On Your Side
Family Services
About Us
About Us
Mural by Natalie Laney (On Your Side Family Serivices first location, 2020)
We provide clinical therapy services in a welcoming and affirming space specially designed for children, adolescents, and families.
We’re different and we want it that way!
Come in, kick off your shoes, jump on our couches, and play hide-and-seek with our staff.
Or, if you prefer something a little more relaxing, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, grab a book, and snuggle up with a comfortable throw in your own little cubby.
Still not convinced? Help yourself to a snack while you play our arcade game and wait for your appointment!
Our space is made to be comfortable for everyone!
Our therapists are equipped with a diverse toolkit of interventions and modalities to meet your unique needs. While each therapist brings their own expertise to the table, all of them are well-versed in addressing the challenges encountered by children, adolescents, and families in today's world.
Many of these issues include:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety
- Obessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Anger
- Depression
- Autism
- Self-harm
- Suicidal Ideation
- Trauma
- Parenting Skills
- Social Skills
- Blended Families
- Gender Identity
- Sexuality
- Eating Disorders
- Substance Use
- Divorce
- Grief and Loss
- Self-Esteem
- Self-Advocacy
- and many more!
Offering Multiple Forms of Intervention
- Talk Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Play Therapy
- Sandtray Therapy
- Animal Assisted Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Gottman Institute Couples Therapy
- Behavior Modification Therapy
- Family Systems Therapy
- Bibliotherapy
- Ecotherapy
- Mindfulness
- Virtual Therapy
- Gaming Therapy
Prices vary by professional service provided.
Many of our services are covered by insurance.
Providing in-network services for
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Blue Care Network
- Blue Cross Complete
- Aetna
- Cigna
- HAP
- Medicaid MI
- Meridian
- Molina
- Priority Health
- United
- and more!
*Contacting your insurance provider directly is always the best way to determine coverage.
Please call and speak to our office manager to find out your co-payment responsibilities.
Good faith estimates are provided upon request.
and
more!
On Your Side
Family Services
Staff
Our Staff
We believe in the beauty and value inherent in every body and mind.
We are proud to be members of
the communities we serve.
Heather Herrick, LMSW
she/her
Clinical Co-Director
Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist
I hold a Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Michigan. I am also a Certified School Social Woker. I have over 20 years of experience with children, adolescents, and families.
I can help navigate through major and minor life changes and illnesses. I have expertise in behavior planning for children and families. My years of experience include working with ADHD, ODD, Depression, Anxiety, Autism, PTSD, grief and loss, divorce, and changing family structures; including step-parenting, same-sex parenting and foster-parenting. I also work with those navigating sexual orientation, gender expression, and various relationship structures.
With a growth mindset, extensive experience, and skills in multiple methods of therapy, I know that even life’s challenges and changes can lead you to being your best self or family.
Jami Melton, LMSW
she/they
Clinical Co-Director
Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist
I earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Simmons University in Boston, MA and currently hold a limited license in the state of Michigan. I have been working with children, adolescents, adults, and families since May, 2021 doing individual, family, and group therapy sessions.
I create a safe space for all of my clients, regardless of their gender identity, sexuality, or other minority status. Coming to therapy should not be something that is feared, so I strive to make each client feel comfortable, safe, welcome, seen, heard, and important. I use a variety of therapeutic interventions tailored to each client’s specific needs.
I identify as a genderfluid omnisexual which gives me a unique perspective into the difficulties faced by those who identify as a gender and/or sexual minority.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my large blended family, practicing my cello, and walking around without shoes.
Andrea Gerbi-Schoenherr, LPC
she/her
Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist
Andrea earned her Master’s in Counseling from Wayne State University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan. She has been working with children, adolescents and families for over 20 years in her roles as a Prevention Outreach Specialist, Collegiate & High School Soccer Coach, Guidance Counselor, High School teacher and Therapist.
Life is messy and full of contradictions. Nothing is perfect. Relationships are complex. Outcomes are uncertain and people can be unpredictable. However, that is exactly what truly makes life vibrant, beautiful & worth living.
Starting therapy is an important decision and one that can be scary. Finding the right mental health care provider is critical. Working with you would be my honor! I cultivate a safe and confidential space of empathy while listening without judgement. It is from this foundation that we can safely explore and learn more not only about yourself, but the world around you. It is my belief that with increased self-awareness one can create the life of their dreams.
Together through empathic discussion, increased self-knowledge, and cognitive-behavioral restructuring we can safely explore the most complex aspects of the human experience.
