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Michelle Durham, LPC

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Michelle is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

5.0 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Michelle. View 56 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in District of Columbia

Recent reviews

She is amazing

Reviewed November 2022

She is a great listener. Always committed and with great advice.

Reviewed November 2020

More about Michelle

  • 16 years' experience
  • Female
  • LPC

Welcome! My name is Michelle and I am a licensed professional counselor in Washington, DC. I have over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field. The majority of my work has been in nonprofit, community-based settings providing direct services and counseling to individuals living with life challenges such as severe and persistent mental illness (depression, anxiety, delusional and bipolar disorders), unemployment, substance abuse, trauma, chronic homelessness, self-esteem, relationship and family issues, among other challenges. My experience with such a diverse population has allowed me to build a skill set that enables me to connect closely with those with whom I work. I also have extensive experience working with those fleeing domestic violence, formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as those exiting the foster care system.

I work from a strength-based perspective using a client-centered, holistic approach that encompasses relevant cultural aspects. When applicable, I will use an integrative approach that includes evidence based techniques such as those found in solution-focused counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy; and motivational interviewing. Above all, I promote self-care and am able to explore creative ways to establish a self-care plan that is best for you. I have also completed TREM training for women (Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model) and training in providing trauma-informed care. I believe that while I provide the framework, treatment is driven by you. Joining you where you are in that moment is the best way to determine your path to healing. This encompasses your lifestyle choices as well as your unique cultural experiences.

My counseling style is warm, open, and approachable. It is my belief that our collaborative effort is key to making the progress you desire. If you are ready to take the next step in healing, self-discovery, and empowerment, my door is open.

I look forward to beginning our work together.

Specialties

Addictions LGBT Relationship issues Trauma and abuse Compassion fatigue Stress Anxiety Family conflicts Grief Intimacy-related issues Anger management Self esteem Career difficulties Depression Coping with life changes Coaching Caregiver issues and stress Communication problems Control issues First responder issues Infidelity Military and veterans issues Multicultural concerns Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships Women's issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy

Licenses

Michelle Durham's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1578101523.

  • LPC · District of Columbia · PRC14964 · Expires December 2024

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

Reviews for Michelle Durham

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

5.0

56 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Great Understanding Excellent Helpful Listens Thoughtful Amazing Recommend The best Grateful

She is amazing

Reviewed November 2022

She is a great listener. Always committed and with great advice.

Reviewed November 2020

Excellent

Reviewed July 2020

Excellent and kind therapist, very thoughtful support during my struggle with a relationship and my mother’s illness

Reviewed January 2024

So far Ms. Michelle has been a warm comforting presence in my time of grief and confusion, allowing me an opportunity to ease into changing things for the better.

Reviewed November 2023

Michelle is excellent. She's warm, calm, and respectful. She validates all of my experiences and feelings and makes me feel "normal". She listens to and understands EVERYTHING I say, and provides extremely thoughtful, doable suggestions. So far, she's absolutely perfect.

Reviewed September 2023

Michelle is a wonderful therapist! She has a strong combination of empathetic counseling, knowledge of psychology and sociology, and a pleasant, likable personality.

Reviewed May 2023

Michelle has really helped me through a difficult period in my life. She listens, understands and gives thoughtful commentary and suggestions. She is really excellent

Reviewed May 2023

Michele is thoughtful and understanding -- she offers practical & meaningful approaches to overcoming issues

Reviewed January 2023

Michelle is very patient.

Reviewed January 2023

Best therapist I’ve ever had. Hands down.

Reviewed November 2022

I've worked with Michelle for quite some time, and have had a few therapists and counselors throughout my young adult life, but in Michelle, I've found my counselor for life! She listens deeply, reflecting together on what I've shared thought our time, and provides unbiased support. that fits my needs, helps me design programs to address depression and anxiety, and assists in strengthening my own self pracitce.

Reviewed September 2022

Michelle is easy to talk to. I immediately felt comfortable and safe to talk about how I'm feeling.

Reviewed August 2022

Michelle brings sense to things that makes no sense to me. I have full confidence in her, always.

Reviewed July 2022

I accidentally marked Michelle as not reliable, that was a complete mistake, she is more than timely in responding, please disregard that answer.

Reviewed June 2022

Michelle is so helpful

Reviewed June 2022

Michelle is a very kind hearted person with a great ear for listening to my concerns and reasons for therapy. She has been exponential in my on-going healing and development. I’m very grateful for our sessions!

Reviewed May 2022

Ms. Michelle is a real comfort to me.

Reviewed March 2022

Michelle is amazing!! She makes me feel seen and heard without pacifying me. I look forward to every session. :)

Reviewed March 2022

Too soon to assess, have only had one interaction.

Reviewed March 2022

I truly enjoy talking with Michelle. She is so kind and understanding!

Reviewed March 2022

Michelle is compassionate and understanding. I feel better when I tell her my troubles and what I can overcome along the way!

Reviewed February 2022

Michelle Durham has been very compassionate and responsive, and has really let me just talk and talk and talk, which is what I feel like I’ve needed most at first here. I was extremely impressed when I told her that I hadn’t reacted well to advice she offered a few times - there was no reaction other than “ok” and we moved on productively. She pivots so well - I honestly wasn’t sure at first because of some of the early advice she gave, but I know she’s been getting to know me. I like that she’s matter-of-fact, too. I don’t always respond well to ultra-positive reinforcement - but she’s someone figured out how to offer me as much as I need, when I need it. I’m so grateful to her for what we’ve already accomplished.

