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

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 specialize in working with adult survivors of childhood abuse, neglect, dysfunctional family systems, PTSD, Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), attachment wounds, disenfranchised grief (visit twodoveswellness.com for an explanation of this) and loss-related grief. I use an eclectic approach of various modalities with an emphasis on psychoeducation, somatic experiencing and Polyvagal theory. You will befriend your nervous system. I am an Attachment Trauma Treatment Specialist licensed in Michigan, Texas and Alabama. Together, we work to better understand how past experiences may still be impacting present-day emotions, relationships, and patterns of behavior.

I provide telehealth therapy for adults in Michigan, Texas and Alabama. Commercial Insurance and Private pay only.

Are you finding it hard to navigate everyday life? Are your relationships suffering? If you answered “yes” to these questions, please know you CAN live a different life. Relationship issues, trauma, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, and many other problems are challenging, to say the least. Therapy provides a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, learn coping strategies, and improve your relationships. You do not have to go it alone when therapy is available.

"Hi there! I'm Sarah a compassionate therapist who’s passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. I work with clients on a variety of issues, from anxiety and stress to relationship struggles and trauma, and I aim to create a comfortable space for open conversation. Together, we'll explore your unique situation and work toward meaningful change in a way that feels right for you."

Marriage and Family Therapist and AAMFT Approved Supervisor with over 15 years of combined experience in individual, couples, conjoint, family, and group psychotherapy across outpatient, inpatient, in-home, and community mental health settings. Proficient in DSM-based assessment, evidence-based treatment planning, crisis intervention, and suicidal/homicidal risk management. I bring with me a working knowledge of human development, family and system interaction. I am committed to culturally competent, trauma-informed care. I hold a PhD in Family Therapy and I am licensed in Texas, New York, Oklahoma, and Michigan.