NE Grand Rapids: 5020 E Beltline Ave NE, Suite 202, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Muskegon: 700 Terrace Point Dr, Muskegon, MI 49440 | Alpena: 115 N 1st Ave, Alpena, MI 49707

(616) 439-1866

Intake@UnityCounseling.com | (616) 439-1866
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Welcome! Meet Deb Hemgesberg, LCSW

Location: Telehealth (local to Alpena area)

Specialties: Trauma, LGBTQ+, Stress, Telehealth, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Grief

Ages: 18+

Deb Graduated in 2000 from Eastern Michigan University with a focus on children and families. Deb spent over 20 years working in the public mental health system with a variety of people and populations. She has worked in various positions, from case manager to program director.

Deb is comfortable working with a wide range of people, including those who have developmental disabilities, who are neurodivergent, who struggle to accept their sexuality, (or who are struggling to accept the way people view them), are wanting to recover from trauma, who are recovering from a brain injury, who experienced childhood neglect, or whose relationships are not meeting their needs. She enjoys working with both adolescents and adults. She uses a trauma-informed and person-centered approach, with a variety of approaches including DBT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, somatic exercises, attachment theory, energy healing, and education related to trauma. Most people describe Deb as authentic, real, and easily approachable.

Deb used to play clarinet. She is mom to two adult children who she is privileged to call friends. Her first real job was in a pizzeria, and she says she can still throw a crust over her head! Her favorite pastime now is gardening or watercolor splashing with a brush. She lives in Northern Michigan.

Accepting New Clients - Contact Unity Today!

Client Focus

Trauma

Trauma weighs you down. Deb is here to help you unpack the pain, process the past, and move forward with confidence and care. 

LGBTQ+

Deb creates a welcoming and supportive space and explores identity and lived experience, while going over strengths and finding a sense of healing and support 

Stress

When everything feels like too much, Deb helps you slow down, reset, and cope.

Accepted Insurances

Commercial: Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CHAMPVA, Cigna/Evernorth, Molina Marketplace, Optum, Tricare East, Tricare West/VCCN, UMR, United Healthcare

Medicare: Aetna Medicare, Priority Health Medicare, Medicare Plus Blue, Traditional Medicare, United Healthcare Medicare

Medicaid: Blue Cross Complete, McLaren Medicaid, Priority Health Medicaid (no Medicaid as a secondary insurance)

Other: Out of Network, Private Pay (available on a sliding scale if needed)

Rates & Insurance
This is my first time in therapy. What can I expect?

In therapy, you can expect a welcoming and supportive space where we’ll work together to explore your feelings, set personal goals, and develop coping strategies for challenges like anxiety, stress, grief, and more. I’ll tailor our approach using techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to meet your unique needs, empowering you to make positive changes at your own pace.

How do I get started with therapy?

The first step is to fill out the contact form with your information to the best of your ability. One of our intake specialists will then reach out to answer any questions you may have and schedule a brief phone consultation. During this call, we’ll ask you to share a little about yourself and discuss what you’d like to focus on in therapy!

Do you accept Insurance?

Unity Counseling offers a wide range of accepted insurances such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Optum, Priority Health, UMR, and United Healthcare. Along with accepting some Medicaid and Medicare! Unity Counseling also offers out of network, private pay avalbile on a sliding scale. If you don't see your insurance or have questions, please give us a call (616-439-1866) to learn more!

How often would we meet?

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to therapy. In the beginning, we typically recommend meeting on a weekly basis. This gives us a chance to get to know one another, and as our work together develops, we encourage personal assessments so we can create a schedule that suits your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions!

Whether you’ve worked with a therapist before or this is your first time reaching out, you may have questions about Unity Counseling, Amy, and what our work together might look like. Below are answers to some of the most common questions to help you feel more informed and comfortable as you take this next step.

More questions? Visit our full FAQ page!