Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Ypsilanti, 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 genuinely care about their journey and understand that healing isn’t always linear. I combine compassion with clinical expertise to help individuals feel understood, supported, and confident in reaching their goals. Whether we’re managing anxiety, mood changes, or life transitions, I’m here to walk alongside you at your own pace

I hope my clients upon meeting me see that I am warm and welcoming and patient with their concerns and needs.

I hope they feel safe knowing I have 30 years in the field and will assist them in their journey with appropriate approaches to assist in reduction of symptoms and or learning more about who they are so they can navigate their life with better skills

Emotional exhaustion can look like functioning.

You may be the person others depend on while quietly feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from yourself. At Milton’s Place Counseling, therapy offers a supportive space to slow down, process what you are carrying, and identify practical next steps. I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and major life transitions. You do not have to wait until you are in crisis to seek support.

If anxiety, depression, grief, or ongoing stress are making daily life feel harder, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I work with adolescents, adults, and families who feel overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Many parents seek support when they notice changes in their teen’s mood, behavior, school functioning, or communication, while adults often come to therapy feeling exhausted, disconnected, or weighed down by life transitions and relationship stress.

Welcome to this courageous journey! If you’ve found your way here—even with hesitation or uncertainty—you’ve already taken a powerful first step: listening to the part of you that longs for healing, clarity, and growth. That alone is an act of strength. You don’t have to walk this path alone. I’m here to walk beside you—as a steady companion—through the valleys and the victories, the questions and the breakthroughs. Together, we’ll create space for your story, your healing, and your becoming.

I hold an MA and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Boston College and Indiana State University, where I received extensive training in multiculturalism and trauma-informed care. Over the past years, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of clinical settings—including university counseling centers and community mental health agencies—supporting individuals from all walks of life. I am a certified EMDR therapist and an approved consultant of the EMDRIA.

Welcome—I’m glad you’re here. Choosing to seek support is an act of courage, and your future self will thank you for showing yourself kindness today. My name is Renee. I graduated from University of Southern California School of Social Work in 2014. I specialize in working with individuals carrying the weight of significant trauma, addictions, unresolved grief, and painful life experiences that can feel isolating or overwhelming. I support those who struggle with trust after unhealthy relationships, major life transitions, or who have turned to alcohol or other substances to cope with emotional pain.

I also work with individuals healing from addiction, substance use, and mental health challenges, and I have experience supporting military families as they navigate the unique barriers of having a loved one in the military, as well as serving Veterans. My goal is to offer a supportive space for healing, connection, and meaningful change.

Hello!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (state of MI) and Psychotherapist. I work as an in-person psychotherapist in California at the federal level. I currently am able to offer virtual mental health therapy sessions to Michigan residents through Headway as well. I refuse to give up my Michigan roots. I love my home state!

I am a graduate from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor for my undergraduate (BA in Brain, Behavior and Cognitive Science) and graduate (Master of Social Work) education. Go blue! I accept Spartans as clients too, don't worry. (Go green! Go white! 😀)

I have over a decade of experience in trauma work, grief, depression, managing psychosocial stress, anxiety, building self-esteem, helping people set boundaries with themselves and others, learn how to own their own space in this ever-evolving world, and so much more!

I believe a diagnosis is only a part of a person NOT the person's entire identity. The truth is, we all have problems, some are just better at hiding them. So, no judgement here. You deserve to feel loved, respected, and appreciated by others, but above all else, by yourself.

Tell me how I can help and if you don't know, let's figure it out together.

***Private Pay Clients please email me directly at [email protected] if unable to schedule using Headway***