Deborah Hemgesberg, LMSW
she/her
Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist
Deb graduated in 2000 with her MSW from Eastern Michigan University with a focus on families and children.
Deb spent the lion’s share of her career serving the public mental health system, doing community based work.
Deb says, “I’m comfortable with all people. Those who have developmental disabilities, mental health concerns, depression, anxiety, personality disorders and who are neurodivergent, or who struggle to accept their sexuality, or the way people treat them because of their sexuality, and those who are wanting to recover from trauma.” (This includes generational trauma affecting relationships)
I enjoy serving adolescents, and feel comfortable with elders and people recovering from brain injuries.
I use a trauma informed approach. I’m person centered. I use a variety of approaches and draw from multiple modalities: dbt, cbt and education related to trauma and how we process that. My focus is on you. I use skills from motivational interviewing and somatic experiencing therapies, as well as focus on attachment theory and how it manifests itself. I’m a coach to your recovery process, an ally in the journey, a voice of honest reflection.
I work for you, my focus is you.
I am biological mom to two wonderful adult humans, who have both mental health and neurodivergent experiences. I have fostered 7 additional humans over the past decade and a half. Being a mom, is one of the most favorite roles in my life. I also identify as a lesbian. I have a progressive hearing loss, I use technology and I speech read. I pick up on “micro expressions” and other non verbal language that people frequently don’t realize they are communicating.
I have a service dog, Capone, he’s 110 lb black lab/German short hair, he’s pure love. (He’s being trained to be a therapy support animal as well as my hearing dog)
I used to play clarinet. My first job was in a pizzeria, I can still throw a crust over my head!”
Brooke Fick, LLPC
she/her
Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist
Brooke holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling from Wayne State University. She is a Limited License Professional Counselor and a certified School Counselor in Michigan, specializing in supporting children, adolescents, and families.
Brooke’s journey in student counseling began in 2019 as a Prevention Specialist in downriver schools. Here, she dedicated herself to running social-emotional learning groups for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, fostering their emotional growth and well-being.
Since 2023, Brooke has served as a school counselor and has recently expanded her role to include part-time individual therapy. She is enthusiastic about continuing to support students and families through therapeutic interventions.
Brooke provides a safe, non-judgmental space where you can freely express your concerns, whether it’s anxiety, low self-esteem, academic pressures, or peer relationships. By learning skills like mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral activation, you’ll gain the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and confidence.
Brooke’s goal is to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel heard and understood. Together, we'll create a personalized plan to address your unique needs and goals, supporting you in achieving lasting positive change.
Jessica Ecie, LLMSW
she/her
Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist
Jessica earned her master’s degree in Social Work from Wayne State University in Detroit. She currently holds a Limited License in the state of Michigan. Jessica has experience working with children, adolescents, and their families. She began working with youth and their families in 2015, when she started her career in social work as a case manager and a group facilitator at an agency in Wayne County. In 2021, Jessica began working as a school social worker, and is now excited to be doing individual and group therapy part-time as well.
Looking for a therapist and starting therapy can feel overwhelming and scary! However, it is something you should congratulate yourself for and feel proud of, because you are taking steps to invest in yourself and your wellbeing! Jessica provides a safe and confidential space to explore yourself and possible environmental influencers/factors. She is experienced working with multiple modalities to assist you through your therapeutic journey.
Dale Bolger, LLMSW
they/them
Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist
Dale Bolger received their Master’s in Social Work from Simmons University with a focus on gender and sexual minorities, young adults and their families and a certificate in Groups and Families. Dale has identified as bisexual/pansexual since middle school and legally changed their gender giving them a unique perspective and common ground with many LGBTQIA2S+ patients. Dale has been involved in community counseling, radical social justice for historically excluded communities and the environment. They have worked with gender and sexual minorities since the ‘80s AIDS epidemic. Dale also has experience working with mental illness, neurodivergency, homelessness, and addiction. Dale, utilizes a combination of evidence based interventions including Internal Family Systems, Narrative, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused therapies to provide trauma-informed gender and sexual minority affirming therapy.
When not working on issues of social justice, or with transitional aged youth and their families, Dale can be found spending time with their spouse, grown children, dog, 4 cats, 7 turtles or just enjoying nature in the garden.
Alisa Turner, LLMSW
she/her
Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist
Alisa received her Master's of Social Work and a graduate Gerontology certificate from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Alisa has worked with older adults and families for 7+ years. She has also begun to work with children and adolescents doing individual and group therapy.
