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Amy Elam, LMSW

Experienced Michigan therapist for teens and young adults
  • Teens and college clients
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Special education knowledge

About Amy Elam

Amy Elam is a Michigan Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 30 years of professional experience, and she brings a practical, compassionate approach to helping people manage stress, anxiety, relationships, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, using structured, evidence-informed techniques to help clients identify patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to distress and to develop more effective coping strategies.

In addition to private practice, she works as a school social worker with middle school students and concentrates her private practice work on teenagers and college-aged clients. She is knowledgeable about the special education process and evaluations, which informs her work with adolescents and families navigating school-related needs. Her clinical style emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion while tailoring conversations and treatment plans to each person’s distinct situation and goals.

She adapts interventions to meet developmental and individual needs, and she supports clients through life transitions and complex emotional concerns such as attachment and abandonment issues, body image, impulsivity, and communication or control problems. Amy acknowledges that beginning therapy takes courage and she aims to create a collaborative space where clients feel understood and guided as they work toward meaningful change.

Areas of Expertise

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBody imageCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)EmptinessForgivenessImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Amy Elam have?

Amy Elam has 30 years of professional experience in social work and therapeutic settings.

Is Amy Elam a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and is licensed in Michigan as MI LMSW 6801089716.

In which languages does Amy Elam provide therapy?

Amy Elam provides therapy in English.

Where is Amy Elam located?

Amy Elam is based in Michigan.

How can I work with Amy Elam as my therapist?

You can work with Amy Elam through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Amy Elam work with international clients?

Yes, Amy Elam works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Amy Elam cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Approaches That Guide Online Care

Amy Elam frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a Client-Centered approach in her work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be especially useful for stress, anxiety, mood concerns, and difficulties with motivation and self-esteem. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration, creating a supportive environment where adolescents and young adults can explore feelings, relationships, and identity at their own pace.

She also integrates Mindfulness techniques to help clients build present-moment awareness and tolerance for distress, which complements skills taught in CBT and supports emotional regulation. Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process - Amy works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences and adapts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options can make it easier to schedule sessions around school, work, or family commitments and allow ongoing access to a licensed professional from different locations. The format supports consistent care and practical skills practice between sessions.

Ready to start therapy with Amy Elam?

Take the first step toward a better you.