance, some in the state of Michigan may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Michigan you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Portage online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Michigan working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Portage psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Portage above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day.
Portage therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy in Portage is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in MI, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 49081 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Portage therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Portage therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Portage licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. An experienced clinician can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based licensed clinician in Portage, Michigan can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Counseling with an online Portage provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of Michigan
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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