Frequently Asked Questions
General Counseling Questions
Are you currently accepting new counseling clients?
Yes. Many of our therapists have immediate appointment availability and are currently accepting new clients.
How do I schedule a counseling appointment?
Scheduling an appointment is easy. You can:
– Call us at 231-288-6591
– Email [email protected]
– Visit www.vantagemhs.com and select a therapist to learn more and book online
– Submit a request through our website contact form
Can I choose my therapist?
Absolutely. We encourage you to review our therapist profiles to learn about each clinician’s background, specialties, and approach to care so you can choose the therapist who feels like the best fit for your needs.
Do you offer both in-person and online counseling?
Yes. We offer both in-person counseling sessions and secure virtual therapy appointments.
What insurance plans do you accept?
Insurance coverage varies by therapist and licensure. Please review each therapist’s profile for the most current insurance information or contact our office for assistance. Visit https://vantagemhs.com/our-team/ to learn more about our therapists, specialties, and accepted insurance plans.
How much does counseling cost if I don’t have insurance?
Our self-pay rates are:
– Initial intake session: $225
– Ongoing therapy sessions: $200
A sliding fee scale may be available for those who qualify. We encourage you to contact us to discuss your situation and determine eligibility.
What should I expect during my first therapy session?
Your first session is typically an intake appointment. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, family history, relationships, employment, mental health history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This helps us better understand your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Choosing a therapist involves finding someone with whom you feel comfortable, safe, and respected. Signs that therapy may be a good fit include:
– Feeling heard and understood during sessions
– Being able to discuss difficult topics without judgment
– Experiencing a collaborative relationship with your therapist
– Feeling supported as you work toward your goals
– Connecting with your therapist’s approach and style
It is normal for it to take a few sessions to determine whether a therapist is the right fit. If your needs are not being met, we encourage open communication and can help connect you with another provider if needed.
What are the benefits of counseling if I don’t have a mental health diagnosis?
Counseling is not just for mental health conditions. Many people seek therapy to support personal growth and overall well-being. Counseling can help with:
– Managing stress and life transitions
– Improving relationships and communication
– Building coping skills and resilience
– Increasing self-awareness and confidence
– Making important life decisions
– Processing emotions in a safe, confidential environment
Therapy can be a proactive investment in your overall health and quality of life.
How often should I attend therapy sessions?
The frequency of therapy depends on your goals, needs, and circumstances.
Common schedules include:
– Weekly sessions: Most clients begin with weekly appointments for consistent support.
– Biweekly sessions: As progress is made, sessions may be scheduled every other week.
– Monthly sessions: Some clients attend monthly appointments for ongoing support and maintenance.
– More frequent sessions: Additional support may be recommended during periods of crisis or significant stress.
Your therapist will work with you to determine the schedule that best supports your goals.
Can therapy help me navigate major life changes or relationship challenges?
Yes. Therapy can provide valuable support during major life transitions, relationship difficulties, career changes, grief, divorce, parenting challenges, and other significant life events.
How long does counseling typically last?
The length of therapy varies based on your goals and individual circumstances.
Some clients benefit from short-term counseling focused on a specific concern, while others choose longer-term therapy for ongoing support or deeper personal growth.
Factors that influence the length of therapy include:
– The nature and complexity of your concerns
– Progress toward your goals
– Personal preferences
– Recommendations from your therapist
Therapy is a collaborative process, and progress is reviewed regularly to ensure your treatment continues to meet your needs.
Counseling Services in West Michigan
Do you offer counseling services in Grand Haven, MI?
Yes. We provide counseling services in Grand Haven. Jasmine Williams, LMSW, currently offers evening and weekend appointments at our Grand Haven location.
Do you provide therapy for residents of Spring Lake and Ferrysburg?
Yes. We proudly serve clients from Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, and surrounding West Michigan communities.
Do you have counseling offices in Grand Haven and Muskegon?
Yes. We have counseling offices in Grand Haven and Norton Shores/Muskegon, making services accessible throughout West Michigan.
Do you provide therapy for residents of Whitehall, Montague, Twin Lake, and Holton?
Yes. We welcome clients from Whitehall, Montague, Twin Lake, Holton, and neighboring communities.
Anxiety & Depression Counseling
Do you offer anxiety counseling in West Michigan?
Yes. We provide anxiety counseling services for adolescents, adults, and older adults throughout West Michigan. Our clinicians use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions, to help clients manage anxiety symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Can therapy help with panic attacks and chronic stress?
