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.

Sybil Guliford
Hello, my name is Sybil Guliford and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for 20 years after graduating from Wayne State University with a Master of Social Work degree in Michigan. In past years, when working with Hospice, I provided grief/bereavement services to those affected by death and the dying process. Currently I provide counseling, intervention and supportive services for a diverse client population while working at a Level I trauma center. I provide individual therapy for those experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship struggles and just everyday life challenges/stressors. I use a variety of techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused brief therapy, brief trauma informed care and Reiki. We will begin our work wherever you are emotionally, we will work on care planning together, you will have homework assignments and be very active in creating your path to emotional comfort, change and growth.

Adam Beyer
I am a licensed master social worker in Michigan with 28 years of experience providing direct psychotherapy services to teens, young adults, adults and older adults. I also have many years of experience with working in Tele medicine. I focus on the whole person and how physical and emotional health intertwine. Areas of professional strength for me include Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), solution focused, acceptance commitment, and cognitive behavioral therapies. I am particularly empathic to all suffering from life stressors and pride myself on helping my clients achieve self compassion and actualization of their goals and desires for their lives. We all have the answers to our life challenges locked away in us. Psycho therapy is a fantastic way to find answers to your life's challenges. During these changing times I am seeking to assist all who are experiencing distress and am offering expanded availability to those who need support. Please consider letting me assist you

Jennifer Alder
Hello! My name is Jennifer Alder, LMSW. I have a BA Degree in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. I have been a fully licensed social worker for over 7 years and practice out of the state of Michigan. I have enjoyed working in the mental health field for 15+ years in numerous capacities. I have successfully worked with all ages from birth-end of life assisting with many difficult transitions, challenges, and uncomfortable moments with those I have had the pleasure to work with. I regularly receive feedback about my sincere presentation and how I speak to people like people not like "clients". I have over 5 years experience working with children and families in the child welfare system within foster care and adoption both with birth parents as well as foster/adoptive parents and their children. I have worked in a combined partial/inpatient psychiatric facility for over 5 years as well offering individual and group therapy to both adolescents and adults in the areas of general psych, trauma, eating disorders, and addiction. I have worked as a therapist with children suspected of being sexual abused with a local children's advocacy center. I have also worked with a groundbreaking organization in the community helping to assist seniors with aging in place and facing end of life issues, while trying to avoid them going into the ER and hospital or nursing facilities unnecessarily. I have worked a great deal with each of my clients as individuals as well as their family systems which support them. I enjoy using a person centered mixture of CBT, DBT, ACT, MI, & art therapies based on the needs of the individual I am working with. I have done this work both in person as well as virtual during the unprecedented season of Covid 19 which has caused many of us to change our modalities and think outside of the box in order to meet the needs of those we serve. It is never easy to acknowledge it is time for a change in our lives . This need arises from a variety of sources and for many reasons. Sometimes we need assistance with navigating our emotions or processing what is occurring in our lives while other times we may need more guidance with finding our direction on where to even begin. I am very hopeful that together we can walk through any obstacles you may experience and help to find a way to overcome them and gain more support and success in your personal goals. I commend you for your courage and commitment in working to improve your self and I would feel very honored to assist you in this process and walk beside you throughout your very personal journey!

Julie Gallivan
I am a licensed professional counselor with a background in human services, education, and social work. I have worked with individuals struggling with the grief and loss of a loved one, domestic violence, trauma, diagnosed personality disorders, anxiety and depression, poverty and homelessness, human trafficking victims, and individuals experiencing chronic pain. Although my experiences are diverse, I have learned two overarching truths: human suffering is universal AND there is always hope. My style of treatment is person-centered and eclectic. I know that "one-size-fits-all" is never true with mental health treatment. Each client has a unique story and therapeutic goals are developed cooperatively with that in mind. You are the expert on you. I am often described as a warm and empathetic listener, but I am also willing to provide reflective feedback during "stuck" moments in treatment. If you are ready to move towards a path of healing, hope, and wholeness, contact me and we will begin this journey together.

Dawne Velianoff
I offer behavioral health and life coach services specializing in youth, adults, families/couples, and older adults. I assess each client and together you and I create your personalized person-centered plan. I utilize the following modalities interventions/techniques during theraputic sessions: Motivational interviewing , mindfulness, parenting skills & cognitive behavioral therapy. Together you and I walk through the systems theory, review risk factors for psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual decline that might require interventions to improve and/or stabilize personal or interpersonal relationships.

