Chronic Illness Therapists in Washtenaw County, MI
Amanda Pratt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (Online Only)
Maybe you've been diagnosed with a long term illness or have had symptoms for years and at times you don’t recognize yourself anymore. You know these health struggles are somehow behind your depressed and anxious feelings, and you feel alone…like no one understands. Right now, you may have more questions than answers, but one thing you know for sure is that you’d do anything to get your life back. You grieve for the person you used to be and find it hard to imagine yourself living a worthwhile life with this illness trying to drag you down every chance it gets. (Due to demand, I ONLY accept clients with chronic illness concerns)
Maybe you've been diagnosed with a long term illness or have had symptoms for years and at times you don’t recognize yourself anymore. You know these health struggles are somehow behind your depressed and anxious feelings, and you feel alone…like no one understands. Right now, you may have more questions than answers, but one thing you know for sure is that you’d do anything to get your life back. You grieve for the person you used to be and find it hard to imagine yourself living a worthwhile life with this illness trying to drag you down every chance it gets. (Due to demand, I ONLY accept clients with chronic illness concerns)
Kathleen Irvin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties are working with adults, 20y/o and older, coping with chronic illness, depression, bipolar, life transitions and difficult situations, which they, a friend/partner, or a family member are experiencing. Additionally, my skills lie in helping people cope with school and work issues, retirement, and aging. My goal is to help you cope, understand, respond and move forward.
My specialties are working with adults, 20y/o and older, coping with chronic illness, depression, bipolar, life transitions and difficult situations, which they, a friend/partner, or a family member are experiencing. Additionally, my skills lie in helping people cope with school and work issues, retirement, and aging. My goal is to help you cope, understand, respond and move forward.
Kirby Paterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
I specialize in perinatal mental health (pregnancy through the postpartum period), trauma and chronic illness.
Everyone experiences challenging times or life changes at one point or another. As a therapist, my goal is to help you navigate through these times so that you can approach them with confidence and self-compassion. Whether you are experiencing depression or anxiety, entering a new life phase or experiencing a more chronic stressor, therapy can provide a judgement-free space for self-exploration.
I specialize in perinatal mental health (pregnancy through the postpartum period), trauma and chronic illness.
Everyone experiences challenging times or life changes at one point or another. As a therapist, my goal is to help you navigate through these times so that you can approach them with confidence and self-compassion. Whether you are experiencing depression or anxiety, entering a new life phase or experiencing a more chronic stressor, therapy can provide a judgement-free space for self-exploration.
Sarah Lynn Fraley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
I treat depression, anxiety, the impact of chronic illness on mental health, grief and loss, trauma, (PTSD), relationship issues and many other problems effecting how we feel and operate in the world.
Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to visit this page. Seeking therapy can be scary and anxiety provoking. Congratulations for taking the first step! I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan and have over 25 years of experience in the field of mental health. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts. We will work together to identify and break down barriers to where you want to be in your life.
I treat depression, anxiety, the impact of chronic illness on mental health, grief and loss, trauma, (PTSD), relationship issues and many other problems effecting how we feel and operate in the world.
Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to visit this page. Seeking therapy can be scary and anxiety provoking. Congratulations for taking the first step! I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan and have over 25 years of experience in the field of mental health. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts. We will work together to identify and break down barriers to where you want to be in your life.
Meryl Schwartz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LLMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
I partner with clients looking to expand self-insight, self-compassion and resilience amid life's challenges. My work addresses the low mood and anxiety that can come from managing chronic illness, difficult family relationships, infertility, caregiving, and grief and loss. I also work with younger clients navigating the unique challenges of early adulthood. Together we'll develop therapeutic goals and a treatment plan tailored to your strengths and values, and grounded in a safe and trusting therapeutic partnership.
I partner with clients looking to expand self-insight, self-compassion and resilience amid life's challenges. My work addresses the low mood and anxiety that can come from managing chronic illness, difficult family relationships, infertility, caregiving, and grief and loss. I also work with younger clients navigating the unique challenges of early adulthood. Together we'll develop therapeutic goals and a treatment plan tailored to your strengths and values, and grounded in a safe and trusting therapeutic partnership.
Krystal Waldo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Currently offering in-person and telehealth appointments. Welcome! I am a clinical psychologist and I work primarily with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trouble sleeping, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, chronic stress, life transitions, and peer relationships. I use a client centered approach to help individuals use their strengths to cope with life's ups and downs. My goal is to help you develop coping skills and concrete tools to better manage difficult situations and learn to navigate life differently.
Currently offering in-person and telehealth appointments. Welcome! I am a clinical psychologist and I work primarily with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trouble sleeping, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, chronic stress, life transitions, and peer relationships. I use a client centered approach to help individuals use their strengths to cope with life's ups and downs. My goal is to help you develop coping skills and concrete tools to better manage difficult situations and learn to navigate life differently.
