Samantha Schalk

(She/Her)

Samantha Schalk, PLLC

LMSW

Currently accepting new clients.

Telehealth Availability:

Clients are welcome to choose either in-person or telehealth appointments and can decide what works best for them from session to session. Some clients enjoy the consistency of one format, while others appreciate the flexibility to switch based on their schedule, needs, or life circumstances.

In-Person Availability:

My office is located on the west side of Bay City, and I see clients Monday through Thursday. Whether you prefer the comfort of sitting on my couch with a cup of coffee or the convenience of meeting virtually from your home, office, or another location, I strive to create a relaxed and welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself.

Clients I Work With

Many of my clients are helpers, caregivers, healthcare professionals, therapists, and people who have spent years putting everyone else's needs ahead of their own. They often feel exhausted, overwhelmed, resentful, stuck, or disconnected from who they really are. I work with adults struggling with anxiety, stress, burnout, trauma, relationship challenges, people-pleasing, perfectionism, boundary issues, and major life transitions. Many are highly capable individuals who know what they should do but find themselves repeating the same frustrating patterns. Together, we work on increasing insight, creating meaningful change, building healthier relationships, and helping you reconnect with yourself so you can create a life that feels more balanced, authentic, and fulfilling.

Approach

Therapy with me is collaborative, down-to-earth, and often includes humor. I believe growth happens when we can be honest about what's working, what's not, and the role we play in our own patterns. I will support and challenge you when needed. If you're looking for someone who simply nods along, I'm probably not the right therapist. My goal is to help you gain insight, shift perspectives, reconnect with your authentic self, take action and create lasting change. My approach blends traditional talk therapy with integrative and holistic practices. Depending on your needs, our work may include exploring thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, physical well-being, stress patterns, and the mind-body connection. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches as well as complementary and energy-based modalities when they align with your goals and beliefs. I value treating the whole person rather than focusing only on symptoms. Because every client is different, I tailor therapy to your personality, strengths, goals, and life experiences.

Beliefs & Lived Experience

I believe that healing is not about becoming someone different. It's about reconnecting with who you are underneath the expectations, roles, and responsibilities that may have pulled you away from yourself. My work is grounded in authenticity, personal responsibility, self-awareness, and genuine human connection. I value humor, honesty, curiosity, and the understanding that growth is rarely a straight line. I respect that clients come from diverse backgrounds, belief systems, and life experiences. My role is not to tell you what your path should look like, but to help you discover what feels aligned and meaningful for you.

More About My Practice

I have nearly 25 years of clinical and supervisory experience and offer therapy for adults both in-person and through telehealth. In addition to traditional psychotherapy approaches, I am certified in the Emotion Code, Body Code, and Belief Code. I am also trained in Brainspotting, Akashic Records, and am a Reiki Master. Because healing looks different for every person, I draw from a variety of approaches to create a therapeutic experience that aligns with your needs, goals, and beliefs. Together, we'll identify the tools and strategies that best support your growth and healing. In addition to my clinical work, I am the founder of Guardian Clinical Essentials, where I provide HIPAA compliance education, training, and resources for mental health professionals. Learn more at guardianclinicalessentials.com

Additional Credentials & Training

Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor - CAADC Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional - CIMHP Belief Code Practitioner Third Level - BCP3

Ages Served

Adults (18+)
Older Adults (65+)
Young Adults (18-25)

Services Provided

Individual Therapy

Specialized Experience

12-step friendly
Artists & Creative Professionals
Caregivers
Educators
Entrepreneurs & Executives
First Responders & Medical Professionals
LGBTQ+ Affirming
Neurodiversity-affirming
Open relationships / non-monogamy
Race & cultural identity
Self-Employed & Freelance Professionals
Sex-positive / kink friendly
Therapists & Mental Health Professionals

Gender Identity

Woman

Languages Spoken

English

Faith Communities Served

Agnostic
Catholic
Christian
Interfaith
Multifaith
Secular and Non-Religious
Spiritual
Wicca/Paganism

Specializations

Modalities

Attachment-Based
Brainspotting
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT Tapping)
Energy Psychology
Existential Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Integrative Therapy
Mindfulness
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centered Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Somatic Therapy
Transpersonal Therapy

Specialties

Anxiety
Burnout
Career Counseling
Caregiver Support
Chronic Pain and Illness
Depression
Grief
Highly Sensitive People (HSP)
Life Transitions
Older Adults & Aging
Panic
Perfectionism
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Spirituality
Trauma & PTSD
Women’s Mental Health

Insurance and Payment

Payment Accepted

Cash

Check

Credit

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Out of Network (Superbills Provided)

Insurance Notes

Please contact your insurance company directly to verify your benefits, coverage, and financial responsibility prior to beginning services.

Insurance Accepted

Aetna
Anthem
ASR Health Benefits / Health Alliance TPA
Blue Care Network
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
CareConnect Health Plan
Government Employees Health Association (GEHA)
HAP
McLaren Health
Medicare
Medicare Advantage
Meritain Health
MESSA (Michigan Education Special Services Association)

State Licensed In

Michigan