Gwendolyn Henry
Hello, my name is Gwendolyn Henry (you can call me Gwen). I am a Licensed Therapist and Life Coach with over 26 years of experience. I have worked with victims of sexual abuse, adults suffering with Depression, Anxieties and Grief in many forms. The last 10 years of my career I worked with Veterans who were traumatized from military involvement. My style of treatments that have proven successful over the years are: active listening, sensitivity to your concerns/trauma, and encouragement, with a non-judgmental approach to your life situations. Establishing a trusting relationship is extremely important in this journey; it is a key to healing, learning, and prosperity. Together we create a treatment plan and together it is adjusted and reevaluated for your success. We travel this path together. My Specialties are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing) Internal Family Systems Grief Therapy Anxiety Disorder (utilizing breath work) Depressive Disorder Guided Meditation Art Therapy I am so glad you have decided to take this next step to achieve a happier/self-directed life. Together we will achieve goals that are established for a new beginning. I count it an honored to work with you. Thank you for the opportunity. Gwendolyn 'Gwen' Henry, LCSW

Beryl Fletcher
ABOUT ME I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with specialties in the areas of Addictions and Mental Health Counselor. I worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationships problems, grief/loss, and career issues. Additionally, I have helped many clients who have experienced physical and emotional trauma as well as various types of and abuse. My therapy style is strengths based with approaches utilizing several therapeutic modalities ranging from; client centered, solution focused, motivational interviewing and a strengths based approach which draws heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Theory. I will tailor our treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs working with your individual strengths to assist you in your therapeutic journey, Lastly, I would like to commend you with taking this incredible step to seek therapy. I look forward to empowering you with tools to meet self-care needs and goals. Thank you for the opportunity to working with you! SPECIALITIES • Anxiety • Addictions • Trauma • Self-esteem • Anger Management • Grief and Loss Please note: my mode of therapy is video.

Tonya Fleming-Fuller
I am a Licensed Master's Social Worker with over 15 years of clinical experience working with individuals needing support for various life challenges. My therapy is focused on helping clients develop effective coping skills and exploring ways to utilize your inner strengths. My therapy style is welcoming and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, privacy and flexibility. I applaud you for seeking support - it takes courage to do that! I hope to have an opportunity to meet and work with you.

Janice Miles
Ms. Janice R. Miles is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, her Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hofstra University, and her Masters of Education in Human Sexuality from Widener University. In addition, she is a Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, a Certified Family Trauma Professional, and a member of AAMFT and AASECT. Janice has worked in various settings, including in-home, inpatient, and outpatient locations, with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, parenting skills, relationship issues, sexuality, and much more. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, sex therapy, and other evidence-based treatment modalities to accommodate the client’s specific goals. Janice provides a supportive, judgment-free approach to therapy to create a strong therapeutic relationship and promote effective change in the lives of her clients. Janice’s core values center around family, knowledge, and happiness. She believes, if we gain a clear understanding of our families, we can understand ourselves better. This knowledge can help to identify what motivates us and how we can evoke positive change, i.e. once we know better, we can do better. This together helps lead us to live a happier and healthier life; our best life.

Christopher "Chris" Weidler
Congratulations on taking the first step toward personal growth, healing and change! I will help you identify your goals, the roadblocks in the way and action steps you can take to overcome those hurdles. The important part (and the most challenging) is identifying the underlying, root cause of the problems rather than treating the superficial symptoms. Sometimes this can occur in only a couple of sessions. Sometimes it takes longer, but it is always based on your specific situation and your goals. I promise to be gentle, patient and challenging as you make real progress. Education & Professional Experience: I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters in Counseling (MACO) and my Master in Divinity (MDiv) from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2007. Since then I've gained extensive experience in a wide range of therapeutic settings involving, families, couples, children, teens and individuals of all ages. My clinical approaches include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy and Christian Counseling. Other Professional/Personal Experience: In addition to my professional/clinical skills, I also bring "real world" experience to the counseling setting. My wife and I have been married since 2007 and we have 3 sons (ages 7, 12, and 15). We spent several years as houseparents at a boarding school for teenagers. We currently operate an internet-based sales business and run a small farm/homestead. We are highly involved in our church. These practical experiences help me relate to you and your struggles with fresh eyes. I understand the abstract counseling theories, but I also understand how to apply them practically to the very real struggles you are facing. What you can expect: Everybody is different. Your goals and struggles are unique to you. Therefore my role is to come alongside you and help you to identify your goals and the underlying issues standing in your way. Once you begin addressing those underlying issues, many of the superficial symptoms that brought you begin to fade away and you are on your way to healing. Although therapy is challenging (like all good things), I also strive to make it humorous and fun. You are on a positive trajectory! There is joy, peace and fun involved in that journey. Who am I the best fit for: ~Your faith can be an important factor in your success. I am a Christian, and I have the most success helping people who are guided by their Christian faith. It's not a requirement however. ~Individuals struggling with anxiety, stress, OCD, depression, relationship issues, life changes, career changes and young adult issues ~Lifestyle addictions (spending, gambling, porn, over-eating, exercise, etc) I'd be honored to begin listening to your story right away!
Find a therapist serving clients in Michigan
Types of therapists available to clients in Portage
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Portage that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Portage available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Portage therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Portage therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Portage region and in the state of Michigan.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Portage can help 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 therapist in Portage may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.