Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Detroit, MI covered by Aetna

For me, I aim to help others transform their lives through compassionate, personalized care (with plenty of humor along the way). I specialize in working with people of color, student-athletes, and those who are neurodivergent. If you’re neurodivergent and reading this, you’ve finally found someone who specializes in and deeply understands your unique perspective. Whether seeking clarity on behaviors, understanding how you interpret the world, or navigating challenges, I am here to help.

I have worked as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for over 8 years in a variety of settings ranging from trauma, impact of addictions on mental and emotional wellbeing, to relationship issues and more. I tend to be laid back and easily approached with no judgement, no criticism and no assumptions.

Across my clinical and human services work, I have developed a calm, steady approach to helping people move through dificult seasons. I am a member of the counseling team at my church. I have worked with individuals afected by trauma, domestic violence, abuse, neglect, and family stress. Through my work experience, I am able to create supportive environments where clients feel heard, respected, and guided toward practical next steps. My experience has strengthened my ability to build trust quickly, communicate with care, and respond thoughtfully in high-stress situations. I am comfortable working with diverse needs and backgrounds while maintaining boundaries,confidentiality, and a client-centered focus.

Are you ready to make a change? I can help you with life transitions, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and getting unstuck. You can expect increased clarity, confidence, and hope as you move toward a fuller life.

Before becoming a counselor, I worked as a deputy sheriff, firefighter, EMT, 911 dispatcher, and U.S. Navy Reserve member. That background shapes how I show up in sessions: direct, practical, and without judgment. I pursued counseling because I found I was genuinely good at helping people feel better, and I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, relationships, grief, and difficult life decisions. If you have been waiting to talk to someone, I am glad you are here.

Hello, and welcome. My name is Jessica Banford, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker / Clinical Social Worker with experience providing support in both emergency and outpatient mental health settings. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and practical tools for change. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University and my professional background includes working in hospital emergency departments, where I have completed behavioral health assessments, crisis intervention, and care coordination for individuals experiencing acute mental health concerns. This experience has strengthened my ability to remain calm, supportive, and solution-focused during difficult moments. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, emotional dysregulation, and life stressors such as relationship difficulties, financial stress, and transitions. I also worked a outpatient community health center providing therapy to all populations including all ages. I also have experience supporting adolescents and young adults, as well as collaborating with families and support systems. My approach to therapy is client-centered and strengths-based. I often incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), focusing on building coping skills, improving emotional regulation, and increasing overall resilience. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, respected, and supported. I look forward to working together to help you reach your goals and improve your overall well-being.

I've been a listener my whole life — since I was a teenager, long before I had any clinical training, I learned that the most powerful thing one person can do for another is to genuinely pay attention. That hasn't changed. What has changed is that now I have the tools, training, and experience to help that attention lead somewhere. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Michigan. I work with individuals, families, couples, and children — and I see clients across the state through telehealth. I'm trained in a range of approaches including CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Bowen Family Systems, which means I can adapt to what actually fits you — not just apply a template. I'm also comfortable holding faith and spirituality as part of your story if that's relevant for you. I'm not a "Christian therapist" in a prescriptive sense, but I've spent years working as a chaplain and I understand how much a person's spiritual framework shapes how they see themselves and the world. That's a welcome part of the conversation here.

You may look like you are holding everything together while feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted underneath. I work with adults navigating trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use and recovery, co-occurring concerns, and difficult life transitions.

With 19 years of behavioral health experience, I bring extensive experience in addiction and recovery and am trained in EMDR through the Francine Shapiro EMDR Institute. I understand that people are more than a diagnosis and that the ways we learn to cope often make sense in the context of what we have lived through—even when those same patterns are no longer helping us today.

My style is warm, genuine, and direct. I offer a nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard while also doing meaningful work toward change. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and I tailor therapy to your needs, goals, strengths, and readiness.

I offer IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS in Goodyear, Arizona, serving the West Valley, as well as virtual therapy throughout Arizona, Wisconsin, Colorado, Michigan, Florida, and New Jersey.

I am a board-certified PMHNP with extensive experience in the field of mental health. With a comprehensive background spanning child and adult inpatient and outpatient settings, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise into practice. Committed to providing holistic and compassionate care. I combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy to address the unique needs of each patient.

My career began in 1997 as an AmeriCorps member working in harm reduction during the peak of new HIV infections. Since then, I've held many roles as a proud social worker. I have been a therapist for 18 years, with extensive training & experience in harm reduction therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. I have lived experience with mental health challenges and treatment

I have worked and lived in:

• Charlotte, NC
• San Francisco
• Michigan
• Oahu, Hawaii

I work with clients to help them achieve the goals they have established for themselves. Everyone goes through rough times and sometimes we need some extra support from an outside entity to help us get through those times!