Brandy Goins
Licensed Professional Counselor, Phd,ABD, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48103 (Online Only)
Do you have feelings of frustration and anger? In addition, the feeling that no one understands you or they say the wrong thing to you without thinking of the impact. Dealing with chronic illness and pain is a consistent struggle. Sometimes getting through a day to just support a decent lifestyle is excruciating. The isolation is troubling because a social life feels so out of reach Top that off with a relationship and a healthy sex life seems impossible at the moment. Everyday feels like a marathon of how much can be done while feeling a consistent exhaustion that never goes away. Waking up feeling refreshed seems like a fantasy.
Do you have feelings of frustration and anger? In addition, the feeling that no one understands you or they say the wrong thing to you without thinking of the impact. Dealing with chronic illness and pain is a consistent struggle. Sometimes getting through a day to just support a decent lifestyle is excruciating. The isolation is troubling because a social life feels so out of reach Top that off with a relationship and a healthy sex life seems impossible at the moment. Everyday feels like a marathon of how much can be done while feeling a consistent exhaustion that never goes away. Waking up feeling refreshed seems like a fantasy.
Kristi Paguio Consulting, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW, CDCES
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Life is often stressful and living with chronic illness only makes life more challenging. Having a therapist who also understands the mental and emotional side of chronic illness/diabetes can be really helpful. In my practice, I work with clients by compassionately building from their strengths, increasing their coping strategies for more insight and self-understanding, increased emotional regulation and stress management, and improving depression, anxiety, trauma, and diabetes-related distress.
Life is often stressful and living with chronic illness only makes life more challenging. Having a therapist who also understands the mental and emotional side of chronic illness/diabetes can be really helpful. In my practice, I work with clients by compassionately building from their strengths, increasing their coping strategies for more insight and self-understanding, increased emotional regulation and stress management, and improving depression, anxiety, trauma, and diabetes-related distress.
Megan Dietrich
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Do you feel overwhelmed? Filled with self-doubt and critical? Are you experiencing pain from chronic illness, trauma, or mental load? Are you navigating a spiritual shift or faith-based transition? Are you looking to reclaim your personal power and align your life with your values and aspirations? It's crucial to realize you're not alone. I'm here to guide you, offering resources and a safe space for exploration. Together, we can work towards healing, finding clarity, and creating a path towards personal growth and fulfillment. Take the first step and reach out to receive the support you deserve.
Do you feel overwhelmed? Filled with self-doubt and critical? Are you experiencing pain from chronic illness, trauma, or mental load? Are you navigating a spiritual shift or faith-based transition? Are you looking to reclaim your personal power and align your life with your values and aspirations? It's crucial to realize you're not alone. I'm here to guide you, offering resources and a safe space for exploration. Together, we can work towards healing, finding clarity, and creating a path towards personal growth and fulfillment. Take the first step and reach out to receive the support you deserve.
Katie Griffin
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP, CCATP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you're looking to dive a little deeper into your inner healing journey, welcome! Maybe you've tried therapy in the past or have experimented with self-help, yet you're still finding yourself repeating the same painful patterns. I specialize in providing virtual EMDR, IFS, Somatic & Yoga Therapy for women who are looking for a mind-body approach to working through trauma, shame, anxiety, panic attacks, living with chronic illness or chronic pain, burnout or chronic stress. I work with clients who are interested in exploring and healing the root cause of these issues, often leading to lasting change instead of a band-aid fix.
If you're looking to dive a little deeper into your inner healing journey, welcome! Maybe you've tried therapy in the past or have experimented with self-help, yet you're still finding yourself repeating the same painful patterns. I specialize in providing virtual EMDR, IFS, Somatic & Yoga Therapy for women who are looking for a mind-body approach to working through trauma, shame, anxiety, panic attacks, living with chronic illness or chronic pain, burnout or chronic stress. I work with clients who are interested in exploring and healing the root cause of these issues, often leading to lasting change instead of a band-aid fix.
LeCreshia Mckinney-Stege
Limited Licensed Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with: Trauma, Identity/role exploration (cis & queer), Coping with Chronic illness and Disability, Grief and Loss, Improving self-esteem, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC and members of other marginalized groups.
We all need permission to be works in progress. To be stuck or to not-quite have it all figured out. This is where I believe that therapy comes in; it is a place to grow and to learn about ourselves and others. I have a PhD in Counseling Psychology with 17 years of clinical experience. I believe fervently in creating a safe space where social justice is integral, humor is shared, and all feel welcome. My clinical work is shaped by Intersectional Feminist & Cognitive Behavioral techniques. At each step, we'll take a strengths-based approach to uncovering the skills to help you cope with personal and systemic challenges.