Yes. Therapy can be highly effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks while helping clients develop healthier ways to manage chronic stress. Treatment may include CBT, relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and stress-management strategies.
Do you provide depression counseling for adults and teens?
Yes. We offer depression counseling for both adolescents and adults. Treatment plans are individualized and may incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), supportive counseling, and other evidence-based approaches.
What are the signs that I should seek counseling for anxiety or depression?
You may benefit from counseling if you experience:
– Persistent anxiety, worry, sadness, or hopelessness
– Difficulty concentrating
– Changes in sleep or appetite
– Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
– Increased irritability or emotional distress
– Difficulty managing work, school, or daily responsibilities
If these symptoms are impacting your quality of life, professional support may help.
Couples & Family Counseling
Do you offer couples counseling and marriage counseling?
Yes. We offer couples and marriage counseling to help partners improve communication, resolve conflicts, strengthen emotional connections, and navigate relationship challenges.
Our couples therapists include:
– Dawn Rozycki, LPC
– Dr. Bryan Salminen, LPC
– Jasmine Williams, LMSW
Can couples counseling be done virtually?
Yes. Couples counseling is available through secure telehealth sessions, in person, or through a combination of both formats.
Do you provide family counseling services?
Yes. We provide family counseling services designed to improve communication, address relational concerns, and support healthier family dynamics.
How can counseling improve communication in relationships?
Counseling helps individuals, couples, and families develop healthier communication patterns by improving active listening, emotional expression, conflict resolution skills, and mutual understanding.
Child & Teen Counseling
Do you provide counseling for children and teens?
Yes. We offer counseling services for children, adolescents, and teens. Our therapists provide a supportive environment where young people can safely express emotions, develop coping skills, and work through challenges.
What age does counseling begin for children?
We provide counseling for children beginning at age 6. Therapists use age-appropriate interventions such as play therapy, creative expression, and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
Can therapy help teens with anxiety, school stress, or behavioral challenges?
Yes. Therapy can help teens manage anxiety, academic stress, emotional difficulties, and behavioral concerns. Treatment focuses on developing coping skills, emotional regulation, confidence, and healthy problem-solving strategies.
Trauma & EMDR Therapy
Do you offer trauma-informed therapy?
Yes. Our clinicians provide trauma-informed care that prioritizes safety, trust, empowerment, and healing. We utilize evidence-based approaches tailored to each client’s unique experiences and needs.
Can counseling help with childhood trauma?
Yes. Counseling can help children, teens, and adults process traumatic experiences, develop healthy coping skills, and build resilience. Treatment may include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR, and other trauma-informed approaches.
Do you provide EMDR therapy for trauma and PTSD?
Yes. We offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for individuals experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and related concerns.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps individuals process traumatic experiences, distressing memories, and negative beliefs. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to support the brain’s natural healing process.
Do you offer EMDR therapy in Grand Haven, MI?
Yes. Vantage Mental Health Services provides EMDR therapy for clients in Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Muskegon, and throughout West Michigan.
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR therapy follows a structured process in which clients focus on distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This helps the brain reprocess traumatic experiences so they become less emotionally overwhelming and easier to manage.
Does EMDR help with childhood trauma?
Yes. EMDR is highly effective for many individuals who have experienced childhood trauma. It can help reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and negative self-beliefs associated with past experiences.
Can EMDR help with anxiety or PTSD?
Yes. EMDR is a well-established treatment for PTSD and is frequently used to help individuals experiencing anxiety, particularly when symptoms are connected to past experiences or unresolved trauma.
What happens during an EMDR session?
During an EMDR session, your therapist will help identify a memory or concern to target. While focusing on that memory, you will engage in guided bilateral stimulation. Over time, the emotional intensity associated with the memory often decreases, allowing healthier beliefs and perspectives to develop.
How do I know if EMDR is right for me?
An EMDR-trained therapist can help determine whether EMDR is appropriate based on your symptoms, treatment goals, and personal history. This discussion typically occurs during your initial assessment.
Can EMDR help with addiction?
Yes. EMDR may be beneficial for individuals whose substance use is connected to unresolved trauma or distressing experiences. It can help reduce emotional triggers, improve emotional regulation, and support long-term recovery.
Can EMDR help with grief?
Yes. EMDR can help individuals process traumatic or complicated grief by addressing distressing memories and emotions associated with loss, allowing for healthier healing and adjustment.
Can EMDR help with chronic medical conditions?
EMDR can help individuals cope with the emotional impact of chronic illness, medical trauma, and significant health changes. Treatment may reduce anxiety, fear, and distress while supporting emotional adjustment and resilience.
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