Therapists in Portage, MI
Gabriel Kangas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002 (Online Only)
Gabriel Kangas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience in mental health. He specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, children, and adolescents. He knows that every client is different—that's why his responses and approaches to therapy are diverse.
Gabriel Kangas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience in mental health. He specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, children, and adolescents. He knows that every client is different—that's why his responses and approaches to therapy are diverse.
Stephanie James
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002 (Online Only)
Stephanie “Stevie” James is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and she is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Stevie has treated patients from 7 to 60 plus years of age in the following areas: ADD/ADHD, addiction, anxiety, behavioral issues, career counseling, codependency, depression, infertility, marriage, mutism and panic disorders, pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum, relationship issues, OCD, PTSD, and trauma. Stevie received her Master of Arts in School Counseling from Eastern Michigan University and her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.
Stephanie “Stevie” James is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and she is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Stevie has treated patients from 7 to 60 plus years of age in the following areas: ADD/ADHD, addiction, anxiety, behavioral issues, career counseling, codependency, depression, infertility, marriage, mutism and panic disorders, pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum, relationship issues, OCD, PTSD, and trauma. Stevie received her Master of Arts in School Counseling from Eastern Michigan University and her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.
Chad Robert Westmaas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49002
Counseling is deeply personal and relational in nature. I strive to create a place of safety and hope for all those who would seek counseling with me. I work to maintain a trauma informed and multicultural practice; meaning that I understand and am sensitive to the effects of trauma as well as the impact that culture has on the lives of my clients. As such I endeavor to practice in a way that welcomes and embraces individuals from all different backgrounds.
Counseling is deeply personal and relational in nature. I strive to create a place of safety and hope for all those who would seek counseling with me. I work to maintain a trauma informed and multicultural practice; meaning that I understand and am sensitive to the effects of trauma as well as the impact that culture has on the lives of my clients. As such I endeavor to practice in a way that welcomes and embraces individuals from all different backgrounds.
Haili Gabris
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002
Haili Gabris is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 6 years of professional experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, health anxiety, selective mutism, and phobias. She has also worked with depression and trauma, which often presents themselves with other disorders. Haili graduated from Western Michigan University, earning her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology.
Haili Gabris is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 6 years of professional experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, health anxiety, selective mutism, and phobias. She has also worked with depression and trauma, which often presents themselves with other disorders. Haili graduated from Western Michigan University, earning her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology.
Heather Crampton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002
Heather Crampton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than 7 years of experience working with clients of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, races, and ethnicities in various settings. Her specialties include, but are not limited to all anxiety disorders, depression, personality disorders, substance abuse, working with anxious youth and positive youth development, helping veterans and others who suffer from PTSD. Heather graduated from Western Michigan University with a Master's degree in Counselor Education-Clinical Mental Health.
Heather Crampton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than 7 years of experience working with clients of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, races, and ethnicities in various settings. Her specialties include, but are not limited to all anxiety disorders, depression, personality disorders, substance abuse, working with anxious youth and positive youth development, helping veterans and others who suffer from PTSD. Heather graduated from Western Michigan University with a Master's degree in Counselor Education-Clinical Mental Health.
Paola Paquini
RN
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002
Paola Paquini is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2023. She obtained her MSN from West Coast University and a PMHNP from Purdue Global University. Paolo has more than 20 years nursing experience in Public Health working with vulnerable populations such a people experiencing homelessness and foster children. She recognizes that everyone's journey is unique, and therefore, tailors treatment plans to meet each individual's specific needs, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-discovery. Outside of work, Paolo enjoys spending time with family, nature, and her dog.
Paola Paquini is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2023. She obtained her MSN from West Coast University and a PMHNP from Purdue Global University. Paolo has more than 20 years nursing experience in Public Health working with vulnerable populations such a people experiencing homelessness and foster children. She recognizes that everyone's journey is unique, and therefore, tailors treatment plans to meet each individual's specific needs, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-discovery. Outside of work, Paolo enjoys spending time with family, nature, and her dog.
