Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Grand Rapids, MI covered by Cigna

I've spent 30 years working in some of the harder corners of mental health — public mental health systems, behavioral health leadership, substance use treatment — and what I've carried forward from all of it is this: people heal when they feel genuinely seen. Not processed. Not managed. Seen.I work with adults, adolescents, and seniors who are navigating grief, addiction, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, and sometimes the particular weight that comes with illness, loss, and end-of-life experiences — their own or someone they love. I'm a licensed professional counselor in Michigan with dual master's degrees and advanced training in CBT, trauma-focused therapy, ACT, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.My approach is practical in the truest sense of that word: I'm here to help you develop skills you can actually use, not just insight that stays in the room. And I take whatever time we need to make sure the work actually fits your life, not just a textbook version of your situation.

Hi, my name is Melissa and I am a Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience providing therapy to adolescents and adults ages 12 and older. My practice is rooted in trauma-informed care and utilizes evidence-based approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients process experiences, reduce distress, and move toward meaningful change. I am also inquisitive and a conversationalist.

I partner with people experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction related coping and life transitions to identify and reach their goals. I am dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTQ+ and broader community and am committed to creating a safe, accepting and supportive environment for those I partner with.

We are all travelers in this lifetime. Everyone is traveling to the same destination, but all benefit from a guide/professional support. I pass no judgment, I only meet people where they are at and where they wish to be. Let's get you to where you wish to be. I do encourage holistic and alternative methods to get to your goals, but am not against traditional approaches and in fact combining clinical with alternative have proven to have the best outcomes. Be prepared to put in the work. There will be homework, and it will be challenging. It could in fact be the most difficult thing that you do, but it is in your best interest.

As a licensed master social worker and board-certified chaplain, I believe prioritizing mental health and spiritual care is key to whole health and total well-being and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the most difficult decisions you'll ever make, so congratulations on taking that first step! My current focus is working with clients dealing with substance abuse, mental health, and marriage and family issues.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, I believe that therapy is your space, shaped by what you need right now.

With 13+ years of experience in community mental health, residential treatment, and inpatient psychiatry, I provide therapy and parent coaching to:

• Children (5 years and older) & Families
• Young Adults & Adults
• Parents & Caregivers

I work alongside individuals navigating hard moments—especially those who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or powerless. Often, the people I work with are themselves experiencing or have a loved one impacted by:

• major life stress or conflict at home or school/work
• trauma
• grief and loss
• depression
• anxiety
• psychosis
• mania
• substance use

You are the expert on your own life and your own healing. My role is to meet you where you are and walk with you on your path, sometimes guiding, sometimes following, but mostly walking side-by-side.