Where to Start When You Think You May Need a Child Therapist
We all know where to go when our kid has a physical ailment, right? There’s a great doctor in Grand Rapids for every physical need.
But what do you do when the problem is mental? There are so many types of mental health issues and therapists, counselors and psychiatrists – how do you know where to start?
We had the same questions ourselves so we polled parents in West Michigan to find the best child therapists and counselors in town.
We’re sharing who GR’s eleven favorite child counselors are, as well as shedding light on how counseling works.
It’s a tough but brave choice to change your family for good.
in this article
Grand Rapids Best Child Therapists and Mental Health Pros
These top mental health professionals in Grand Rapids were voted on by our readers.
These are the pros that parents trust and kids love. Here you can find therapists that specialist in anxiety and depression, ADHD, autism and more.
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FCP Guide
Courtney Kowalczyk, PhD at Bright Side Psychology
We provide comprehensive evaluation and family-focused treatment services for children, adolescents, and young adults with developmental and behavioral challenges. We utilize innovative research-based approaches to support individuals and families.
Unlock a brighter future with Bright Side Psychology, where every child deserves a shining success story!
(616) 773-1478 | Visit Website
3355 Eagle Park Dr. NE, Suite 109, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Map It
Courtney Kowalczyk, PhD at Bright Side Psychology
We provide comprehensive evaluation and family-focused treatment services for children, adolescents, and young adults with developmental and behavioral challenges. We utilize innovative research-based approaches to support individuals and families.
Unlock a brighter future with Bright Side Psychology, where every child deserves a shining success story!
3355 Eagle Park Dr. NE, Suite 109, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Map It
FCP Guide
Brina Tiemeyer at Wedgwood Christian Services
in practice with Asu Asher, Nick Bayer, Kimber Decker, Jacklyn Eding, Emily Nykamp, Andrea Kuban, Alli Matthews, Jason Olvera, Michelle Roberts, Hana Testerman, Asha Upakrwoth, & Nicole Wang
Kids are struggling.
Wedgwood offers expert, compassionate mental health support to help your family find peace and lasting solutions. Our licensed therapists provide personalized care to help you and your child thrive, and guide you through every step.
Take the first step into a brighter future—call us today at 616.942.7294 or visit our website to begin your journey toward hope and healing.
Counseling at Wedgwood is open to all ages, faiths, and beliefs.
“Wedgwood has an excellent team and services. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and helpful. The therapy services are life-saving. Many thanks!”
(616) 942-7294 | Visit Website
3250 36th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 | Map It
1260 Ekhart St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Map It
Brina Tiemeyer at Wedgwood Christian Services
Kids are struggling.
Wedgwood offers expert, compassionate mental health support to help your family find peace and lasting solutions. Our licensed therapists provide personalized care to help you and your child thrive, and guide you through every step.
Take the first step into a brighter future—call us today at 616.942.7294 or visit our website to begin your journey toward hope and healing.
Counseling at Wedgwood is open to all ages, faiths, and beliefs.
3250 36th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 | Map It
1260 Ekhart St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Map It
FCP Guide
Melanie (Tramper) Tibbitts at Grounded in Growth Mental Health
Melanie specializes in helping children cope with emotional and relational challenges, using attachment-based and emotionally focused therapy.
She provides a safe space for building trust and healthy connections. Her training equips her to assist children in disclosing and processing trauma from abuse.
(616) 202-6484 | Visit Website
416 Plymouth Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 | Map It
Melanie (Tramper) Tibbitts at Grounded in Growth Mental Health
Melanie specializes in helping children cope with emotional and relational challenges, using attachment-based and emotionally focused therapy.
She provides a safe space for building trust and healthy connections. Her training equips her to assist children in disclosing and processing trauma from abuse.
416 Plymouth Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 | Map It
FCP Guide
Brooke Brouwer, LMSW at Anchored Family Psychology and Counseling Associates
Anchored Family is a mental health practice offering top-notch assessment, treatment and consultation. We offer in-person and virtual services to children, adolescents, young adults, and their families.
Anchored Family clinicians specialize in empirically-sound, relationship-focused, neurodiverse-affirming care for our clients.
Clinicians include Dr. Tracy Kroeger (ADHD testing)
(616) 667-9551 | Visit Website
7086 8th Ave, Jenison, MI 49428 | Map It
Brooke Brouwer, LMSW at Anchored Family Psychology and Counseling Associates
Anchored Family is a mental health practice offering top-notch assessment, treatment and consultation. We offer in-person and virtual services to children, adolescents, young adults, and their families.
