The Beauty—and Challenges—of Small Town Living
Growing up in a small town in Northern Michigan comes with both perks and challenges.
There’s instant access to beautiful lakes, outstanding golf courses, and some of the best fishing
around. Summers are filled with backyard BBQs, campfires, s’mores, and nights spent under the
stars. In many ways, it’s a naturally therapeutic lifestyle.
But there’s one downside that anyone from a small town knows well: everyone knows your
name.
When Privacy Becomes a Concern
While that can be helpful when you’re getting a discount on a double scoop of Mackinac Island fudge ice cream or booking a wine tour in Traverse City, it can feel very different when you’re trying to find mental health support. In smaller communities, concerns about privacy and confidentiality are real. On top of that, you may only have access to a limited number of local therapy practices—making it harder to find a provider who truly fits your needs.
Expanding Your Options Beyond Your Local Area
I recently ran into this situation while helping a family member search for a therapist. At first, we were limiting our options to providers within a short driving distance. But then it hit me—why limit ourselves to a 10-mile radius when we could search the entire state of Michigan? Expanding the search to include virtual therapy opened up so many more possibilities. Suddenly, we could consider therapists in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Alpena, Kalamazoo, Marquette, and Metro Detroit—all without leaving home. Even better, it eliminated the concern of running into your therapist at the local grocery store or community events.
Convenience That Fits Michigan Living
Online therapy in Michigan also offers a level of convenience that’s hard to beat—especially during the winter months. Instead of navigating icy roads for a weekly appointment, sessions can take place from the comfort and safety of home.
Insurance Coverage & What to Know
Many people are surprised to learn that as long as your therapist is licensed in the state of Michigan and accepts your insurance, virtual therapy sessions are often covered—no matter where you live in the state, including the Upper Peninsula. The main limitation is that you typically need to be physically located in Michigan at the time of your session.
A Therapist Who Understands Your Background
As a therapist, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients from all across Michigan. Although I’m based in Metro Detroit, I understand the “up north” lifestyle because I spent much of my childhood there. That shared understanding helps me connect with clients in a meaningful and authentic way, no matter where they are located.
Is Virtual Therapy Right for You?
If you or a family member are considering counseling, virtual therapy can be a powerful option.
It allows you to expand your search, prioritize confidentiality, and find the provider who is truly
the best fit for you.
And as a bonus—you can attend therapy from your living room, avoid winter travel, or even sit
outside by the lake during a session (as long as only the birds are listening).