Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Kalamazoo, MI

I am passionate about empowering people to change their lives for the better. I strive to build a genuine and empathic relationship, free of judgment with clients, while working as a team to achieve your goals. I work to empower you on your journey while increasing self-awareness

At EZTelePsych.com We are growing team of Psychiatric Mental Health Providers. Available 7 Days a week to care for your needs. Treating various mental health conditions, depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, and other mental conditions. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I provide compassionate care to children, adolescents, and adults using evidence- based, and holistic approach.

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.

I’m a therapist who believes in creating a safe, judgment-free space where you can be yourself. I earned my Master’s degree from Western Michigan University and have 7 years of experience in addiction counseling, supporting individuals through recovery and life’s challenges. I’m also trained in EMDR, which helps people process and heal from trauma. My approach is down to earth and focused on giving you practical tools you can use in your everyday life. You don’t have to go through things alone.

Welcome! My name is Jennifer, and I am the founder of Strides for Empowerment. While I have been practicing within the clinical mental health field for the past three years, my journey within the human services and the helping field spans over 21 years. I am dedicated to creating a warm, judgement-free space where you feel heard.

Education & Background

I earned my Master of Arts (MA) in counseling from Oakland University. Beyond traditional therapy setting I have extensive background in working with mandated clients. I also hold a nationally renowned certificate from the National Anger Management Association (NAMA) as a Certified Parent Teacher Specialist.

Clinical Specialties

Throughout my career, I have developed deep expertise in helping individuals navigate complex life challenges.

My core areas of specialty include:

Trauma, anxiety and stress management, depression and mood support, substance use and addiction recovery and co-occurring disorders (meaning mental health and substance use simultaneously).

Whether you are looking to heal from past trauma, manage daily anxiety, or navigate a difficult life transition, we will work together at your own pace to build the tools you need one stride at a time. I look forward to connecting with you.

Taking the step to seek support isn’t easy, and I want to honor the courage it takes to be here. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Life Coach, and retired Army veteran who believes caring for your mental health is essential to living a balanced, fulfilling life. I’m passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves. I work with teens and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or major life transitions, and I strive to meet you with respect, compassion, and understanding.

For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they work toward healing, growth, and change. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, and Substance Abuse Professional, I bring both deep clinical knowledge and a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to therapy.

I specialize in helping clients navigate life’s most personal challenges—including relationship and intimacy concerns, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, and mental health struggles. I also provide substance abuse treatment, DOT/SAP evaluations, and recovery support using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Reality Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, the Duluth Model, and the Matrix Model.

I have a special commitment to serving Black communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people living with HIV, re-entry populations, sex workers, and youth facing challenges. I understand how personal, cultural, and systemic factors shape each person’s story, and I create a safe, affirming space where clients feel truly seen and heard.

In our sessions, you can expect a respectful, judgment-free environment where your voice matters. I believe therapy works best as a partnership—we’ll set goals together, explore what’s holding you back, and develop practical strategies you can use in daily life a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific issue or simply want to invest in your personal growth, I’m here to help you take that next step.

I have over 20 years of working with diverse populations. I enjoy building relationships with my clients that focuses on your strengths, identify barriers to your goals and help you navigate ways to get to where you want to be. I use an evidence based holistic approach that is client-centered. Whether you’re wanting to focus on your sexual health, addictions, sexual assault, domestic violence, grief, loss, raising children, you name it! I have successfully supported hundreds of folks who want to live their best life on their terms! Give me a call today and you’ll see why clients say, “I'm the BEST at helping you get there!”