On the banks of Lake Michigan, Norton Shores is also surrounded by other water like Black Lake and Mona Lake. In fact, the folks living in Norton Shores love spending their free time on or by the water. However, if you have a mental health condition that is stopping you from doing the things you enjoy, going to the beach is not fun for you anymore. 

If you have depression or an anxiety disorder, it can affect your ability to enjoy things you used to love like swimming, fishing, boating, and spending time with your family and friends. There are many dedicated psychologists in Norton Shores who can help you get back to having fun again so contact one today. 

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Michael Mudgett

Offering therapy in MI
License: MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

My goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment where adults 17 years and older), couples and families can share and find help in regards to improve communication. I teach listening and communication skills to help people connect and improve intimatcy issues along with the personal struggles that occur throughout the life span. I have 20 years of experience and I enjoy working with individuals and couples who struggle with the tangled web of interpersonal conflicts and with those who have limited insight about their roll in the truggles whether in friendships, marriage, home, work, or with peers. My passion is walking along side people as they journey through life. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and person centered approach. I will tailor my treatment to meet your unique and specific need. Special interest includes working with various forms of anxiety, trauma, stress, early childhood trauma, anger management, grief and loss. I assist those who have personal struggles with anxiety, depression and various traumas to help them recovery. This life is a journey. I am a Christian who counsels. I am an ordain minister. I pastored for 12 years and started a church. I experienced the best and the worst of the church so, I have focused my life on each person finding their purpose. I help with stress relief and helping people discover their spriritual path through spiritual minidfulness training. Accepting New Referrals

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Ionela Lindsay

Offering therapy in MI
License: LPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am a licensed professional mental health counselor with experience in both a private and community mental health setting. I am also a certified yoga instructor, using a trauma informed approach to teaching yoga. I believe treatment should involve the whole person (physical, mental, and spiritual). Personal and professional history includes great exposure to a diverse set of life experiences and clientele. My focus is a client centered approach to therapy to help each individual live their best life and I believe, at our core, we all have the needed answers to our life's problems. My job is not to change or fix you; my job as a therapist is to bring those answers to the surface.

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Tia Gitgood

Offering therapy in MI
License: LCSW,LMSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGrief
10 years of experience

I have seen first hand that life is hard. I have been encouraged to see the power of therapy across all settings and over all barriers. I have seen lives changed; I love my job. My name is Tia Gitgood. I am a Social Worker licensed in Michigan, Tennessee, and Georgia with over 10 years of experience. I have worked in various settings from in-home to community clinics. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from Georgia State University. I utilize a mix of therapies. My priority is to help my client. I work to stay up to date on new research to ensure that if something can help, I know about it. I primarily utilize cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, and motivational interviewing. I believe the whole person must be treated. If you are not your emotional best, your body will tell you. I would love to take this journey to healing with you when you are ready.

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Lisa Hess

Offering therapy in MI
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning to sail my ship.” ~Louisa May Alcott Once you understand yourself better, you begin to navigate your world with confidence. Your most challenging periods in life can lead to tremendous growth. I value relationships that reflect warmth, honesty, compassion, and humor. As your therapist, I intend to bring these qualities to each of our sessions. I know, from personal experience, that giving voice to your fears and doubts in a supportive environment can be life-changing. This very human experience can remind us of our ability for extraordinary things and our capacity for kindness. Once we find more patience and empathy for ourselves, we can give those things more freely to others. It’s amazing how different the world looks when we feel differently about ourselves. Let’s discover solutions that work for you. I look forward to working you.

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Efrion Smith

Offering therapy in MI
License: LMSW, MBA
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am a Master Level Clinical Practice Licensed Social Worker in the State of Michigan. I have been Clinically licensed for the past 21 years. My experience has ranged from counseling to program management including in-home and office based services. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, mood disorders, military-related issues, gender identity related issues and people who have experienced all forms of trauma. I obtained my BS in Social Work in 1997 from Prairie View A&M University. I obtained my MSW in 1998 from The University of Michigan School of Social Work. I have worked in many clinical settings including nonprofits and hospitals. I have experience in counseling couples, individuals (adults and children) and facilitating groups. I have received specialized training Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D). My therapeutic approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, spiritual-based therapy, goal-directed therapy, solution focused therapy and reality-based therapies. I ultimately believe that we partner in the therapeutic relationship to make progress. My goal is to help individuals recognize the power that they have in their mental health recovery.

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Solimar Mattei-Welch

Offering therapy in MI
License: LMSW
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
27 years of experience

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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karenna Langmesser

Offering therapy in MI
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Michigan with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, and issues related to self awareness, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I am experienced in working through issues related to a variety of emotional challenges, as well as relationships and 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!

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Katie Estelle

Offering therapy in MI
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

Hello! I am licensed therapist in Michigan with 11 years of social work, the last 3 of which have been in school-based and individual therapy work. I have a private practice in Michigan, Eunoia Therapy Collective, in which I support individuals and couples through changes related to pregnancy, loss, transitions, trauma, parenting, and through parts work. 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. 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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Justin Kuhl

Offering therapy in MI
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Michigan with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, anger management, & depression. I am a licensed and ordained pastor in the Missionary Church denomination. I believe in the authority of scripture and believe that God's word gives us everything we need to find spiritual and mental peace and health. I use counseling techniques to help communicate those truths and bring your life in line with traditional scriptural Christian beliefs. It takes courage to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to help you find Strength for today and Hope for tomorrow.

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Ryan Porter

Offering therapy in MI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Michigan with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Norton Shores

Finding the best therapist close by in Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores. 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 Norton Shores, 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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores, 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 Norton Shores area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores, 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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores, 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.

Norton Shores 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Norton Shores.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Norton Shores:

49441, 49444

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