If you (or your teen/young adult) are feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or just “off,” that’s enough of a reason to reach out. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to get support. Therapy can help things feel more manageable—and even enjoyable—again.

Yes! I offer a free 15-minute phone consult so we can connect, talk through what’s been going on, and see if we’re a good fit. There’s no pressure—just a conversation to help you feel more comfortable and supported as you take this next step.

Yes! I specialize in working with adolescents and emerging adults (typically ages 12–25). I also support parents who are navigating this season alongside them, but usually these sessions are rare.

For the past 15 years, I’ve worked as a high school counselor, walking alongside teens and young adults through some of the most challenging and important seasons of their lives. I’ve supported students through anxiety, academic pressure, friendship shifts, identity exploration, and major life transitions.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to deepen my work through specialized training and professional development focused on the social and emotional needs of this age group. I’ve learned how to listen well, support growth, and create a space where young people feel safe, heard, and genuinely understood.

My passion for this work runs deep—because I know how powerful it can be when a young person begins to feel more confident, more grounded, and more like themselves again.

Yes—in a thoughtful, supportive way. I partner with parents to keep them in the loop while also giving teens a safe, confidential space to open up. I’ll help guide when it’s helpful to bring families together, and when a teen just needs space to process on their own.

I’m a private pay provider, which means I don’t bill insurance directly. While this might feel like a hurdle at first, there are actually some big benefits:

• No formal diagnosis is required to begin therapy

• Your sessions remain completely private—no info shared with insurance companies

• We have full freedom to focus on what matters most to you, not just what’s covered by a diagnosis

Many clients find this gives them more control, flexibility, and peace of mind throughout the counseling process. If you’d like, I can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

Yes—I reserve a portion of my caseload for sliding scale clients. If cost is a concern, please reach out. I’m committed to making therapy as accessible as possible, and I’m happy to talk through options during our consult call.

Most sessions are 60 minutes, and the fee for a standard one-hour session is $155. I also offer a 45-minute session option for $130, depending on your needs and preferences.

I know therapy is a meaningful investment, and I want it to feel accessible. I reserve a portion of my caseload for reduced-fee (sliding scale) clients. If cost is a concern, please don’t hesitate to bring it up during our free consult—we’ll talk it through together.

I choose to work outside of insurance so I can offer the kind of care that puts you—not a diagnosis—at the center of everything we do.
When therapy is tied to insurance, it usually requires a mental health diagnosis to justify treatment. That can shape how therapy is approached, tracked, and limited.

But I believe you’re more than a diagnosis—and healing requires more than a one-size-fits-all plan.
Private pay allows us to focus on your unique experience, goals, and growth without the pressure to fit into a box.
Together, we create a plan that reflects who you are, not just what you’re struggling with.

Therapy is an investment—not just in symptom relief, but in long-term confidence, clarity, and emotional resilience.
This kind of freedom creates space for deeper, more lasting change.

That’s really common. I’m happy to chat with you first to talk through how to introduce the idea and what you might say. Many teens are hesitant at first—but once they feel seen and heard, they often open up more than you’d expect. 

Yes! I offer virtual counseling for clients who prefer the convenience and comfort of meeting from home or college. It’s flexible, private, and just as effective as in-person work.

For local clients, I offer outdoor walking sessions (weather permitting). It’s a great option for people who think better while moving or feel more comfortable side-by-side than face-to-face. It’s casual, calming, and just as focused as traditional therapy.

I help clients with anxiety, stress, perfectionism, identity struggles, school/college transitions, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, and feeling “stuck.” If it’s making life harder or heavier, we can talk about it.

You can book a free 15-minute phone consult right by calling 616-231-1882 or email me at renee@mifiresidecounseling.com. In our call, it’s your chance to ask questions, share a little bit about what’s going on, and see if we’re a good fit—no pressure at all.

If we decide we’re a good fit during our consult, we’ll go ahead and schedule your first full session.
I’ll also send you a link to complete some brief online paperwork—simple forms you can fill out on your phone or computer through a secure, confidential client portal.

From there, we’ll get started with your first session and begin building a path forward—together.