I believe in meeting people where they are at and finding what works for you. Whatever your goal is, I will be here to help you achieve it. We all experience and process life events differently, which is why I create a safe, judgement-free, and welcoming environment for everyone. Therapy is an individualized experience. so I use a mix of different theories and interventions to create a therapeutic experience that is truly tailored just for you.
In my spare time I like to spend time with my loved ones, travel, binge watch tv shows and find excuses for a self-care day :)
Karen earned her Master's in Counseling from Spring Arbor University and is a Limited License Counselor and School Counselor with the State of Michigan. She has a passion for supporting children and adolescents, especially those who identify as neurodivergent/neurodiverse.
It is an honor for me to walk alongside you and your family as you navigate joy, sorrow, and everything in between. I strive to maintain a space where you are in the driver's seat; I am there to encourage you when you want to grow and comfort you when you want to pause. Above all else, it is most important to me that you feel safe, heard, and understood from the minute we meet!
Whether our times together include laughter, tears, or excitement, my goal is that you walk out discovering more about yourself and others and feeling empowered to take another step when you're ready.
As a clinician, I take a solution-focused approach by remaining unconditionally eager to learn more about you and helping you to navigate whatever obstacles are preventing you from attaining more happiness, peace, and freedom. I also use cognitive-behavior therapy, which is a fancy way of saying I believe in uncovering and modifying mindsets that do not serve you well so you can feel better and be more successful in your relationships and in life!
Karen Feldman, LLPC
she/her
Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist
Kristina Jourdan, MSW Intern
she/her
Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist
Kristina has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and is currently pursuing a master of social work degree from the University of Michigan. She has worked in mental health for a combined seven years in various capacities including inpatient, outpatient, case management, substance use and more.
Her passion is to help people understand and heal their trauma; work with children to navigate complicated family dynamics; empower neurodivergent people to live a full and free life; walk alongside people processing grief of a loved one; and support survivors of domestic violence (particularly narcissistic abuse).
Kristina believes clients are the masters of their lives and know what’s best for their journey. Her purpose is to be there alongside them and provide guidance as they work to figure things out. She passionately believes that everyone deserves to exist and live as their most authentic self.
Bridgette Holcomb, MSW Intern
she/her
Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist
Bridgette is an MSW intern with a BA in Psychology with a focus on children and adolescents. She also holds an Infant Mental Health Endorsement, specializing in mental health for children ages 0-5. She’s worked in education for much of her career, as a Pre K teacher, a childcare center director, home visiting for families with children aged 0-5 and currently works in administration of early childhood funding and initiatives.
When it comes to both children and adults, she believes that all behavior is a form of communication and wants to help families and children process their feelings and grow together. She is interested in highly sensitive children and people, social, emotional, and cognitive development, and attachment theory and the ways our lives are shaped by it. She uses kindness, empathy and knowledge of therapeutic practice and healthy coping mechanisms to help her clients process, grow, and thrive.
Andrew Dailing, BSW Intern
he/they
Office Guru/Group Facilitator
Andrew is a Senior BSW Student at Wayne State University, with interests in child/family services, counseling, forensic social work, and policy/advocacy. As a member of the LGBT Community and with vast experience in advocacy, he hopes to be able to use his skills and experience to help the community.
When not working or in class, Andrew enjoys spending time with family and reading.
Elowyn Greene, BA
she/her
Group Facilitator
Elowyn is a trans woman with knowledge and experience Socially, Legally, and Medically transitioning. Her interests include Gender and Sexual Minorities, Mood disorders, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She seeks to leverage her own life experiences to benefit the community. Her spare time is spent with her two boys, sewing, cooking, and playing guitar.
Natalie Laney
she/they
Art Group Facilitator
Natalie has been creating art since day one! As a Junior at Wayne State University, she is completing her BFA and is on track to complete her Master of Education in art therapy. She hopes to spread joy with art and make a fun, low-stress creative environment for all!
Bonnie Forrest
she/her
Office Manager/Biller
Bonnie holds a BS in Economics from Eastern Michigan University, a Child Development Associate credential, and worked in Education for twelve years.
As Office Manager, she handles onboarding and scheduling of clients and staff, medical claims and billing, as well as various other related duties.
Her free time is spent volunteering with multiple organizations and causes, all geared toward assisting and uplifting the marginalized, and making the world a better place.
Be one of the helpers.
Your name here!
