Traverse City is known as the cherry capital of the United States because of the millions of pounds of cherries they produce every year. The people celebrate their heritage and hard work every year during the Cherry Festival held in the city. Even though there are many things to celebrate, no one is impervious to life’s troubles.
If you don’t feel so sweet in the cherry capital, then speaking with a mental health professional about the problems you are experiencing is a good way to ensure you can enjoy all the wonders and joys of life. If your life feels shaken up, and you don’t know what to do, then seeking guidance from a qualified counselor may just be the cherry on top.

Stacey Smyczynski
Hello! My name is Stacey Smyczynski. I am a licensed Masters of Social Work (LMSW) and have worked as a Social Worker for 25 years. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and my Master’s degree from Michigan State University. I have worked with different populations include teenagers, adults, families and geriatrics. I have worked in various settings (home, community, hospital, nursing home/AFC home and academic environments). My experience includes working with individuals with anxiety, depression, parenting and family struggles, relationship issues, self-esteem, career challenges, substance use issues, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and major life changes and challenges. My warm, nonjudgmental and accepting personality allows for the foundation for an effective therapeutic relationship. Working with me means overcoming and powering through challenges in life by discovering healthier coping mechanisms and thought processes. I believe in a strengths-based approach utilizing cognitive behavioral and solution focused techniques, as well as mindfulness practices. Making the choice to seek counseling is a difficult one that takes courage and I am happy you have decided to reach out. The first order of business is for us to develop a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship so you feel confident to express yourself in a safe and supportive environment. I believe our work is based on a team approach where we work together to achieve your desired goals. You are the most important part of the counseling relationship. We start where you are and work towards the goals you want to achieve. You took the first step and I’m here to support and empower you! I look forward to working with you!

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.

Rachael McKinnon
I am a licensed Master Social Worker with over 13 years of experience working as a psychotherapist, working in the field of Social Work for the past 18 years. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders, personality disorders, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, grief/loss, effects of past trauma, disturbances with all areas of wellness, lack in motivation, stress management, anger management, OCD and ADHD. My counseling style is warm, nonjudgmental, motivational, and interactive. I believe in professional behavior of respect, sensitivity, compassion, empathy, and confidentiality and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, dialectical-behavioral, trauma based - IFS, solution focused. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support you. Evidence based therapy approaches are proven to not only reduce and manage these difficult areas of concern but also work to empower individuals with insight, coping skills, problem solving skills, self control, and self advocacy to carry you on in your journey of life. I will dialog with you and together we will develop a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

Charles Rose
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) since 2018. I counseled the previous 2 years at a Limited License Professional Counselor (LLPC) at Par Rehabilitation. I worked and learned under Todd Westfall as an LLPC. I stayed on at Par for nearly 2 years after earning my LPC . I have since moved on to Fountain of Wisdom and Hope and A New Day Counseling. Since starting to counsel, I have worked with individuals with employment cases, depression, anxiety, autism, visually impaired, bi-polar and schizophrenia. I have worked in the disability environment my entire life. I have worked in direct care group homes, Hope Network, Community Mental Health and Harris Development Center. I have experience in case management of disability claims, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, SSI/SSDI claims with the Social Security Administration, short-term disability claims with Sedgwick CMS. Another area that I have experience in is with the Lansing Public School system. I worked as a special education assistant working with special education students and at-risk students. At age 18 I suffered a traumatic brain injury and had to overcome nearly all of life's obstacles to not only to become independent but to educate myself in the midst of living with the effects of a traumatic brain injury . So that experience gives me a unique perspective of how a client feels living with a disability and having the knowledge and information learned and used as a professional counselor. I appreciate you spending time reading my profile if you feel my education, life experiences and work experiences could help you get to where you want to go please give me a call. Thank You Charlie Rose

Scott Verner
I am a therapist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and am currently fully licensed in the state of Michigan with over 7 years of experience. I have worked with adult/children clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, autism, oppositional defiant disorder, cognitive impairments, relationship issues, parenting problems, OCD, and ADHD. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. 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! Sincerely, Scott Verner, LMSW-C

Rell Spickerman
I have had two careers which run concurrently: many years as a parish pastor and at the same time a mental health counselor. I am strongly invested in the LGBTQ issues because of my transgender grandson's amazing journey. As a hospice chaplain, I have provided bereavement support counseling to families. As a divorce mediator employing dispute management skills, I have guided couples in making parenting decisions that are in the best interests of their children. My passion is not to be a sage on the stage but a guide by the side with individuals and couples seeking solutions that are practical. I have expertise in cognitive -behavioral counseling, rational emotive psychotherapy, anger management (especially with men who abuse), and Life Work Planning and Career Development. I have modest experience with Ericksonian Hypnotherapy and Healing Story Telling. I endeavor to blend theory and practice, while affirming growth and risk-taking. I am a non-judgmental listener. I employ humor and unconditional support routinely to neutralize resistance to change. I am old fashioned person who still believes in unconditional positive regard and seeking a truth that sets people free.

Candace Delis
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Lakeland University and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. I work to create a safe, comfortable and accepting environment for my clients. I have previously worked in crisis intervention as well as group therapy settings and like to focus on providing positive support for my clients. I've been told I'm not the "typical" therapist type - I have tattoos and a pretty progressive viewpoint, and I also work really hard to be relatable to my clients. I'm married and have an 18 year old stepson. The rest of my family is made up of 3 rescue dogs, 3 adopted cats, and we recently reached what I call the "livestock level" of quarantine and got chickens and goats. It's a pretty full house. I have worked with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have worked with a wide range of issues, but some of my areas of specialization include: emotional regulation (anger, anxiety), depression, self-esteem building, bipolar disorder, PTSD, grief and loss, assertiveness building, marital issues and relationship building skills. I also have experience with end of life care. My counseling style is interactive, and I believe in treating people as individuals and not labeling them with their mental health issues. You are not your illness, it is only a small part of who you are. I believe in treating people with the same respect, sensitivity, and compassion as I would like to be treated. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and solution focused counseling. I will do my best to tailor our conversations and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek support and take steps towards making a change. Life can throw us curveballs and unexpected circumstances can arise with even the best of planning. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support you and help you find the tools that will help you succeed. I look forward to working with you! My current hours are (all are CST): Mondays 9am-8pm Tuesdays 8am-8pm Wednesdays 8am-8pm Thursdays 8am-8pm Fridays 8am-7pm Saturdays 8am-4pm Some Sundays upon request

Deana Fisher
I am licensed in Michigan with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

Kathane Coleman
I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

James Foley
I am licensed in Michigan with 25+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, depression & confidence. I have over 15 years of experience as a Clinical Supervisor of Child and Family services at a 3 county Mental Health Clinic. 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. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in Michigan
What types of therapists are available to clients in Traverse City?
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 Traverse City that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic 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 Traverse City available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Traverse City 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, Traverse City therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Traverse City region and in the state of Michigan.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Traverse City 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 Traverse City may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Traverse City offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.