Nichole Garcia
Hello! My name is Nichole Garcia and I am a licensed masters social worker, LMSW. I have been working in the field for about 12 years and started out working with children and teens at a residential shelter in 2012. I also have experience working with adults with bipolar disorder, anger issues, trauma and abuse, personality disorders, ADHD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, the LGBTQ population, relationship issues, and many more. I have worked with those adults since 2017 at a community mental health agency (CMH). While working at a CMH, I have gained knowledge in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) where I have had the privilege to attend multiple trainings in DBT and prolonged exposure. I also have been able to attend trainings for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), eating disorders, and substance use disorders. I graduated at Wayne State University in 2012 with my Bachelors in Social Work and then in 2013 I enrolled in a 10 month accelerated masters program where I was able to obtain my Masters in Social Work. While attending college, I completed multiple internships working at homeless shelters, residential facilities, and the psychiatric ward. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I am an open person and believe transparency is very important in a relationship. So as long as we can be honest with eachother, it will be a great therapeutic relationship. I am very passionate about my work. I love learning about my clients and ways we can work together to help you. I look forward to working with you and will make it an empathetic, genuine experience. Talk to you soon! Best regards, Nichole Garcia, LMSW
Jennifer Barajas
Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to get to know more about me. My name is Jennifer, I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the State of Michigan. I earned a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and have been practicing in the mental health field for over ten years. I have worked in a variety of settings; schools, prisons, home-based, outpatient, crisis response, addiction centers and private practice. I have the most experience working with complex trauma/abuse issues, PTSD, anxiety, depression, conflict resolution, couples and communication issues, family conflict, and complex sexual issues . I also have experience working with multicultural, physically disabled, youth, elderly, and LGBT populations. I use a person-centered, holistic, multicultural, and eclectic approach in treatment, providing you with the best care tailored to your needs. I use evidence-based techniques including cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, seeking safety, negative core beliefs replacement, “classical” counseling and solution-focused counseling. I would describe myself direct, but I am always empathetic, non-judgmental and supportive. I can push you past your comfort zone to resolve the goals you have set for yourself in therapy to assist you in creating a new healthy lifestyle! Working together we can accomplish your goals. We will use a combination of worksheets, assessments, and other tools to enhance your experience with online counseling. Monthly I send out "Monthly Skills" and "Weekly Tips" to be used to also enhance your experience, some of these skills and tips may apply to you and others may not. They are sent to all of my clients to help promote healthy mental well being. Please note that video or phone sessions are the most productive ways to achieve your therapeutic goals, but you are welcome to tailor your therapy needs to what best meets your needs. Thank you again, I look forward to meeting you and beginning your journey of self-awareness and healing. My office hours are as follows: Monday and Thursday 7 am to 8 am EST (phone sessions only) and Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm (video and phone sessions) Jennifer Barajas, MS, LPC
Wendy Hills
Licensed Professional Counselor (State of Michigan) with more than 10 years of experience providing counseling to help clients support their mental health, reduce their stress, and to address other behavioral challenges such as anger, anxiety, and procrastination. I have experience working with mood dysregulation. I utilize a blend of educational, motivational and cognitive-behavioral approaches to build a better understanding of how challenges or problems developed and how these challenges and issues can be resolved. I look forward to helping you effectively address with your concerns, starting at where-ever you are ready to start at.
Ilene Vallance
My name is Ilene Vallance, LMSW, ACSW and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LMSW) in the State of Michigan. I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW). I have over 30 years of experience providing mental health services and psychotherapy in the public and private sector. I have specialized training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills. I enjoy working with a diverse group of adults and bring a wealth of professional experience to the table that you may find helpful in meeting your personal goals. As a therapist, I have a relaxed, nonjudgmental, and validating style. I understand the pain that can be associated with not feeling well emotionally or not feeling connected to others. I have flexible scheduling options for you to consider, including early morning, late afternoon, evening, and weekend appointments. Please take a look at my schedule and choose an open appointment that works best for you or let me know what you need. I look forward to meeting with you soon to get started!