Hiring clinical therapists to join our team.
Part-time!
or
Full-time!
Please send resume, cover letter, and references to:
Join Our Team!!!
Set your own schedule!
We are seeking full- and part-time contractual, clinical therapists to provide therapeutic services to clients with mild to moderate mental health needs. We offer a small team environment, well-equipped office spaces, and a steady referral stream. We have IMMEDIATE openings for contractual positions with flexible schedules, both in-person and virtual. We are seeking fully licensed LP, LLPC, LMFT, LMSW therapists, AND limited license LLP, LLPC and LLMSW therapists.
Our office accepts private pay clients and third-party insurance. Our helpful support staff handles ALL intake authorizations, client portal registrations, and billing issues so our therapists can focus on therapy!
Job Type: Contract, 1099 position
Responsibilities
- Ability to establish therapeutic rapport with diverse clientele.
- Complete thorough biopsychosocial assessments and measurable treatment plans.
- Ability to provide therapeutic intervention via telehealth technology as well as in-person.
- Complete required paperwork including Progress Notes and Intake Assessments in a timely manner.
- Obtain client signature for Releases of Information to comply with HIPAA regulations.
- Make appropriate referrals to psychiatry and higher levels of care, as needed.
- Coordinate services with outside providers and educators.
- Complete insurance applications for paneling.
- Attend scheduled staff meetings and clinical supervision.
- Follow agency policies, procedures, and privacy practices.
Qualifications
- MUST have a license in the State of Michigan: L/LMSW, L/LPC, LMFT, or L/LP.
- Highly motivated and computer savvy.
- Maintain timely case files within electronic medical record (EMR) that are in compliance with clinic’s policies and procedures.
- Provide assessments, intakes, individual, and/or family therapy as needed in accordance with professional standards and policies/procedures of the facility.
- Must provide gender-, sexuality-, and neurodiversity-affirming care to clients.
Benefits
- A beautiful, newly furnished, secure, and client-friendly practice setting with plenty of parking and accessible entrances and bathrooms.
- Set your own schedule! Flexible daytime, evening, and weekend hours: office availability 7 days a week from 8am-9pm. Online and in-person opportunities.
- Competitive fee split (varies depending on the number of weekly appointments) with monthly payments made via check or direct deposit.
- Case conferencing and supervision support provided at NO COST.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Cloud-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
- HIPAA compliant online telehealth and communication platform.
- Steady referrals.
- Helpful support staff.
- Marketing and advertising provided.
- Credentialing support provided.
Are you interested?
Ready to join our team?
Please send resume, cover letter, and references to:
On Your Side
Family Services
Services
Individual Therapy
Jump into our individual therapy sessions designed for children, adolescents, and adults, where healing is infused with a touch of playfulness and creativity. Our seasoned therapists bring expertise in various modalities, including play therapy for our younger clients, art therapy for the creatively inclined, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for structured problem-solving and growth. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and preferences, blending professionalism with a sense of fun and adventure. Whether you're navigating tough emotions, seeking personal growth, or simply looking to thrive, our therapy sessions offer a supportive environment to explore and flourish. Join us as we embark on this journey towards wellness and discovery!
Our clinical therapy services are delivered with a sprinkle of fun and a whole lot of warmth, ensuring everyone feels right at home. Come join us in this affirming environment where growth and laughter go hand in hand.
Family Therapy
Join us in our family therapy sessions, where we blend professionalism with a splash of fun for a dynamic journey towards stronger familial bonds! Together, we'll tackle a variety of goals aimed at boosting communication, resolving conflicts, and creating a happier, more harmonious home. Our sessions, running 55-60 minutes weekly, guarantee steady progress in a supportive atmosphere. We warmly invite caregivers, kids, and all family members to join in our inclusive approach. Plus, we're well-versed in the complexities of blended families and those needing extra support, offering tailored strategies to meet everyone's unique needs. Let's embark on this exciting adventure towards a brighter family dynamic together!
Relationship Therapy
Welcome to the exciting world of relationship counseling, where we blend professionalism with a dash of fun to embark on a journey of love and connection! No matter your relationship status, orientation, or structure, we're here to champion understanding, communication, and emotional bonds. Whether you're a married duo weathering storms, an unmarried pair building a rock-solid foundation, or exploring the intricacies of polyamory, our goal is unwavering: to nurture healthier, happier relationships. We celebrate the diversity of love, from monogamous to polyamorous, heterosexual to asexual, creating a safe and inclusive space for exploration and growth. Through the magic of empathy, open dialogue, and conflict resolution tools, our relationship counseling promises to weave stronger, more fulfilling bonds for all involved. Let's embark on this adventure together and discover the joy of love in all its forms!