Rebecca Gage
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49024
I believe counseling is a place to learn and grow. I will use techniques that encourage clients to find the solutions to their dilemmas within themselves. We have the freedom to choose what directions our life takes and the responsibility to take control of that freedom. As the counselor, I don't have the answers to clients' problems but am a guide in the process that helps the client(s) take responsibility, action, and come to a resolution. I may assign small homework that will help you learn and reach your goals. Your happiness and well-being are my main concerns.
I believe counseling is a place to learn and grow. I will use techniques that encourage clients to find the solutions to their dilemmas within themselves. We have the freedom to choose what directions our life takes and the responsibility to take control of that freedom. As the counselor, I don't have the answers to clients' problems but am a guide in the process that helps the client(s) take responsibility, action, and come to a resolution. I may assign small homework that will help you learn and reach your goals. Your happiness and well-being are my main concerns.
Rachel Mills
Counselor, MA, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49002
Maybe you're experiencing prenatal anxiety or postpartum depression and aren't sure how to break the cycle. Maybe you want to recover from past trauma and grief with infertility, loss, birth trauma, or medical parenting and don't know where to begin. Maybe you just want to feel like yourself again since becoming a mom. No matter what challenges you face as you try to begin, grow, or support your family, I will provide a safe space for you to overcome them. I will be there to support you every step of the way as you find healing, hope, and wholeness.
Maybe you're experiencing prenatal anxiety or postpartum depression and aren't sure how to break the cycle. Maybe you want to recover from past trauma and grief with infertility, loss, birth trauma, or medical parenting and don't know where to begin. Maybe you just want to feel like yourself again since becoming a mom. No matter what challenges you face as you try to begin, grow, or support your family, I will provide a safe space for you to overcome them. I will be there to support you every step of the way as you find healing, hope, and wholeness.
Jillian Peyerk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002
Jillian Peyerk is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Michigan who has been practicing since 2016. She has a Master's in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. Jillian has years of experience with various populations. She is passionate about meeting a child or adult where they are in their life. Jillian is supportive and will utilize her skills, personal, and professional experience to assist individuals in becoming whom they want to be. Outside of work, Jillian enjoys painting, reading, learning, family activities, crafts, spending time with friends, listening to music, and traveling.
Jillian Peyerk is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Michigan who has been practicing since 2016. She has a Master's in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. Jillian has years of experience with various populations. She is passionate about meeting a child or adult where they are in their life. Jillian is supportive and will utilize her skills, personal, and professional experience to assist individuals in becoming whom they want to be. Outside of work, Jillian enjoys painting, reading, learning, family activities, crafts, spending time with friends, listening to music, and traveling.
Kari Vesey Wilcox
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LLP
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49024
Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Limited Licensed Psychologist. I have worked in the field for over 20 years and have a variety of experience across multiple clinical environments. I have special interests in adoption/child welfare, trauma, developmental differences, anxiety, depression, life adjustments, grief and loss, career coaching, co-parenting, to name a few. I work with kids/youth of all ages and adults, with a love for teenagers and young adults transitioning to independent life. I am well-versed in community resources and services. I can also provide outreach to school or home if appropriate and desired.
Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Limited Licensed Psychologist. I have worked in the field for over 20 years and have a variety of experience across multiple clinical environments. I have special interests in adoption/child welfare, trauma, developmental differences, anxiety, depression, life adjustments, grief and loss, career coaching, co-parenting, to name a few. I work with kids/youth of all ages and adults, with a love for teenagers and young adults transitioning to independent life. I am well-versed in community resources and services. I can also provide outreach to school or home if appropriate and desired.
David Lawrence
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49002
I focus on using evidenced based therapies in order to provide my clients with effective treatments for a variety of problems. My aim is to help clients to understand their personal values in life, to achieve their personal goals, and to overcome the barriers that interfere with living a values-based life. I personally believe that we are all doing the best we can, and that we can all benefit from having someone support us in making meaningful changes in our lives. I specialize in treatments for trauma, perfectionism, and treatment resistant anxiety and depression.
