Oak Park is a suburb of Detroit in the state of Michigan and it is nicknamed the “Family City.” The city is dedicated to community, culture, and commerce, with a farmer’s market, community center, putt putt golf course, 10 city parks, and many other amenities to bring the community together. 

Having a close community is great for family living and as they say, “it takes a village to raise a child.” This means that having a close-knit community with people who care about everyone else is an excellent way to raise your children. Sometimes, you may have difficulty raising your child due to emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorders. In Oak Park, there are many trained therapists with experience in this and other mental health issues. 

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Robin Johnson

Offering therapy in MI
License: LMSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

There are times in our life where we reach a point that we realize something may not be manageable anymore or has gotten bigger than we anticipated. Often people may be feeling stuck or out of control. Whether it's improving your mood, setting boundaries with others, adjusting to a new phase of life, exploring past trauma or your substance use coming into therapy is taking the first step to implementing change. Therapy provides a safe space where you can explore what is going on and challenge yourself. You oversee your therapy and I follow your lead. I am there to guide you. We will go through the process together. My style is direct and transparent. I try to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere using respect, empathy, humor, compassion and confrontation. I utilize a combination of traditional and alternative treatment techniques. Therapies offered: DBT based skills, emotion regulation, healthy relationship skills, coping skills, CBT, spirituality, talk therapy, client centered therapy, grounding, anchoring and relaxation techniques. My hours of availability are mainly M-F during the day. If you have other needs we can discuss this and possibly work something out. I am available for "chat sessions" on some evenings or weekends. The issues and my specialty areas are but not limited to: • Anger Management • Anxiety • Bipolar Disorder • Borderline Personality • Coping Skills • Divorce • Domestic Violence/Abuse • Grief • Internet Addiction • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) • Relationship Issues • Self Esteem • Self-Harming • Sexual Abuse • Spirituality • Trauma • Women's Issues Mental Health • Mood Disorders Sexuality • Bisexual • Gay • Lesbian Qualifications • Years in therapy / Practice: 13 Years • School: Eastern Michigan University • Year Graduated: 1999 • License and State: LMSW Michigan, LICSW Massachusetts

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Shawna Boomgaard

Offering therapy in MI
License: LMSW,Ed.S. ,ACTP
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

ABOUT ME Hello! My name is Shawna and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Advanced Certified Trauma Practitioner with over fifteen years of experience providing therapy services. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings including: educational settings, intensive outpatient care, managing a private practice and organizations. I work with clients affected by depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma and relationship challenges from individual, group and family work. Originally from Seattle, I moved to Detroit, MI to continue my education and raise a family. I received my graduate degree in Clinical Social Work at Wayne State University in Detroit and my Educational Specialist post-graduate degree in Educational Leadership at Oakland University where I am currently a student in the PhD. program. My approach to therapy is client centered: clients are the experts on their lives and determine the direction and depth of therapy. Through a strengths-based and solutions-focused lens, I draw on multiple treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths and developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I assist clients in exploring relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to aid in discovering dysfunctional thought patterns leading to self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I support clients through developing skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation with the goal of moving clients towards a life involving the capacity for experiencing joy and freedom. Outside of my work as a therapist, I practice mindfulness to help me maintain balance. I also enjoy reading, biking and spending time with my family and pets traveling. SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes Also experienced in: Addictions , LGBT , Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Intimacy-related issues , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , ADHD Years of Experience: 15

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Carri Griffin

Offering therapy in MI
License: LMSW,CSSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical and Macro-Level Social Worker with a School Social Work certification. I have over 20 years of experience working as a school social worker and therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, with a special focus on educational disabilities, cognitive processing issues, trauma and loss, and ADHD. I am very interested in the mind-body connection and the importance of developing autonomy, self-esteem, and healthy coping skills in order to live a healthy lifestyle. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I consider the client/therapist relationship to be the most important thing in counseling. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines trauma-focused, solution-focused, and motivational interviewing counseling styles. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe that everyone would benefit from engaging in the therapeutic process at one point or another in their life to support our navigation through the ever-changing and complex landscape of being a human in your own environment. I believe our interconnection to the people, systems, and communities that we interact with is similar to throwing a pebble into a pond, with tiny ripple effects all around us. We can't control the way other people act and feel but we do have the ability to identify and reflect upon what we have control over and develop concrete action plans to support better mental health.

