Individual Therapy in Michigan | Counseling & Psychology

Individual Therapy in Michigan is a private, one-on-one meeting with a licensed mental health professional to help you feel better and cope with life. If worry, sadness, stress, or past hurt is getting in the way of sleep, work, school, or relationships, you are not alone. Many people try to “push through,” but that can lead to burnout and feeling stuck. Individual therapy gives you a safe place to talk, learn skills, and make a plan that fits your life.

Signs You Might Benefit (Symptoms & Benefits)

You do not have to be in a crisis to start therapy. Many people begin when they notice small problems becoming harder to manage. Therapy can help you understand what is happening and what to do next.

Common signs

• Feeling sad, empty, or numb most days
• Worry that feels hard to stop, or frequent “what if” thoughts
• Panic symptoms (fast heart rate, short breath, shaking)
• Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or feeling tired all day
• Anger that feels bigger than the situation
• Stress from work, school, caregiving, or a major change
• Grief after a loss, breakup, or big life transition
• Low self-esteem, guilt, or shame that follows you
• Trauma symptoms (feeling on edge, avoiding reminders, flashbacks)
• Relationship problems, poor boundaries, or repeated conflict
• Using alcohol, cannabis, or other substances more than you want
• Feeling stuck in the same patterns, even when you try to change

How individual therapy can help

• Build coping skills for anxiety, stress, and strong emotions
• Improve sleep habits and daily routines
• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety over time
• Process trauma safely and at your pace
• Learn healthier thinking patterns and self-talk
• Strengthen communication, boundaries, and relationships
• Support behavior change (habits, substance use, motivation)
• Create clear goals and track progress

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room. Individual therapy is a strong support, but emergencies need immediate care.

Evidence-Based Approach

We use treatments that research supports. Evidence-based therapy means we match your symptoms, history, and goals with methods shown to help in scientific studies. The American Psychological Association (APA) supports using evidence-based practice, which combines research, clinical skill, and what matters to you as the patient.

Modalities we may use

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you notice unhelpful thoughts and build new habits. The NIH notes CBT is effective for many anxiety and mood concerns.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills: Teaches tools for emotion control, distress tolerance, and better relationships.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps you make room for hard feelings while moving toward your values.
• Trauma-informed therapy: Focuses on safety, choice, and strength. Trauma work is paced carefully to avoid overwhelm.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): Helps with change when you feel unsure or stuck (for example, substance use, health habits, or boundaries).
• Mindfulness-based strategies: Builds attention and calm in the body through simple, practical exercises.

Clinical reasoning: how we choose a plan

We start by learning what you are dealing with now, what you have tried, and what you want to be different. Then we choose a plan based on:

• Your main symptoms (anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, etc.)
• How long problems have been present and what triggers them
• How your body responds (sleep, appetite, energy, focus)
• Your safety needs and support system
• Your culture, family values, and personal goals

We also follow Michigan licensing standards for ethical care, privacy, documentation, and scope of practice. Your care is provided by or under appropriate supervision of Michigan-licensed professionals (such as LPCs, LMSWs, LLPs, or psychologists, depending on the clinic), and we follow required laws for confidentiality and mandated reporting.

What to Expect

Starting therapy can feel scary, especially if you have been holding things in for a long time. We will explain each step and move at a pace that feels safe and respectful.

The first visit (intake)

Your intake is usually 45–60 minutes. We will talk about what brings you in and what you want help with. You may be asked about:

• Your mood, anxiety, sleep, and stress level
• Medical history and medications (if any)
• Past counseling or treatment experiences
• Relationships, work/school, and current supports
• Safety questions (self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or abuse)

At the end of the intake, we will share a clear starting plan. You can ask questions at any time.

Ongoing sessions

Most therapy sessions are 45–55 minutes. Some people come weekly, while others come every other week. In sessions, you can expect:

• A calm, non-judgmental space to talk
• Goal-setting that is simple and realistic
• Skill-building you can practice between sessions
• Check-ins on progress and what is (or is not) helping

How long does therapy take?

It depends on your goal and what you are facing. Some concerns improve in 8–12 sessions. Trauma, long-term anxiety, or relationship patterns may take longer. We will review progress often so you know where you stand.

Insurance, Copays, and Mental Health Parity

Many people use health insurance for individual therapy. Costs can vary based on your plan, provider network, and deductible.

What you may pay

• Copay: A set amount you pay each visit (example: $20–$60).
• Coinsurance: A percentage you pay after your deductible (example: 10–30%).
• Deductible: The amount you pay before insurance starts paying more.

Understanding coverage and parity

Mental health benefits are often protected by parity rules, which means many plans must cover mental health care in a way that is similar to medical care. Coverage still depends on your specific policy, network, and authorization rules. If you are unsure, we can help you learn what questions to ask your insurer, such as:

• Is outpatient mental health therapy covered?
• Is my therapist in-network or out-of-network?
• Do I need prior authorization?
• What is my copay/coinsurance and deductible status?

If you prefer not to use insurance, ask about self-pay options. We will clearly explain fees before care starts.

FAQ

Is individual therapy confidential?

Yes, therapy is private, and we follow Michigan privacy laws and professional ethics. There are a few legal limits, such as if someone is in immediate danger, suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or certain court orders. We will review confidentiality at your first visit so you understand it fully.

Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?

No. You can start therapy for stress, life changes, grief, or relationship concerns. If you use insurance, a diagnosis is often required for billing, and we will explain what is documented and why.

How do I know if therapy is working?

You may notice you recover faster after a hard day, sleep better, worry less, or handle conflict in a healthier way. We may also use simple rating scales to track symptoms over time. If something is not helping, we will adjust the plan together.

What if I feel nervous about talking to someone?

That is very common. You get to share at your own pace, and you can start with what feels easiest. A good therapist will not force you to talk about painful things before you feel ready.

References: American Psychological Association (APA) guidance on evidence-based practice in psychology; National Institutes of Health (NIH) resources on psychotherapy and CBT effectiveness.