I focus on using evidenced based therapies in order to provide my clients with effective treatments for a variety of problems. My aim is to help clients to understand their personal values in life, to achieve their personal goals, and to overcome the barriers that interfere with living a values-based life. I personally believe that we are all doing the best we can, and that we can all benefit from having someone support us in making meaningful changes in our lives. I specialize in treatments for trauma, perfectionism, and treatment resistant anxiety and depression.
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Jamie Campeau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002
Jamie Campeau is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with over 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She enjoys working with all ages, ethnicities, and orientations. She has years of experience with stress management, trauma, grief and loss, postpartum depression, infertility challenges, anxiety, and depression.
Jamie Campeau is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with over 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She enjoys working with all ages, ethnicities, and orientations. She has years of experience with stress management, trauma, grief and loss, postpartum depression, infertility challenges, anxiety, and depression.
Travis Ericksen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49002
Courage is not the absence of fear. Rather, it is a mindset of moving forward despite the fear because something else is more important. You are reading this page because you already realized your wellbeing is more important than whatever emotions or challenges are trying to hold you back from your full potential. You taking this first step of seeking help is truly a courageous act and a sign of inner strength. As your counselor, I will help you develop a new mindset of courage and resilience to confidently face life’s challenges. My goal is to create a safe place for you to reevaluate your lived experiences, emotions, and thinking.
Courage is not the absence of fear. Rather, it is a mindset of moving forward despite the fear because something else is more important. You are reading this page because you already realized your wellbeing is more important than whatever emotions or challenges are trying to hold you back from your full potential. You taking this first step of seeking help is truly a courageous act and a sign of inner strength. As your counselor, I will help you develop a new mindset of courage and resilience to confidently face life’s challenges. My goal is to create a safe place for you to reevaluate your lived experiences, emotions, and thinking.
Sarah Hayes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, IMH-E®, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002
Are you a parent who constantly feels worried, irritated, exhausted, or like you’ve lost yourself a bit? Maybe struggling with a difficult pregnancy, or with raising little ones? Perhaps you’re just feeling overwhelmed in general, doing all you can to get by each day. Certain seasons of life can be hard! I promise you don’t have to go through it alone. Your mental health matters, and you deserve a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. While working together we can talk about life changes, coping with stress, improving your relationships, reconnecting with yourself, processing past trauma - whatever matters most to you!
Are you a parent who constantly feels worried, irritated, exhausted, or like you’ve lost yourself a bit? Maybe struggling with a difficult pregnancy, or with raising little ones? Perhaps you’re just feeling overwhelmed in general, doing all you can to get by each day. Certain seasons of life can be hard! I promise you don’t have to go through it alone. Your mental health matters, and you deserve a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. While working together we can talk about life changes, coping with stress, improving your relationships, reconnecting with yourself, processing past trauma - whatever matters most to you!
Karen Jacobs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49002
Life is a journey! So many ups and downs. Whether you are going through a rough patch in life, need tools to help you grow, or just want someone to listen to what you are going through, I hope I can be that person for you. I will strive to be your safe place, be honest with you, encourage you, help you find your strengths, and help equip you for the life you live. I have several years of social work experience, many of them working with children and adolescents. Everything from pregnancy counseling and adoption, to working in the schools, to now being a therapist.
Life is a journey! So many ups and downs. Whether you are going through a rough patch in life, need tools to help you grow, or just want someone to listen to what you are going through, I hope I can be that person for you. I will strive to be your safe place, be honest with you, encourage you, help you find your strengths, and help equip you for the life you live. I have several years of social work experience, many of them working with children and adolescents. Everything from pregnancy counseling and adoption, to working in the schools, to now being a therapist.
