In Muskegon Heights, the beautiful clock tower at Rowan Park stands as a reminder of the fleeting nature of time. You have today, this present moment, to make the choices that will impact your life later. Yet, when everything is going wrong in your life, today doesn’t hold much appeal.

Instead of dealing with what’s happening now, you spend your time worrying about the future or regretting the past. Your mental health suffers, and life gets even harder to manage. Talk to a counselor in the Muskegon Heights area to take charge of your life in the here and now.

This is Dr. Courtney Washington's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Courtney Washington

Offering therapy in MI
License: EdD,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

“If you have a dream, don’t just sit there. Gather courage to believe that you can succeed and leave no stone unturned to make it a reality.” ― Roopleen Hello! I am Dr. Courtney Y. Washington (Doctor C), and I encourage you to invite change in your life. Welcome to taking the first step into a brighter future for yourself: I commend you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and I have been providing counseling services for over 10 years to many adults, families and couples. I enjoy working with a diverse population, and I am able to provide counseling services to fit the individual need of the client served. I have worked in the specialty areas of: depression, stress & anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, self-esteem, pre-marital, marital, couples, families, anger management and mental health including Bi-Polar and Schizophrenia. My primary focus is to first build rapport, establish desired goals, and work with you to achieve those goals. Through the achievement of these goals, I will work to diminish any worry, stress, or anxiety that you may face and will assist with building coping and relaxation skills. It takes time to achieve your goals, and I am here to work with you throughout your needed time frame, and will work to give you all the needed tools to help you remain successful after counseling is complete. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you. Here is to a great and bright future ahead! -Doctor C “Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life.” ― Shannon L. Alder

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Julie Vierling

Offering therapy in MI
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
28 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 28 years of experience. Much of my experience is in the Emergency Department, Partial Hospitalization Program, and Inpatient psychiatric settings. I enjoy working with persons from all walks of life who are looking for ways in which to improve their life including the way in which they are experiencing life in general. I have worked with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, grief, trauma including abuse, relationship, and school issues. My counseling style is to assist you with finding your goals and ways to meet them. I am supportive and will challenge you to become the best you that you can realize. I will utilize approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, brief solution focused, and motivational interviewing styles. If an approach is not working for you I will be happy to work with you on finding one that may be helpful. I look forward to assisting you in reaching your greatest potential!

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Colleen Clevenger

Offering therapy in MI
License: MA,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
15 years of experience

Hello! My name is Colleen Clevenger. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) licensed in the state of Michigan. I have a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling from Spring Arbor University and I have over 13 years of experiences working with adolescents, parents and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, relationship issues, domestic violence and I have extensive experience working with the young adult population on school related issues. I would describe my style as warm, caring, client centered and flexible. I like to tailor my approach to what you as my client needs. I am here to listen and be supportive so you can have a successful future. Currently you will notice most of my hours are in the evening since most of my clients are students or working adults I find that these hours work best for them. If you need something different please reach out to me as I can be flexible. I hope to hear from you. I usually check in at least once a day so I will respond to messages even outside of my schedule.

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Julie Ruiz

Offering therapy in MI
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a counselor in Michigan with over 20 years experience as an LPC . I have over 20 years experience in counseling and therapeutic relations encompassing academics, in-patient mental health, business/workforce training, recreational and social services settings. Focus areas include managing stress, navigating life transitions, life skills, motivation and goal setting and self-esteem, relationship issues, interpersonal conflict, blended families, grief and loss, workplace stress, career success, career decision-making, work-life balance, mental health and health and wellness, search for meaning and fulfillment, blended families, multicultural relationships, anxiety and stress management, and the therapeutic use of animals and nature for healing . I many years of specialized experience in career and employment counseling and extensive resume building experience, and coaching through employment and employability issues. My background encompasses helping people of diverse backgrounds, age range, religions, and cultures. My style is compassionate, calm, understanding, and joyful and incorporates a holistic, solution focused approach that is both intuitive and logical. Clients find me very calming, understanding and non-judgmental, honest, and perceptive. I believe that every human being is unique and beautiful and I have great respect for each individual, and expression of their authentic self. I have great caring and regard for people and love helping individuals find their worth, strengths and gifts as I see these as keys in empowering people. I believe in an individual and their ability to heal, transcend their situation, overcome challenges and succeed in finding personal growth and happiness. I believe in the innate ability for a person to change their maladaptive thoughts and patterns, solve problems and achieve integration in mind, body and spirit. I value investing in people, relationships, and environments and by being an active contributor with positive impact, giving and receiving love, forgiveness, compassion, joy and humor. I have found that viewing issues from a troubleshooting mindset can be helpful in generating options. I am very practical, innovative and solution focused in my approach and problem-solving strategies. Thank you for taking time to read my profile. I would consider it an honor to partner with you at this time and help make positive change in your life. I am looking forward to connecting with you soon.

