In life, it can feel like you're standing amongst a crowd of spectators. Everything you do is under scrutiny, and you have no idea how you're going to put on your show. When you naturally feel anxious or depressed, you need to act fast. One person who can help you is a counselor based in Pontiac. 

Pontiac was known for its stadium, which was demolished in 2017. A counselor can demolish the crowd around you and allow you to improve yourself in a discreet manner. If you want some privacy, speak to a counselor today. You can improve yourself and be ready to perform again.

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Samantha Eisenhart-Petkovski

Offering therapy in MI
License: MA,LPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Michigan and Texas. Additionally, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. I have comprehensive and extensive experience working with adults, adolescents, children and families in both individual and group settings. Some of the clinical issues that I have the most experience with in include: depression and anxiety, parenting matters, anger/stress management in addition to trauma and women's health issues and mood instability. I believe that every individual has the necessary tools to enhance their lives and it is my responsibility as a therapist to help my clients learn how to use their tools effectively. I believe that establishing a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients is essential and primary. I believe having a good connection helps to facilitate effective counseling and provides the best outcomes. In therapy, I am supportive, empathetic, compassionate and am present in times of both struggle and success. I believe that therapy must be individualized to meet your needs and strive meet each individual where they are in their therapeutic journey and actively listen and respect where they would like to see themselves in the future as part of the therapeutic process. Collaboration with individuals on their treatment goals is a fundamental priority and I encourage open communication regarding what therapeutic techniques and approaches work best for the person with an emphasis on individual strengths to ensure the best therapeutic experience. My counseling style is individualized strength-based, rooted in cognitive-behavioral and solution focused methodologies. Identifying one's strengths and effective coping skills that can be used to help work through identified treatment issues is an essential component of my therapeutic approach. I believe you are the expert and it is my responsibility to help you realize your full capacity to better navigate life's journey. I truly value and approach each individual therapeutic relationship fully and empathize with the different spectrum of emotions that a client may experience during the course of treatment. I firmly believe each individual has the ability and strength to overcome their struggles, but that sometimes having additional support in the form of therapy can assist one to better identify and recognize the skills, strategies and strengths they already possess. It takes courage in making the first step to creating a healthier and happier you and I would be truly honored to assist you in your journey! I look forward to speaking with you soon! Warm Regards, Samantha

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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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Dr. Patricia Frueh

Offering therapy in MI
License: PsyD,LP
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
28 years of experience

Hi, my name is Dr. Patricia Frueh, (my friends and clients call me Pat), and I am a clinical psychologist licensed in Michigan with over 25 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. As a therapist, I believe our relationship is key in helping you, so you will find that I have a warm and respectful style, often seeing the humor in things. I want our work together to be a safe place where you feel comfortable voicing whatever you need to say. I listen, too, for your strengths and natural resilience, believing that those perspectives sometimes get lost when you're suffering. I have worked with clients who have expressed a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems and habit challenges. I have helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse too. I incorporate many aspects of positive psychology in my approach, as well as psychology research about happiness. Depending on your needs, I may incorporate cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and trauma-informed counseling approaches. I am also a Certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher, so I may use ACT and/or DBT interventions, (both incorporate mindfulness). I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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 and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Trinity Collins-Justian

Offering therapy in MI
License: LMSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Greetings! My name is Trinity Collins-Justian. I am a Licensed Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of Michigan with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, families, and couples. I am dedicated to exploring your strengths as you become the very best version of yourself. Clients have come to me for assistance with a wide range of concerns including depression and anxiety, grief and loss, caregiver stress, acceptance of physical illness, and estranged relationships. I have also had the privilege of supporting people during their end of life journey, as well as caregivers and survivors after a death. My counseling style is warm and comforting, as well as empowering, with humor thrown in for good measure. I use active listening and reassurance as you share your story, and I am committed to developing a comforting and safe therapeutic space where you can feel open to share. I understand change is hard, and you are the expert in you. There may be tears at times, there may even be anger but there will also be laughter, light, and positivity. My approach combines client-centered, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapies. I meet you where you are, and together we will create a plan to help you reach your therapy goals. I will use every tool in my toolbox to help you succeed. Therapy is your time to work on your needs, and having a trained person to help guide you along is the best way to achieve success. I look forward to talking with you and being part of your growth.