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Dana Nagelkirk

Offering therapy in MI
License: LMSW
Stress, AnxietyBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am a licensed social worker with 4 years experience working in the mental health field. I worked 3 years as a case manager in the field of community mental health working adults with severe mental illness. I also having experience working as a therapist serving adults with severe mental illness and assisting clients in developing skills to help them better manage their symptoms. I have experience working with client's diagnosed with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Post traumatic stress disorder, Schizoaffective disorder, and others. I have also have experience assisting clients process and cope with life stressors such as coping with loss, navigating stressors of homelessness, coping with long term disabilities, and more. I have also completed an educational certificate in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy and specialized in trauma across the life span in my graduate level studies. When I was completing my MSW internship, I worked with foster care children processing trauma. I utilized play therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help them build skills for managing symptoms and processing events from their past. I enjoy working with children and adults in the counseling setting and have experience working with children and adults from a variety of backgrounds. My counseling style is warm, easy going, and I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I have a gentle spirit and strive to create a counseling environment where my clients feel safe, welcomed, and secure. I enjoy using cognitive behavioral approaches in counseling and also have experience with Motivational Interviewing and trauma-focused therapy. I strive to tailor the treatment plan and goals to meet your unique and specific needs. Everyone is different and finds different things beneficial. I also am a Christian and my faith in God is the center of my life. I think there is a lot of wisdom found in the Word of God that can be applied to the therapy setting and utilized as a strength and asset in the therapeutic process. I also enjoy reading nonfiction Christian books focusing on topics such as anxiety, depression, the power of our thoughts, forgiveness, and others. I enjoy utilizing these things along with scriptures and prayer as a tool when it is appropriate and desired by the client. If clients desire, I would love to find ways to incorporate this into the therapy setting. I understand everyone has a different view on faith so I am respectful if people do not want this incorporated into sessions. It takes courage to seek help and I understand it is not always easy. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Heather McCracken

Offering therapy in MI
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
3 years of experience

Struggling on ones own to solve a problem can feel daunting and insurmountable. As your therapist, I will work alongside you to bring support, perspective and hope. I have a Christian background that I bring into my work with individuals. I have worked inside jails as well as my private practice office. No matter where you are in life, I believe recovery is possible. I have over 25 years of experience working with folks and their mental health issues. These issues include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, stress related issues, adjustment disorders and grief and loss. I consider it a privilege to be allowed into a persons vulnerability as we work on their issue. At some point on our lives, most of us need a non judgmental place to share their deepest emotional issues and be heard. Please allow me to provide this space for you.

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Sara Rietsch

Offering therapy in MI
License: MS,LPC,CAADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 5 years of experience working with individuals in multiple treatment settings. Clients who have worked with me were experiencing a wide range of circumstances including addiction, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, gender and sexuality and life change challenges. My counseling style is person-centered and inclusive. I incorporate techniques from cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, existential and humanistic approaches. My goal is to provide a safe space for clients to access their own inner wisdom and support them on the path they want to follow. Treatment is individualized and designed around each person's unique needs and goals.

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Mark Olexa

Offering therapy in MI
License: MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
38 years of experience

My therapy experience is working with life concerns regarding personal growth, spiritual growth, relationships, emotions, behaviors, mood swings, addictions or life controlling issues. My therapy style is a blend of motivational counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy and reality therapy depending on the needs of the client. Techniques include individual counseling (talk therapy), substance use disorder recovery planning and relapse prevention skills, facilitation of decision-making and goal setting. In addition, homework exercises maybe given as needed. If there are any significant legal, financial, medical or other areas outside of my expertise, I will refer you to the appropriate independent professional.

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Esther Steinberg

Offering therapy in MI
License: LMSW
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in Michigan with experience providing therapy and counseling in both mental health and school settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family issues, parenting problems, and body image issues. My therapy style is characterized by a warm, close working partnership between myself and my clients. My approach combines psychodynamic, client-centered and cognitive-behavioral therapies. We will work together to tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Lynn Craig

Offering therapy in MI
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience working with children, teens, adults and their families in a wide range of settings. I have worked in healthcare, schools, residential settings, and social service organizations. You could say I have "been there and done that". It has been my honor to partner with many people over the years to help them make positive changes in their lives. I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals and that we all have times in our lives when we need to join with others to make course corrections, learn new skills, and work toward a better quality of life. I tailor my integrative therapy based on the unique strengths and needs of each client. I do have a strong foundation in humanistic and client centered theory, meaning I believe that the client guides the direction of therapy and that you are the expert in you. I come from a strengths based perspective and I believe in building upon the positives to learn new skills, strategies and increase insight. I use techniques from a wide variety of therapies including cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, psychodynamic, and person centered with the ultimate goal of finding what works for each individual. I believe that it is important to work together toward the self identified goals and to see progress as soon as possible, because that is what keeps people engaged in the process. I respect that it is a commitment, of both time and resources., and it is important to see results. I look forward to talking with you and learning how we might be able to partner together to improve your quality of life.

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This is Lolitia Medley's avatar and link to their profile

Lolitia Medley

Offering therapy in MI
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am Licensed Professional Counselor with 5 years of work practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, low motivation, low self esteem, and low confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Oak Park

Finding the best therapist close by in Oak Park can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Oak Park. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Oak Park, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Oak Park or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Oak Park area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Oak Park, elsewhere in Oakland, or in the greater state of Michigan.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Oak Park area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Oak Park therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Oak Park due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Oak Park may not take health insurance, some in the state of Michigan may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Michigan you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Oak Park, Michigan working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Oak Park above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Oak Park helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Oak Park therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Oak Park therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Oak Park therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in MI, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 48237 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Oak Park counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Oak Park licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Oak Park, Michigan can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Oak Park has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Oak Park.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Oak Park:

48237

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