On Your Side
Family Services
Services
Group Therapy
Explore the vibrant world of group therapy, where professionalism meets fun in a supportive atmosphere for kids, teens, and families alike! Here, we tackle challenges together, sharing laughs and breakthroughs along the way. It's not just about learning new skills—it's about honing them alongside peers who get it. Together, we build a community where everyone's voice is heard and valued. Through interactive activities and heartfelt discussions, participants sharpen their social savvy, master emotional balance, and unlock their problem-solving superpowers. Join us on this exciting journey of growth and discovery! Check out our group therapy page for a look at our current offerings.
CURRENT
Group Offerings
On Your Side
Family Services
Services
The Safe & Sound
Protocol
A new listening therapy based on Polyvagal Theory
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) uses specially-filtered music to train the neural network associated with listening to focus on the frequency range of the human voice.
Nourish and awaken your nervous system.
Feel more calm, in control, and regulated.
The Safe and Sound Protocol is an auditory intervention for children and adults developed by Dr. Stephen Porges that restores the nervous system, and is designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience.
The Safe and Sound Protocol, which is administered by qualified and certified professionals with On Your Side Family Services, employs a practical bottom-up approach to help people regulate their nervous system more consistently and independently.
- Long Lasting Impact
- Multiple Playlists to Choose From
- Safe and Effective for All Ages
- Works with Other Therapies
- Backed by Decades of Research
Talk with your therapist today to see if The Safe and Sound Protocol would be a helpful addition to your current therapy regiment.
The SSP helps to regulate the autonomic nervous system and improve auditory processing, leading to better social connection.
When we experience the world as safe, we can more effectively and efficiently use our internal resources to support health and well-being, building the foundation for awareness, embodiment and resilience.
The SSP is suitable across the lifespan, and has been designed to complement a variety of therapeutic approaches and modalities.
On Your Side
Family Services
Home
Services
About Us
Staff
Internship Program
Training the next generation of practitioners with the needed tools to effectively treat children, adolescents, and families.
We are proud to offer therapy through our internship program with pre-licensed counselors and social workers! Our interns are master’s level students in the final year of their accredited graduate program. As gatekeepers of the profession and of the communities we serve, interns are carefully selected based on our rigorous clinical and ethical standards. Our training program offers interns weekly training and supervision, including individual and group supervision, and clinical training to ensure that we are offering the highest quality of care for our clients. Additionally, each intern is supervised by a fully licensed clinician and experienced clinical supervisor. Read more about our Internship Training Program below!
Why see an intern?
Are you a mental health practitioner
in training?
Become an
On your side family services
Intern!
Be part of our mission to expand equity and access to high-quality care for children and families!
Open to Counselors and Social Workers!
Discover the Value of Choosing a Therapy Intern!
Choosing a therapy intern can be an excellent decision on your path to healing and self-discovery. Here's why:
- Fresh Perspective: Interns are often armed with the latest techniques and theories, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on your challenges.
- Dedication to Learning: Interns are passionate about honing their skills. They are eager to learn and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field, making them highly committed to your progress.
- Supervision and Support: Interns work closely with experienced licensed therapists who provide guidance and supervision. This means you benefit from a collaborative approach, combining the intern's enthusiasm with the wisdom of a seasoned therapist.
- Affordability: Seeking therapy from an intern is often more cost-effective than sessions with licensed professionals. This makes quality mental health support more accessible to a wider range of individuals.
- Personal Connection: As interns are starting their journey, they have a genuine interest in connecting with their clients. They are often more relatable and approachable, which can foster a strong therapeutic relationship.
- Cultural Competence: Our interns are well-versed in cultural competence and can relate to diverse backgrounds and experiences, ensuring a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
- Innovative Approaches: Interns are more open to trying innovative therapeutic approaches, tailoring your treatment to your unique needs and preferences.
When choosing a therapy intern, you are not only investing in your own well-being but also in the growth and development of a dedicated and passionate professional. It's a win-win opportunity to embark on a therapeutic journey filled with potential and promise. Take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future by considering the competency of a therapy intern as your ally on your path to self-improvement and healing.
On Your Side
Family Services
- Clinical Supervision
- Workshops
- Speaking Engagements
- Presentations
- Consultation
5-7 pm
