The rise in mental health issues across the country has led to the establishment of numerous new mental health centers.
Among them is the Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling, located near Silver Beach in Michigan.
This facility provides affordable mental health services, catering to individuals of all ages and various relationship needs.
In this article, we will explore the range of services offered by the Donarski Center and how they contribute to enhancing mental health and overall well-being. Continue reading to find out more.
Additionally, when searching for a reputable psychiatrist or mental health facility, it’s important to consider various factors.
One effective method is to use online mental health platforms like BetterHelp. These services connect you with licensed professionals who provide therapy and support.
They offer the advantage of convenience and accessibility, enabling you to receive mental health care from the comfort of your home.
How Do Mental Health Therapy Services Work in Donarski Center
Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling, LLC (DCMHC) is a private practice located in downtown Saint Joseph, Michigan, near Silver Beach.
They offer mental health therapy for children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families.
DCMHC combines traditional “talk therapy” with modern, evidence-based techniques to provide comfort, insight, and guidance in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Starting mental health therapy at Donarski Center is designed to be a simple and smooth process.
Individuals begin by providing some basic information about themselves, which they can do either by completing an online form or by calling the office at 269-982-3832 during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
After receiving this information, the intake coordinator reviews it and matches each person with a clinician who best meets their needs.
This matching process takes into account factors such as the person’s age, preferred language, the issues they wish to address, their insurance coverage, and any scheduling preferences.
The center will then schedule the first appointment within the next three weeks, offering both in-person and virtual session options based on what is most convenient for the individual.
Professional Staff Members
1. Edwin Vergara, LPC
Edwin R. Vergara is the CEO and owner of the Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling.
He began his career as an intern at Family Therapy & Development Centers (FTDC), where he learned different therapy techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy.
During his training, Edwin worked with people of all ages, including couples, children, teenagers, and seniors.
He speaks both Spanish and English and appreciates different cultures and traditions.
2. Shannon Groh, LPC
Shannon is a Master’s level Licensed Professional Counselor and a qualified supervisor for Counseling Interns and Limited License Professional Counselors in Michigan.
She is also certified in Clinical Trauma and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. With over 15 years of experience, Shannon has worked with people of all ages, including veterans and military families.
She is finishing her dissertation on stress, coping, chronic illness, and family dynamics.
Shannon is trained in various therapies like EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
She focuses on trauma, depression, anxiety, addictions, stress, chronic illness, grief, and anger management, and she also supervises counseling interns and Limited License Professional Counselors.
3. Dr. Janene Donarski, PhD, LP, CCATP, ECDCS
Dr. Janene Donarski, PhD LP, founded Family Therapy & Development Centers, Inc., which is now run by Edwin Vergara LPC as Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling (DCMHC).
As a Licensed Psychologist specializing in Neuropsychology, Dr. Donarski uses a flexible therapy approach.
She combines different techniques to fit each person’s needs, rather than sticking to just one method.
Dr. Donarski is skilled in treating anxiety and trauma, working with people with disabilities like vision problems and cancer, and supporting Veterans and Military families.
She is certified in Clinical Anxiety Treatment and Dementia Care and has experience working with attorneys on legal psychological matters.
4. Nadine Milham, LLPC
Nadine C. Milham, MS, LLPC, has more than 25 years of experience in social services and therapy.
She has Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Political Science and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Nadine also completed a Service Learning Scholarship and a Hinkley internship in Washington DC.
Nadine has spent her career helping people with addiction, trauma, loss, rape, and domestic violence.
She specializes in working with adults, women, and teenagers, and is experienced in family issues, probation, reunification, addiction, and mood disorders.
5. Allyse Ide, MS, LLP
Allyse is a Limited License Psychologist (LLP) at Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling, where she has worked since 2012.
She has experience in various roles, from reception to psychotherapy.
Allyse uses Neuroscience-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (N-CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in her practice.
She mainly works with adults but also helps teenagers. She values working with other health professionals to provide comprehensive care and often addresses issues like life changes, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem.
In couples counseling, she focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts.
6. Genoveve Smith, LLPC
Genoveve L. Smith is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Andrews University.
She helps people with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, communication, conflict resolution, and anger management.
Genoveve works with both teenagers and adults, respecting their diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
She creates a safe space for clients to express their emotions and use therapy methods like Solution-Focused, Insight-Oriented Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address negative thoughts.
7. Stephanie David, LLPC
Stephanie David is a Limited License Professional Counselor with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
She’s currently pursuing a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, specializing in children and families.
Stephanie has experience with various clients and enjoys helping children, teens, and young adults.
She takes a collaborative approach to supporting people with depression, anxiety, behavior issues, communication problems, self-esteem, trauma, grief, life changes, ADHD, and parenting challenges.
The Telehealth Service at Donarski Center
Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling recognizes that some patients may not be able to attend their sessions in person due to illness, distance, or mobility issues.
New telehealth patients are asked to complete the Patient Intake Forms before their first appointment.
These forms, along with a copy of a government-issued ID and the health insurance card (front and back), should be sent to [email protected] at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment.
Patients are responsible for their payment, with co-pays due at the time of service. Payment can be made by phone with a card or by mailing a check to the Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling at 830 Pleasant St, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
If there are questions about co-pays or deductibles, contacting the health insurance provider is recommended.
To join a telehealth appointment, patients should open their web browser and visit “doxy.me/” followed by their provider’s name, such as https://doxy.me/allyseide for Allyse Ide or https://doxy.me/edwinvergara for Edwin Vergara.
Want to know more about mental health counseling services, check these out:
- Center Rock Mental Health Counseling: Solid Support & Care
- The Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling Review
- Footprints Mental Health Counseling: Guiding Your Journey
Employment Opportunities in Donarski Center
Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling is currently hiring therapists for both part-time and full-time positions.
These roles involve working with children, teenagers, families, and adults. The center offers flexible scheduling options, including in-person, after-hours, and remote sessions.
Ideal candidates will have experience working with diverse age groups and be well-versed in managing issues such as anxiety, phobias, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, family dynamics, behavior problems, communication challenges, and parenting stress.
Proficiency in both individual and family therapy is required, and applicants must meet Michigan’s licensure and regulatory standards.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and a copy of your license (letters of recommendation are optional) to Patti Hendrixson, Office Manager, at [email protected]
Address and Contact Information
Donarski Center for Mental Health Counseling is located at 830 Pleasant St, Suite 201, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
You can reach them by phone at (269) 982-3832 or send faxes to (269) 281-0351.
For more information, visit their official website.
FAQ’s:
What does a counselor do for anxiety?
A counselor can provide valuable tools for managing anxiety. They help individuals identify the sources of their anxiety, discover coping techniques, and learn relaxation methods.
Counselors may also apply cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address and alter negative thinking patterns, replacing them with more constructive thoughts.
In addition, they offer support and guidance, assisting people in understanding their emotions and developing healthier strategies for managing stress.
How long is counseling?
The duration of counseling can vary based on factors like the individual’s needs, the type of therapy, and treatment goals. Typically, sessions are about 45 to 60 minutes long.
The overall length of counseling can range from a few weeks to several months or more, depending on the complexity of the issues and the progress achieved.
Some clients may have short-term, goal-oriented therapy, while others may need longer-term sessions to address more in-depth or ongoing concerns.
The counselor and client collaborate to decide the most suitable approach and adjust the frequency and duration of sessions as necessary.