Anchored Family clinicians specialize in empirically-sound, relationship-focused, neurodiverse-affirming care for our clients.
Clinicians include Dr. Tracy Kroeger (ADHD testing)
7086 8th Ave, Jenison, MI 49428 | Map It
Dr. Courtney Kowalczyk at Bright Side Psychology
3355 Eagle Park Dr NE Suite 109, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
As a clinician and former special education teacher, Courtney Kowalczyk has worked with children of all ages and their families across a variety of environments.
She utilizes research-based approaches including: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), Low Energy Neurofeedback (LENS), Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT), cognitive and behavioral therapies, parent training, and more!
2 – Chandra Criffield, at Haven Therapeutic Services, PLLC
207 Fulton St East, Suite 3108, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Chandra Criffield’s approach largely draws upon Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and as such, and is founded on principles that are both trauma-competent and relationally based. Her work tends to be infused with playfulness.
She also devotes time to conducting professional development trainings and presentations within school systems, churches, conferences, and social service organizations on topics such as trauma, grief/loss, the importance of play, and adoption issues.
3 – Kelly Griffin, MA, LLP, at Pediatric Counseling of West Michigan
2090 Celebration Dr NE #212, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Kelly is a practical, interactive, solution-focused therapist at Pediatric Counseling of West Michigan. Her wheelhouse is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems.
Kelly assesses each person’s needs and tailors therapy to meet the client’s individual goals – through either conventional or alternative approaches.
(All of my kids have personally seen “Miss Kelly” for years and the improvements they’ve made are astounding.)
Bonus: Kelly has two trained therapy dogs who often come to work with her.
3 – Melanie Tibbitts at Grounded in Growth Mental Health
416 Plymouth Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Melanie Tibbitts specializes in assisting adults and children who are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, life changes, and family problems. Her therapy style is heavily influenced by attachment-based and emotionally focused therapy.
Through her training with the Child Abuse Training Services in Michigan, she is equipped to assist children in disclosing and processing trauma resulting from abuse.
She welcomes you to develop a more compassionate inner dialogue and healthier coping mechanisms that will help you live authentically.
5 – Dr. Jennifer Maurer at Pediatric Mindworks Center at HRA Psychological Services
3940 Peninsular Dr SE, Suite 230, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Dr. Maurer is a licensed psychologist/pediatric neuropsychologist and co-founder of the Pediatric Mindworks Center at HRA.
Her clinical expertise includes neuropsychological assessment of school-age children/adolescents presenting with a wide variety of neurological, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric conditions.
6 – Chelsea Wiersema at Human Kind Counseling Group
2905 Wilson Ave SE, Grandville, MI 49418 – web
7 – Brina Tiemeyer at Wedgwood Christian Services
3300 36th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Brina Tiemeyer is the director of clinical services at Wedgwood Christian Services, and is committed to providing counseling and support to children, teens, adults, and families.
Her clinical background includes a specialization in trauma therapy such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Parenting and Trauma Specialization Across the Lifespan.
8 – Brooke Brouwer, LMSW, at Anchored Family: Psychology & Counseling Associates
7086 8th Ave, Georgetown Twp, MI 49428 – web
8 – Emily Murray-Joseph, LMSW, at Human Kind Counseling Group
2905 Wilson Ave SE, Grandville MI 49418 – web
10 – Renee Orr at HRA Psychological Services
2851 Charlevoix Dr SE Suite 323, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 – web
10 – Kaylin Ziebarth at Human Kind Counseling Group
2905 Wilson Ave SE, Grandville MI 49418 – web
How Does Child Counseling Work?
Child counseling works differently than other health consults. You don’t get weighed at appointments or get shots. You don’t just go once a year for a well check appointment.
So how does it work? Here are answers to some common questions about child counseling.
At What Age Can a Kid See a Counselor?
Mental Health Issues Crop up at Any Age – And They Can see a Counselor at Any Time
I was shocked when my daughter became an emotional disaster in kindergarten. She had loved her young fives class the year before and had been a happy, enjoyable child. But as soon as “being in school all day, every day” hit, she lost it.
The first four weeks of school she sobbed uncontrollably 24 hours a day, desperate to go home and never return to school again. Her teacher was fantastic, and everyone worked hard to help her, but we were clearly out of our league. What was going ON??
Her pediatrician recommended a local child therapist and at our first visit, the lightbulbs went on. My child has anxiety.
She has never had to hold it all in for a long school day before. She loves the safety of her home and felt overwhelmed when she had to leave for long periods. She is used to Mom and Dad’s presence being her safety net.