I specialize in working with: Trauma, Identity/role exploration (cis & queer), Coping with Chronic illness and Disability, Grief and Loss, Improving self-esteem, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC and members of other marginalized groups.
We all need permission to be works in progress. To be stuck or to not-quite have it all figured out. This is where I believe that therapy comes in; it is a place to grow and to learn about ourselves and others. I have a PhD in Counseling Psychology with 17 years of clinical experience. I believe fervently in creating a safe space where social justice is integral, humor is shared, and all feel welcome. My clinical work is shaped by Intersectional Feminist & Cognitive Behavioral techniques. At each step, we'll take a strengths-based approach to uncovering the skills to help you cope with personal and systemic challenges.
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, chronic illness, adjustment to college, work stresses, and other major life transitions and stresses.
Be advised that as of November 2023 I have very limited availability. Everyone strives for growth, and we all have resilience, but when you're feeling overwhelmed or emotionally hurt, it can be hard to find that resilience. But that's also when you can have the greatest capacity for change. Something is motivating you to seek help; whatever is it, you don’t have to go it alone. I provide an emotionally safe, caring, and non-judgmental space where we can work together to find your unique path forward.
I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, chronic illness, adjustment to college, work stresses, and other major life transitions and stresses.
Be advised that as of November 2023 I have very limited availability. Everyone strives for growth, and we all have resilience, but when you're feeling overwhelmed or emotionally hurt, it can be hard to find that resilience. But that's also when you can have the greatest capacity for change. Something is motivating you to seek help; whatever is it, you don’t have to go it alone. I provide an emotionally safe, caring, and non-judgmental space where we can work together to find your unique path forward.
Hannah Tucci
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Welcome! It is Hannah's goal to provide a space where clients will feel safe and welcome each session. Hannah utilizes a strengths-based approach with the hope that her clients feel empowered and supported as they navigate vulnerability and life transitions. Hannah has experience with adolescents, adults and families within various settings. Hannah has healthcare setting experience in both inpatient and outpatient capacities and has experience supporting clients navigating life transitions, chronic illness, bereavement and family system changes .Hannah has significant training in the treatment of eating disorders.
Welcome! It is Hannah's goal to provide a space where clients will feel safe and welcome each session. Hannah utilizes a strengths-based approach with the hope that her clients feel empowered and supported as they navigate vulnerability and life transitions. Hannah has experience with adolescents, adults and families within various settings. Hannah has healthcare setting experience in both inpatient and outpatient capacities and has experience supporting clients navigating life transitions, chronic illness, bereavement and family system changes .Hannah has significant training in the treatment of eating disorders.
Bethany Ponichter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, C-ASWCM, LMT
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
As a therapist, I offer a safe place for people to share their struggles, make meaning of life experiences, and set attainable goals for treatment. Therapy involves being self aware to discover how to resolve inner conflict and better understand how to cope and function in relationships and with the world in which we live. I work with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, career issues, chronic illness, relationship and interpersonal conflicts.
As a therapist, I offer a safe place for people to share their struggles, make meaning of life experiences, and set attainable goals for treatment. Therapy involves being self aware to discover how to resolve inner conflict and better understand how to cope and function in relationships and with the world in which we live. I work with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, career issues, chronic illness, relationship and interpersonal conflicts.
Angela Wall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
My experience and training have been helping clients to deal with trauma, anxiety, grief, life transitions, chronic illness, caregiver fatigue, self-esteem and depression issues.
Life can be hard at times, and often very unpredictable. We may find ourselves not equipped with the tools we need to process all of life's challenges, or we may just need safe space to talk through the issues that arise. I believe in creating a collaborative space where my clients feel safe, secure and not judged to explore areas and skills to help you live your best life.
My experience and training have been helping clients to deal with trauma, anxiety, grief, life transitions, chronic illness, caregiver fatigue, self-esteem and depression issues.
Life can be hard at times, and often very unpredictable. We may find ourselves not equipped with the tools we need to process all of life's challenges, or we may just need safe space to talk through the issues that arise. I believe in creating a collaborative space where my clients feel safe, secure and not judged to explore areas and skills to help you live your best life.
Shani Horn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (Online Only)
Welcome! I specialize in trauma recovery and navigating relationship challenges across all aspects of our lives. I place strong emphasis on acquiring skills to manage anxiety and depression, chronic illness, substance use recovery, grief and/or loss, and on making critical transitions that ensure safety, growth and holistic wellbeing. I have extensive experience engaging with teens and young people and am a skilled restorative dialogue facilitator, helping individuals and families hold space for conversations around challenging topics.