Kara Applegate
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW-C, CFLE
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49024
Waitlist for new clients
I work with children, teens, and adults who have been through a traumatic experience, and other changes throughout life. I work to help you or your child process those changes, support the family system, and help regulate through those challenging behaviors. Through play, connection, and relationship building I use evidence-based practices to help support my clients where their needs are at.
I work with children, teens, and adults who have been through a traumatic experience, and other changes throughout life. I work to help you or your child process those changes, support the family system, and help regulate through those challenging behaviors. Through play, connection, and relationship building I use evidence-based practices to help support my clients where their needs are at.
Paula Shelner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, RPT
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49024
As a Registered Play Therapist, I specialize in children ages 4-12 years. I engage them with both therapeutic play, creative arts interventions and therapeutic games. When children and young adolescents come to therapy they need to feel safe and enjoy the experience while learning skills to improve how they feel. When families come to therapy, they look for guidance from an experienced therapist who will join with their family and help them navigate through their family issues. Depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, divorce, adoption and life adjustments are all issues that lead many children and families to seek specialized treatment.
As a Registered Play Therapist, I specialize in children ages 4-12 years. I engage them with both therapeutic play, creative arts interventions and therapeutic games. When children and young adolescents come to therapy they need to feel safe and enjoy the experience while learning skills to improve how they feel. When families come to therapy, they look for guidance from an experienced therapist who will join with their family and help them navigate through their family issues. Depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, divorce, adoption and life adjustments are all issues that lead many children and families to seek specialized treatment.
Jenny Buysse Career Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, GCDF, BCC
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49024
Are you confused, lost, overwhelmed, or anxious about your next steps? As a career counselor, I have over 19 years of experience counseling individuals who are facing major life transitions including career crossroads, job loss, underemployed, career dissatisfaction, relocation, anxiety, school issues, grief, and divorce. I help individuals who feel lost and overwhelmed about their lives and careers, create strategic plans toward career satisfaction. The anxiety and confusion created by major life transitions can be debilitating. My empathetic and compassionate nature helps individuals feel understood and find a focused path.
Are you confused, lost, overwhelmed, or anxious about your next steps? As a career counselor, I have over 19 years of experience counseling individuals who are facing major life transitions including career crossroads, job loss, underemployed, career dissatisfaction, relocation, anxiety, school issues, grief, and divorce. I help individuals who feel lost and overwhelmed about their lives and careers, create strategic plans toward career satisfaction. The anxiety and confusion created by major life transitions can be debilitating. My empathetic and compassionate nature helps individuals feel understood and find a focused path.
Cassie Watts
Licensed Professional Counselor, LLPC
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002
Cassie Watts is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Michigan. She has a passion for helping teens, adults, and seniors to navigate the complications that arise from depression, grief, parenting, self-esteem difficulties, and life transitional issues.
Cassie Watts is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Michigan. She has a passion for helping teens, adults, and seniors to navigate the complications that arise from depression, grief, parenting, self-esteem difficulties, and life transitional issues.
Lauren Fesler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49002
I strive to create an open space for you to share your story and be your authentic self. I will work to support you as you navigate your healing journey. You have the right to be heard, feel empowered, and have your beliefs acknowledged. I work off of the empowerment framework pulling techniques from different modalities to tailor sessions to clients’ specific needs
I strive to create an open space for you to share your story and be your authentic self. I will work to support you as you navigate your healing journey. You have the right to be heard, feel empowered, and have your beliefs acknowledged. I work off of the empowerment framework pulling techniques from different modalities to tailor sessions to clients’ specific needs
See more therapy options for Portage
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Portage, MI
200+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in Portage, MI who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
90% | Depression |
78% | Relationship Issues |
77% | Self Esteem |
76% | Trauma and PTSD |
76% | Coping Skills |
72% | Stress |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
72% | Blue Care Network |
71% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Portage, MI see their clients
85% | In Person and Online | |
15% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
83% | Female | |
16% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Portage?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.