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Tommy House

Offering therapy in MI
License: LMSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am a licensed master of social work (LMSW) counselor with over 40 years experience. I started as an outpatient substance abuse treatment counselor. I then moved to admissions supervisor of a long term residential treatment program. From there I spent many years in middle to upper management (program director, vice president, and president). Even when in management I always kept a small counseling case load which allowed me to stay in touch with clients. In addition to being a social worker I am also a licensed Baptist minister. This combination of experience and expertise allows me to offer counseling in a supportive non judgmental manner using an eclectic approach to treatment. I have been trained in and utilize a person centered, trauma informed care base which is applied to other specific methods/models. Some of the methods/models that I am trained in and utilize are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), reality therapy (RT), motivational interviewing (MI), and brief solution focused treatment to name a few. These different types of treatment methods when combined with my Biblical theological training and worldview provide the people that I work with a sense of hope, love and support as we partner together to accomplish the agreed upon treatment goals. I look forward to working with any of you that would like to partner with me to accomplish treatment goals that address identified problems that are preventing you from living your life to the full.

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Jennifer Cole

Offering therapy in MI
License: Lmsw
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
8 years of experience

"If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story" - Orson Welles. To me, this quote is a reminder that we all have our ups and downs in life, every single one of us. Even the people deemed "most successful" still have times that if life would have stopped in those moments, they would have been left feeling as though life were unhappy. No matter your past, no matter what you are experiencing right now, we all can still have a very different ending than what we are on the path to having. I'm here to help you find that new path and to help you feel safe taking the first steps down it. Taking the first steps down the road of change is often difficult for people. I encourage you to set up an initial appointment and we will walk down that road together. I am an LMSW who has been practicing for 8+ years. I specialize in helping individuals heal from their past, gain insight and manage the present, and thrive in the future. I am passionate about working with women who are in the transitional phase of life. Whether it's a break-up, divorce, infidelity, sexual assault, insecurities, low self-esteem, healing from past trauma, infertility or loss of child, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, or learning to love yourself I will be walking alongside you to help you through the process to get to a better place. Learn to let go of sadness and anger towards others, and self, to find your inner peace. I hope to see you in my virtual office soon.

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Phillip Jackson

Offering therapy in MI
Stress, AnxietyDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in Michigan with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. 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.

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Betsy Love

Offering therapy in MI
Relationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana and Michigan with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, 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. 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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Cheryl Bauer

Offering therapy in MI
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana and Michigan with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Tomeka Liscombe's avatar and link to their profile

Tomeka Liscombe

Offering therapy in MI
Stress, AnxietyDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Michigan with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Muskegon Heights

Finding the best therapist close by in Muskegon Heights 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 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 in Muskegon Heights. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Muskegon Heights, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Muskegon Heights or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. 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 Muskegon Heights area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Muskegon Heights, elsewhere in Muskegon, or in the greater state of Michigan.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Muskegon Heights area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Muskegon Heights therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Muskegon Heights due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Muskegon Heights 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 BetterHelp or clinicians 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).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Muskegon Heights, Michigan working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Muskegon Heights above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Muskegon Heights helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Muskegon Heights therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

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 Muskegon Heights therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

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.

A psychologist 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 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 Muskegon Heights 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 lot of people in MI, providers 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 49444 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Muskegon Heights counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Muskegon Heights licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Muskegon Heights, 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.

Muskegon Heights has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

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

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Muskegon Heights.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Muskegon Heights:

49444

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