Any parent who has sought out counseling services for their child in the past few years has probably encountered the same thing: long drives and waitlists.
“I am a mom of teens,and certainly see a need for that age range,” says Sally Smith, a licensed master social worker (LMSW).
The longtime Lowell resident spent 23 years working in schools, but earlier this year, she decided to branch out and try something new. She founded ThrivePoint Counseling and Behavioral Health. Joining her is Rhonda Hamblin, LMSW, and the two offer in-person counseling in an office at 318 E. Main Street in Lowell. Virtual appointments are also available.
Specializing in services for children and young adults, Smith wants to normalize asking for help. Parents who are struggling with a child’s behavior or mental health concerns shouldn’t have to go it alone, she says.
Creating an Accessible and Welcoming Environment
In establishing ThrivePoint, Smith says it was her goal to provide someplace accessible – in more ones than one.
“I was very intentional about choosing (an office) on Main Street,” she explains. Smith hopes the central location – in a building that also houses Hop Hog Restaurant – will be more convenient than traveling to the Grand Rapids area. “We want it to be very easy for families.”
Beyond being geographically convenient, Smith wants ThrivePoint to be a welcoming destination for everyone. “We want people to feel validated and understood,” she says.
Part of that means creating an environment that puts people at ease. The ThrivePoint office has several comfortable seating options, and children can snuggle up with a mug of hot cocoa and a weighted blanket if they’d like. Smith also has a companion dog, Bear, that she can bring in if requested.
Services Offered by ThrivePoint Counseling and Behavioral Health
ThrivePoint serves a wide range of ages, from kindergarten to college age. Hamblin generally sees young adults while Smith focuses on younger clients.
For young children, such as those who are 5 or 6, Smith says she works with parents to develop strategies to address challenging behaviors. Meanwhile, she works directly with older children to help them identify their concerns and hone skills that will allow them to thrive.
“I focus on the why behind any challenging behaviors,” Smith says. Once that why has been uncovered, she looks for ways to replace those behaviors with something more socially appropriate and productive.
The office can handle a variety of mental health and behavioral issues including:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Grief related to a loss or divorce
Since both Smith and Hamblin have experience working in a school setting, “We are really adept at understanding the kinds of supports and accommodations available,” Smith says. In addition to in-person and virtual visits, the two can advise parents on how to access other resources available through the schools and elsewhere.
How to Get Counseling in Lowell
If you are interested in ThrivePoint’s services, appointments can be requested online or by calling 616-209-4435.
The first visit is a complimentary 15-20 minute session to discuss goals and determine what services may be needed to reach them. After that, treatment sessions may run 30-60 minutes depending on the age of the child.
“It’s tailored to them,” Smith says of the content of each session.
As part of her commitment to making services accessible, Smith says after-school, evening and some weekend hours are available.
ThrivePoint currently accepts Aetna, Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance and hopes to be an in-network provider with other insurers in the future. However, as a new practice, some clients may have to pay out of pocket for now. Regular rates are $150 an hour with a sliding scale available. Fees are eligible for reimbursement from a health savings account or workplace flexible spending account, for those who have one.
“Parenting is hard,” Smith says. She hopes ThrivePoint Counseling and Behavioral Health can help make the experience a little easier for Lowell moms and dads.
Note: This article was updated at 8pm on Nov. 7 to reflect the insurance currently accepted by ThrivePoint.
Leave a Reply