Welcome! I specialize in trauma recovery and navigating relationship challenges across all aspects of our lives. I place strong emphasis on acquiring skills to manage anxiety and depression, chronic illness, substance use recovery, grief and/or loss, and on making critical transitions that ensure safety, growth and holistic wellbeing. I have extensive experience engaging with teens and young people and am a skilled restorative dialogue facilitator, helping individuals and families hold space for conversations around challenging topics.
Matthew B Gonzalez
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
He specializes in stress, depression, anxiety, adjustment, trauma, rehabilitation, chronic illness, mindfulness, and behavioral change.
Dr. Matthew Gonzalez is a fully licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. He has over 30 years of experience spanning all age groups, populations, settings, and the full spectrum of mental, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive concerns. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan and his Doctorate (Psy.D.) from Rutgers University. For the past 13 years, Dr. Gonzalez has worked with civilian, military, government, and intelligence community populations. Prior to that, he ran a busy private practice in both clinical and neuropsychology in Michigan.
He specializes in stress, depression, anxiety, adjustment, trauma, rehabilitation, chronic illness, mindfulness, and behavioral change.
Dr. Matthew Gonzalez is a fully licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. He has over 30 years of experience spanning all age groups, populations, settings, and the full spectrum of mental, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive concerns. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan and his Doctorate (Psy.D.) from Rutgers University. For the past 13 years, Dr. Gonzalez has worked with civilian, military, government, and intelligence community populations. Prior to that, he ran a busy private practice in both clinical and neuropsychology in Michigan.
Rachel Harmon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Hello! I’m Rachel Harmon and I look forward to meeting you. I’m a master’s level licensed clinical social worker (LMSW), licensed for both clinical and macro-level practice in Michigan. I invite you to embark on a wellness journey together that identifies strengths, enhances skills, and alleviates symptoms as we foster meaningful changes you’d like to accomplish in the therapeutic process. Whether navigating aspects of stress, depressed mood, anxiety, trauma, relational impacts, life transitions, chronic illness, parenting, spirituality, etc., I am passionate about individualizing the work I do with clients.
Hello! I’m Rachel Harmon and I look forward to meeting you. I’m a master’s level licensed clinical social worker (LMSW), licensed for both clinical and macro-level practice in Michigan. I invite you to embark on a wellness journey together that identifies strengths, enhances skills, and alleviates symptoms as we foster meaningful changes you’d like to accomplish in the therapeutic process. Whether navigating aspects of stress, depressed mood, anxiety, trauma, relational impacts, life transitions, chronic illness, parenting, spirituality, etc., I am passionate about individualizing the work I do with clients.
Teri M Rosa
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Hi there, I'm Teri! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience. I am passionate about working with my clients, through any challenge they choose, so they can experience healing and positive growth. I work with adults (18+). I love working with a variety of people. My services specialties include: relationships; family, work and romantic, adjustment to life changes, anxiety, depression, PTSD, adult survivors of childhood trauma, substance use/abuse, and chronic illness.
Hi there, I'm Teri! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience. I am passionate about working with my clients, through any challenge they choose, so they can experience healing and positive growth. I work with adults (18+). I love working with a variety of people. My services specialties include: relationships; family, work and romantic, adjustment to life changes, anxiety, depression, PTSD, adult survivors of childhood trauma, substance use/abuse, and chronic illness.
Root to Rise - Child, Maternal, & Family Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW, IMH-E®, IFS
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
A difficult diagnosis (chronic illness, Autism) can push us to our tipping point.
Overwhelmed with parenthood? Struggling to understand your child’s behavior? Dealing with postpartum depression? You probably imagined parenthood looking quite different. There is no easy fix for managing anxiety surrounding pregnancy, the postpartum period, or infant/early childhood challenges. There is no instruction manual to open when your child is struggling with anxiety, behavioral challenges, or a developmental delay. Your parental instinct is simply to help your baby get better. Whether that baby is an infant, toddler, or school-aged, your goal is to get to the root of the struggle - and ensure a successful & happy future.
A difficult diagnosis (chronic illness, Autism) can push us to our tipping point.
Overwhelmed with parenthood? Struggling to understand your child’s behavior? Dealing with postpartum depression? You probably imagined parenthood looking quite different. There is no easy fix for managing anxiety surrounding pregnancy, the postpartum period, or infant/early childhood challenges. There is no instruction manual to open when your child is struggling with anxiety, behavioral challenges, or a developmental delay. Your parental instinct is simply to help your baby get better. Whether that baby is an infant, toddler, or school-aged, your goal is to get to the root of the struggle - and ensure a successful & happy future.
See more therapy options for Washtenaw County
Chronic Illness Therapists
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.