Welcome! Meet JaLiyah Walker, LLMSW

Hello my name is JaLiyah Waker! I work best with adolescents, young women, and families who are navigating trauma, emotional challenges, or major life transitions. Many of my clients are teen girls or women who feel overlooked, misunderstood, or caught between who they are and who they want to become. They may be struggling with self-esteem, identity, anxiety, or family dynamics and are looking for a safe, affirming space to heal, grow, and build resilience.

Together, we focus on managing big emotions, healing from past hurts, and finding healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, or family challenges. I aim to create a supportive and authentic space where you can be yourself, while also learning practical tools that help you feel stronger, calmer, and more grounded in your daily life.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for change, know that you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re a teen navigating big emotions, a woman moving through life transitions, or a family working toward better connection, I’m here to walk alongside you. If this sounds like the support you’ve been seeking, I’d love to connect with you and begin the journey together.

Specialties: Pregnancy/Prenatal/Postpartum, School Issues, Self-Harming, Self Esteem, Stress, Teen Violence, Trauma, Women’s Issues, Working with Young Adults, Working with Teens, Working with Preteens, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness (MBCT), Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused (SFBT) 

Ages: 2+

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

In therapy, you can expect a welcoming and supportive space where you and JaLiyah will 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, JaLiyah, and what working 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.

Client Focus

Working with Teens

Navigating the teenage years can be tough. JaLiyah is here to help teens manage stress, build self-esteem, and work through challenges.

School issues

JaLiyah helps kids and teens manage school stress, build confidence, and work through academic or social challenges.

Play Therapy

Play therapy gives children a safe way to express feelings, build coping skills, and grow through creative play.

Accepted Insurances

Commercial: Aetna, ASR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Optum, Priority Health, UMR, United Healthcare

Medicare: No

Medicaid: Priority Health Medicaid (no Medicaid as a secondary insurance)

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