She’s been in therapy ever since, and it’s been worth every minute, and every penny. Sometimes she sees her therapist every few weeks. Other times she can go a few months. She probably will see a therapist for the rest of her life. It’s simply what she needs to do to be healthy.
How Frequent Are Appointments?
Therapy appointment frequency varies. When a child first meets with their therapist, they often are coming in once a week or once every two weeks while the therapist assesses the child and starts building a plan.
Some children will need weekly or bi-weekly appointments, while others may do well with monthly visits. My daughter’s therapist has her on an “as-needed” schedule, so now we reach out when she needs a check-in. This is about once every three months for us.
Some children may need bi-weekly appointments their whole life. It just depends on their personal situation and goals.
Do I Attend the Sessions With My Child?
Child therapists all have different systems, but in our experience, the child sees the counselor privately during most of their one-hour appointment time.
Parents can meet with the therapist privately before the meeting to discuss anything important, and often the counselor will bring in the parent at the end of the child’s session to go over things they talked about and possible plans.
Sometimes this is with the child present, and other times, you talk to the counselor alone.
It may feel weird to leave your young kid alone with a therapist, but it really gives the child a chance to be honest with their counselor without fear of Mom or Dad overreacting or getting upset.
How Do I Choose a Child Therapist?
You obviously want to find a counselor who specializes in working with kids.
If your child has a specific diagnosis such as autism, ADHD, ODD or anxiety, you will want to make sure the counselor is experienced in that area.
Most parents prefer to meet with the child counselor first, just to make sure it will be a good fit for their kid. Please remember you might not find the best fit with the first counselor.
Sometimes it takes a little trial and error – and, while potentially frustrating, that’s ok!
Our daughter found her perfect match with her second child therapist. Kelly Griffin, MA, LLP is a literal wizard and has helped all three of my kids grow into their best selves.
Mental Health & Insurance
Sadly, insurance coverage for mental health is murky at best. But when you’ve decided you need professional help, you still need to start here to determine your coverage.
If you don’t have insurance, see what other resources are available.
Some companies around Grand Rapids have mental health options for their employees and families. My husband’s job, for example, offers employees and dependents six free sessions with specific therapists covered under their insurance plan.
If you have health insurance, call your provider. They can give you specific information about how much coverage you have and which providers participate with your plan. From there, you can approach some of the specific resources in this article.
While difficult to find, there are offices out there like Leadlight Counseling that accept Medicaid.
Even if you do not have insurance, you still have options.
- In Kent County, Network 180 is the best place to start (800-649-3777).
- In Ottawa County, contact Community Mental Health (866-512-4357).
- Another valuable community resource is 2-1-1. You can call 2-1-1 from any landline phone and a trained staff member will help get you in touch with the appropriate health or human service organization you need. (If you are calling from a cell phone, the Kent County number is 1-800-887-1107 and the Ottawa County number is 877-211-LAKE.) Anytime I have called, the staff have been very helpful and well informed. There is no cost for this service and it is available 24-7. You can also check out Kent County 211 online here or Ottawa County 211 online.
- Find more options at Free Clinics of Michigan, where you can search by location.
Normalize Talking to Your Kid About Their Mental Health
If you view this as a positive experience, your child will, too.
I framed my daughter’s therapist appointments as a fun opportunity to figure out how her brain works and how to feel more calm at school and in certain situations. I told her that her therapist had tricks for helping her brain to not worry as often.
We were excited to meet someone who was going to help us! And to this day, she looks forward to her counseling sessions. (Partly because her counselor has therapy dogs, but also partly because she enjoys the peace these visits bring.)
It’s normal to have some reservations about seeking counseling for your child, but if you can see the bright side, they will, too.
If you have a child with a lot of anxiety, give them some choices about seeing the counselor. (Do you want to write down some questions for the counselor ahead of time? Do you want me or Dad to go with you? Is there something you would like to take with you to help you feel more comfortable?)
Whatever angle you think is going to work best with your child, use it. When more people use these services to help their children, the stigma occasionally associated with them will melt away.
Remember — happy children (help) make for happy adults. Why not give them the tools to help them for the rest of their lives? Care for your family’s mental health. Your future self will thank you for it.
Amanda Haveman, LLMSW at Dare To Be Counseling is great with children and teens of all ages. https://www.daretobecounseling.com/amanda-haveman
Before I met one, I had no idea that kids as young as 5 would require therapy. We shouldn’t underestimate the young since they have feelings too. My therapist at https://truetherapy.org/services/trauma-therapy/ has a patient who is only five years old and has severe adhd and depression.
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