Bushra Alsafari
My name is Bushra Alsafari and I am licensed clinical therapist in Michigan with 8 years of professional work experience. I am also a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor. I have a masters degree in Social Work. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I do focus more on mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy during sessions. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Sonja Roseman
I am licensed in Michigan with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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.
Elizabeth Reynolds
I am licensed in Michigan with 9 years of professional work experience. While I have spent the majority of my career in the educational setting, I have also worked in the foster care system and refugee case management services. Additionally, I have been a high school varsity lacrosse coach for the last 9 years and have more recently become involved with Special Olympics Michigan in both a coaching and organizational role. Ensuring that all people have access to the supports, experiences, and tools for a happy and healthy life is my passion. Many of my clients experience difficulty managing issues with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, symptoms of ADHD, and confidence, & depression. My vast experience within these challenging areas has allowed me to develop strong systems and support plans for assisting people in taking control back from their negative experiences. I firmly believe that working with individuals to create a safe and open therapeutic environment is critical to the success of a client to therapist relationship. It is my goal to ensure you as the client feel safe, heard, and valued as you take these steps towards gaining a deeper understanding of yourself on the path to obtaining a more fulfilling and happier life. I understand that therapy can be an intimidating or overwhelming first step, and I am so proud of you for taking it! I am here to support you throughout your journey towards an improved overall outlook. My general schedule is as follows: -I will be reading and responding to messages several times throughout the day Monday-Friday between 9am and 4pm. -Live sessions (video, chat, or phone) will be open for scheduling Tuesday and Wednesday between 9am and 6pm, as well as Thursday between 7am and 10am.
Pamala Topp
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of South Dakota and Michigan. I am also an LPC-MH Supervisee (SD has a 2 tier licensing requirement). My aim is to work with clients who struggle with feeling disconnected from themselves, others, are anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage all the aspects of their lives. When we push our needs aside to without taking time for yourself, this can lead to frustration, resentment, anxiety, depression and stress. I work with you to be able to resolve the barriers that are keeping you from living a full and meaningful life. I am certified and specialize in trauma, personality disorders (CCTP-II and C-PD), and specialize in attachment issues (both children and adults). I also treat mood disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger/impulse control, grief & loss, adoption and relationship issues. I primarily utilize CBT, DBT-informed, EMDR, Play Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy with all individuals, and tend to approach what I do from an Existential, Psychodynamic and Person-Centered way. Navigating through issues on your own can be difficult and overwhelming. It helps to have someone that understands your struggle, and walk with you on your path of recovery.
Shaa-Ista Simmons-Wilcox
I am licensed in Michigan with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Monique Harris
Hello, My name is Monique Harris, MA, LPC, LCDC. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas. I have 7+ years experience serving children, adolescents, families, and veterans through individual or group therapy who are dealing with issues that affect their mental health and well-being. More specifically, addressing a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, and personality disorders. My counseling philosophy includes Rational Emotive Behavior and Choice Reality Therapy, placing emphasis on reshaping core beliefs in those individuals experiencing a variety of mental health conditions, thereby empowering them to live full, satisfying lives free from unnecessary psychological distress. Also, introducing the concept of choice and functioning in the here and now (reality), helping them understand that they have a choice and the power to change, adjust or enhance whatever it is that they want to alter about themselves, their situation or circumstances. My counseling style is compassionate, empathic, non-judgemental, and genuine. My goal is to empower individuals to live an emotional resilient, relentless, renewed, and restored lifestyle. I am looking forward to working with you!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Spring Lake
Finding the best therapist close by in Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake. 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 Spring Lake, 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake, elsewhere in Ottawa, 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Spring Lake, 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 49456 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 Spring Lake counselor?
Before seeing your Spring Lake 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. Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake, 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.
Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake, 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 Spring Lake 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 Spring Lake:
49456