Last edited 07/17/2025
Dr. Michael JamesLicensed Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist
Accepting New Clients
Online in Michigan
Get To Know Me
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
Chuck Palahniuk's movie (and novel), "Fight Club" was eye-opening experience to recognizing the feelings of disillusionment, alienation and identity confusion that many men face in today's society. This understanding later grew to include rigorous study of evolutionary psychology to better understand the relationship dynamics between men and women, which can be the source of many beautiful things like love and connectedness, if not often times negative experiences involving emotional pain, mistrust, anger and confusion. I really do enjoy understanding these dynamics, and helping others with intimate relationship conflicts to understand, and navigate them as well.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
When I meet with a new client, I like to help them to set clear goals for what they would like to accomplish in therapy and the changes that they would like to make. I find that it is the client's goals that are a large part of creating the foundation to collaborate effectively within a therapeutic relationship, and this tends to increase the likelihood of positive outcomes in therapy. Clearly understanding what the patient wants to accomplish provides clear direction to what types of treatment methods might be helpful. I try to help clients to set realistic goals within the first few sessions that may create the opportunity for rapid improvement within a reasonable timeframe (usually within a few weeks or a month). From my years of experience, I have found that people respond favorably, or sometimes not so much, to different treatment interventions. It is important as a therapist to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the therapy, with clear consent and agreement by the client before beginning therapy. Flexible with the treatment approach is a must to better meet each person's unique needs and personality.
How has your particular field of specialization evolved in recent years and how has that impacted your work?
I began as a general practitioner treating patients for issues including major depression, anxiety, panic, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, insomnia, and inattention. Within the past years, I began receiving many more referrals for patients seeking help for grief and loss. I have been honored by the stories shared to me by parents, spouses, siblings and children and for the opportunities to help them to find some peace and acceptance. These experiences have helped me to grow as a clinician.
Learn more about my:
Location
Online Therapy
Specialties
Specializes in
DepressionAnxietyRelationship IssuesLoss/GriefMen's health
General Expertise
CareersWork StressSelf-EsteemSexuality Based IssuesADHDAging related concernsCodependencyFamily issuesLife transitionsMood disordersPanic attacks & panic disorderSuicidal ideationTraumaMarriage issuesBehavioral IssuesInfidelityFamiliesPeer RelationshipsSchool IssuesBurnout
Treatment Approaches
Mindfulness PracticesEclectic TherapyPerson-Centered TherapyHumanistic TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Solution-Focused Brief TherapyExistential TherapyPsychodynamic Therapy
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Individual Therapy
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)Seniors (65+)
Languages
English
Insurance & Fees
Insurances Accepted
AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldBlue Care NetworkBlue Cross Blue Shield of MichiganPriority Health
Cash Pay Rates/Out-of-Pocket
| First Session: | $200 |
| Individual Therapy: | $200 |
Professional Background
LicensureMichigan, Licensed Psychologist, 6301016629
Education
Michigan School of Psychology, Doctorate of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, 2015 — I graduated with honors, with my dissertation research focusing on improving intimate relationships between men and women.
Michigan School of Psychology, Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology, 2011
University of New Mexico, Bachelor of Science, Psychology, 2006
University of New Mexico, Bachelor of Arts, Biology, 2006
Work HistoryAfter completing an undergraduate double major in psychology and biology, I began work in mental health in behavior management in 2006, and later becoming a program coordinator in 2007, helping children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbance and/or neurobiological disorders, working closely with parents, schools and other support systems. Wanting to be of better service to the public, I went on to earn a Master's of Art degree (2011) and Doctorate degree (2015) in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Psychology, graduating with academic honors with a research focus on improving intimate relationship dynamics between men and women.
I earned my full clinical licensure as a psychologist in 2017. I have worked in non-profit community mental health and hospital systems and now own and operate a private outpatient clinic named Direct Therapy and Counseling Services, PLLC. I have many years of experience, and I have treated men and women from ages 18- through 90-years old. I am qualified to assess, diagnose and treat patients with mental health disorder. I also provide male-friendly support for men who may be reluctant to try therapy, with an understanding of male psychology and men's unique issues and needs. Men often feel deep guilt, shame and anxiety about seeing a therapist, and are usually compelled to go by a major crisis, or by their worried wives or mothers. I have had the honor to meet with many men who had never tried therapy before.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Dr. Michael James, Licensed Psychologist, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Michael James accepting new clients?
Yes, Michael James is accepting new clients for online therapy in Michigan.
Does Michael James accept insurance?
Yes, Michael James accepts insurance, including Aetna, Blue Care Network, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Priority Health.
What types of therapy does Michael James offer?
Michael James offers therapy for individuals.
Does Michael James offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in Michigan can book Michael James for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Michael James offer online therapy?
Yes, Michael James offers online therapy via video sessions to people in Michigan.
How quickly can I see Michael James?
Michael James typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Michael James speak?
Michael James conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Michael James online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Michael James online using Choosing Therapy’s directory.
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