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Courtney Paladino

Offering therapy in MI
License: LMSW,CCTP
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker in Michigan and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I have experience working with adults, adolescents, and children both in individual and group settings. I also have experience working with couples and families. I have worked in Behavioral Health for 15 years, including outpatient mental health, substance use, prisoner re-entry, private practice and veterans. Some clinical issues I have the most experience in include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, parenting issues, postpartum depression and stress management. My main focus in treatment is establishing a therapeutic relationship with the person first and foremost as I believe having a good connection helps facilitate effective counseling and provides the best outcomes. I am supportive, compassionate, and present with individuals both in difficult times as well as times of achievement and growth. I make sure to meet each individual where they are at and actively listen to and respect where they would like to see themselves in the future through therapy. I believe in working collaboratively with individuals on their treatment goals is a top priority throughout treatment. I encourage open communication when discussing therapeutic techniques and approaches that work best for the person so as to ensure the best therapeutic experience. My counseling style combines client centered, cognitive-behavioral, trauma focused and solution-focused approaches to help individuals achieve their goals. We will work on your strengths and coping skills that can be used to help work through various issues that you may be experiencing. I value all individual therapeutic relationships and fully empathize with the different emotions a client may experience throughout treatment. I believe that each individual has the ability to overcome any issue or barrier but that sometimes having additional support through therapy can help one to better gain and utilize the coping skills and strengths they have already learned. . Taking steps in creating a happier and healthier you can be a big change and I would be honored to help you in your journey!

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Christine Badour

Offering therapy in MI
License: LMSW,CAADC-DP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorder
4 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Michigan with over 4 years of experience working as a clinical therapist and intervention specialist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, communication concerns, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, career challenges, ADHD, trauma, and PTSD. I also have helped many people who struggle with addiction including, but not limited to, substance use. My therapy style is warm, engaging, and person-centered. I believe you are the expert on yourself and my role in this therapeutic relationship is to support you. Each client has their own individual characteristics and I utilize a variety of approaches to tailor a unique plan with each client. My practice theories include; cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, mindfulness, strength-based, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, attachment theory, and didactic. The approach I take towards the therapeutic relationship is heavy with compassion, supportive like a friendship, filled to the brim with positive regard for you, and desire for you achieve the absolute best things out of life. "Compassion is not a relationship between a healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our darkness well, can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity." -- Pema Chödrön I am here to support and encourage you. I look forward to working together!

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Jeanette Haitaian

Offering therapy in MI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

Are you struggling with balancing your emotions in relationships, at work, or in everyday activities? Are sadness, anxiety, or loneliness a result? My primary focus is centered upon embracing one's inherent strengths while eliminating toxic behaviors and thoughts. This process aids individuals in building stronger and more powerful relationships with themselves and others, as well as fosters greater life satisfaction. I have had extensive training in Relationship Issues, Toxic Relationships, Toxic Friendships, Divorce, Stepfamilies, Postpartum Depression, Grief Therapy, Forgiveness Therapy, Anxiety and Depression, Coping Skills training, Low Self Worth, Low Self Confidence, Self-Love, and more. Current and previous clients have stated that I am "easy to talk to", "non-intimidating", "warm", "insightful", and "accepting." My mission is to help individuals, couples, and families in crisis, as well as assist them in discovering lasting peace, healing, and serenity through therapeutic avenues. I help to restore a healthy life balance through unique, individualized therapies focused on one's physical, mental, and emotional strengths.

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Erica Koelzer

Offering therapy in MI
License: LMSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

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, & depression. 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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Jeffrey Haddock

Offering therapy in MI
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
13 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Michigan with over 13 years of professional work experience. I have been trained in and utilize a number of different orientations and modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, clinical hypnosis, and other trauma and attachment-based therapies. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Luwanda Boyer

Offering therapy in MI
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Michigan with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

How to find counseling in Pontiac

Finding the best therapist close by in Pontiac 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 Pontiac. 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 Pontiac, 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac, elsewhere in Oakland, 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 Pontiac area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac, 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 48343 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac, 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.

Pontiac 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 Pontiac.

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

48340, 48341, 48342, 48343

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