Discover how starting child therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
6 therapists available in Portage
Who you are is beautifully and uniquely crafted by your experiences in life and I am here to help you discover ways to improve you...
About
Who you are is beautifully and uniquely crafted by your experiences in life and I am here to help you discover ways to improve your quality of life and relationships.
Brandi Belcher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience working in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adults and couples navigate struggles within their daily lives/relationships in order to face unique challenges with strength, resiliency, and purpose. Brandi specializes in depression, anxiety, coping skills, family conflict, life transitions, mental stress, relationships, self-esteem, stress, substance use, women's issues, parenting, and pregnancy/postpartum-related concerns. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Western Michigan University.
Brandi’s knowledge of resources in the mental health community and her experience working with a wide variety of populations help her support and serve clients. She utilizes an integrative treatment approach that utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the Gottman method, motivation interviewing, person-centered planning, and solution-focused therapy.
In life, we are faced with challenges beyond our control that shape our outlook on life as well as our experience in it. Brandi can help you navigate that journey to discover ways to build resiliency, cope, and thrive. If you are ready to discover the best version of yourself, schedule an appointment with her today!
Education and training
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As your therapist, I will provide a safe place to explore your story and create the change you deserve....
As your therapist, I will provide a safe place to explore your story and create the change you deserve.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience in the behavioral health field. I bring a compassionate, practical, and collaborative approach to therapy, specializing in helping adults navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, and the lasting effects of trauma. My style is warm, down-to-earth, and focused on helping clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to make meaningful change.
I earned my Master’s in Counseling from Oakland University. I draw from evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and strengths-based therapy, while tailoring each session to the unique goals and pace of my clients.
Whether you’re working toward greater self-confidence, healthier boundaries, or clarity in a new season of life, I’ll meet you where you are and help you move forward with purpose and hope. Together, we’ll focus on growth that feels authentic, achievable, and meaningful to you.
Cassie Watts is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Michigan. She has a passion for helping teens, adults, and...
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 received her Master's degree in Counselor Education from Western Michigan University. As a mental health professional, Cassie knows that assisting others with their mental health concerns and conditions requires a collaborative, personalized approach. That's why she's an exceptional choice for individuals who are looking to transition from one stage of life to another.
With Cassie's assistance, you can create an individualized treatment plan that addresses your concerns and helps you grow as an individual. Start moving forward—book a session with Cassie today.
Sometimes we all have difficulties in life, there is nothing wrong with reaching out for help....
Sometimes we all have difficulties in life, there is nothing wrong with reaching out for help.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for helping people through difficult times.
I completed my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern New Hampshire University. With a lived experience with depression and anxiety, I use my passion and experience to help others cope, utilizing multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing.
When faced with challenges in life, we sometimes need support. I am able to provide a listening ear, a different perspective, and help you learn coping skills. Schedule an appointment today!
I am a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of nursing experience, providing comprehensive care in psychiatric and fami...
I am a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of nursing experience, providing comprehensive care in psychiatric and family practice settings.
Marvelyn Thompson is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of experience in psychiatric and family practice settings. She is passionate about providing personalized, compassionate care for clients managing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and life transitions. She creates a supportive, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to manage their mental health and improve daily functioning.
Marvelyn earned a Master’s in Nursing Practice from Liberty University. She uses a compassionate, client-centered approach to help clients manage anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, combining clinical expertise with empathy to support each individual’s path to healing and stability.
Marvelyn understands that seeking help takes courage and believes in creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel comfortable being heard without judgment. She is here to guide clients through life’s challenges, offering encouragement, compassion, and personalized care to support their journey toward improved mental health and wellness.
I graduated from Western Michigan University with a Masters in Couples, Marriage, and family Therapy. I am a Licensed Professional...
I graduated from Western Michigan University with a Masters in Couples, Marriage, and family Therapy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Limited Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LLMFT). Life is full of transitions and challenges and counseling is way to help navigate your way through these difficult times in order to bring healing and growth. I have worked with a diversity of men and women, couples, and families in various settings. My specialties include but are not limited to working with people in recovery, with relationship problems, pre-marital, anxiety, and depression. I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy and that therapy is a process. I use and integrative approach to therapy that includes techniques and theories based on individual needs and desired outcomes. My desire is to provide a non-judgmental, empathetic, and warm environment that gives hope, and empowerment to reach your goals. I have been married for 20 years and have four children and two grandchildren.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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A go-to approach for helping kids and child therapy could be parent-child interaction therapy. Parent-child interaction therapy helps parents to interact with their children and manage their behaviors.
One of the tools that are taught in parent-child interaction therapy is The acronym, “PRIDE”:
A clinician will know that a child is making progress when they are motivated in session and eager to use their skills in the moment.
Parents can supplement their child's time and child therapy by reading child therapy books, praising their children, working on worksheets with their children, and play therapy.
A parent can prepare their child for the first therapy session by letting their child know that they can ask the counselor any questions they have about therapy.
Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child therapy at Thriveworks Portage.
Child therapy works by using multiple techniques tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in Portage, MI have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.
Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.
It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.
Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in Portage, MI is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.
Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
Here’s the reality: if you suspect your child would benefit from speaking with a professional, you’re probably right.
After all, as the parent, you know your child best, and if you think something isn’t quite right, it’s a good idea to follow your gut. If it turns out everything is fine, no harm done. And if it turns out your child did need professional intervention, it’s better to intervene sooner rather than later.
Maybe you’re wondering why a child would need therapy—after all, what have they got to be stressed about? You might be surprised. Young people today experience many of the same stressors as adults do, but since they are not fully mature, they experience those stressors as much more immediate.
Here’s the thing: kids change as they go through the stages and phases of growing up. It’s normal. But life isn’t the way it was back in the 70s or 80s. Kids are exposed to adult concepts much earlier, they have nearly unfettered access to the internet—and the potential abuse that entails—and they’re more aware of the concerns of adults than they would have been in years past. That awareness may appear as “maturity,” but it can also create stress and confusion—and a professional Thriveworks Portage/Kalamazoo child therapist can help. Check out this article to learn more about what child psychologists do.
Children have many reasons to need to talk with a professional, including:
Those aren’t the only reasons a child or adolescent might need help. Are you noticing any behavioral changes in your child, particularly negative ones? Have they stopped communicating as openly? What about their friendships?
Has your child’s teacher mentioned any behavioral, social, or academic concerns? Has your child experienced a trauma?
If any of the above questions resonate with you, and if you feel the challenges they are facing are having, or might soon have, a negative impact, it’s time to contact a therapist.
The main difference in the therapeutic approach to therapy for children is simple: child therapists will talk to the child in an age-appropriate way. In some cases, play therapy may be used, or the child may be encouraged to draw or write.
If something isn’t quite right with your child, even if you aren’t sure what, call a Thriveworks Portage child psychologist. Our trained professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating children, and they do so in a manner that’s appropriate to the needs and age of the individual child.
Call us. We’re friendly, we promise—and our primary goal is to help your child feel better, get back on track, and live their best life.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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