Reviewed January 2022

Michelle is a wonderful therapist and professional. I highly recommend her.

Reviewed December 2021

Michelle is the best person to have come into my life. The past two years have been extremely challenging and I don’t know how I would have dealt with it all without her help.

Reviewed September 2021

Michelle is thoughtful and easy to talk to. She is a great listener and she has great empathy. She takes the time to understand my concerns and gives great advice to help me address them. After each session, I always feel encouraged and empowered to take on my next challenge.

Reviewed July 2021

Ms Michelle is amazing. She's kind ,patient, and affirming. I appreciate her

Reviewed May 2021

Michelle has been so instrumental in my growth after going through really difficult times. She goes above and beyond, I can’t speak enough of how great she is.

Reviewed February 2021

Michelle has been an excellent resource and sounding board during a very difficult year. She seems to genuinely care and is very helpful in putting things into perspective, especially when so much seems to be happening at once. Very understanding and highly recommended.

Reviewed February 2021

Michelle challenges me in all of the best ways! She’s so compassionate and supportive, but also encourages me to see things from a different perspective.

Reviewed February 2021

So far, Michelle has been an excellent counselor. I appreciate that she centers our sessions around the therapy goals that I set forth at the beginning of the year. I feel confident that I will see some personal growth as a result of our time together. She has been very warm and encouraging while offering valuable feedback and advice that will push me to tackle some issues I have been facing.

Reviewed January 2021

Michelle is a very skilled counselor. She brings a great degree of empathy and insight to her clients. She listens, probes, ask questions and makes recommendations. I also sincerely appreciate her mid-week follow ups, even when I am unable to respond in a timely manner. She is awesome.

Reviewed January 2021

Michelle is very kind, a thoughtful listener, and offers practical advice. Highly recommend!

Reviewed January 2021

Even just one session and the ability to message back and forth, I am enjoying the time she has taken to assist me with everything currently going on.

Reviewed December 2020

Than you for your patience with me and encouragement to continue to draw and share.

Reviewed November 2020

Michelle is lovely and is a very supportive counselor!

Reviewed November 2020

Michelle is a phenomenal counselor. She’s open, honest and always willing to go the extra mile to help you with whatever it is you’re going through. I am extremely grateful to have her!

Reviewed September 2020

Amazing sessions that have been very helpful for me.

Reviewed September 2020

She’s great

Reviewed August 2020

I have been working with Michelle for almost three months now. She is great to work with and I really look forward to our session each week. She has been very helpful, patient, and professional and I highly recommend working with her!

Reviewed August 2020

Michelle is so caring and compassionate! She reminds me of who I am underneath all the trauma and in spite of it.

Reviewed July 2020

I love Michelle. She is warm and caring, and has helped me a lot already.

Reviewed July 2020

I have only had one session with Michelle so far, but I have found her to be incredibly understanding and helpful so far. She heard me out and helped me deal with my immediate concerns, gave me some specific things to do and think about, and let me know what to expect the next time we talk.

Reviewed July 2020

I’m so lucky I was matched with Michelle. She is an incredible professional and it is a pleasure to be her patient. She has guided me though immense healing and I’m forever grateful.

Reviewed July 2020

She's great! Very understanding and listens well. Really helpful I would recommend her to anyone!

Reviewed May 2020

Michelle Durham is probably the best counselor I could have asked for. Her background gives her an appreciation for some of my own unique experiences I am navigating and her skills as a compassionate listener fill in any gaps. I am thankful for her help.

Reviewed April 2020

Michelle understands me in my situation and everything that she has asked me to do and the techniques that have been presented to me have been working and I have nothing but admiration for her. This has been one of the best decisions that I have made this year to get these sessions. My girlfriend has over 200 friends and possible and she will be recommending all of them to you guys.

Reviewed April 2020

Michelle is patient, thoughtful, insightful, listens to me and offers helpful advice and ways for me to reflect on the experiences I'm having. I so appreciate her guidance.

Reviewed April 2020

Michelle has been very instrumental in improving my mood, and the way I view conflicts. She’s always available, and provides an honest opinion on my situations. I truly admire that I can come to her for any issues.

Reviewed April 2020

Michelle listens. I feel heard and validated when I meet with her. I value the time I've spent talking with her. Her style is understated and I feel comfortable trying things she suggests because I trust her judgment. She's been excellent so far.

Reviewed March 2020

I love Michelle. She’s the best therapist I’ve ever seen. I can be so honest with her and she helps me empower myself.

Reviewed March 2020

Michelle is professional, kind, and empathetic. She is open minded and very understanding. I would recommend her to my friends and peers.

Reviewed February 2020

Michelle is so nice and understanding and is really helping me through my problems. Since I met her my mood and personality has changed a lot.

Reviewed February 2020

Amazing!!!!!

Reviewed February 2020

Michelle is a wonderful person with a strong level of expertise to talk through issues. She offers practical and actionable advice for how to manage stress and communicate your feelings and needs to others. She is genuine, kind, understanding, and readily available.

Reviewed January 2020

Michelle has been great - she is kind and genuine while also providing an honest perspective to help me move forward and heal. She has a wealth of toolkits to help me, and she is so prompt with getting back to me on anything and everything - questions, concerns, journal entries, etc.

Reviewed January 2020

How was your experience with Michelle?

Frequently asked questions

Does Michelle Durham offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Michelle Durham works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Michelle Durham speak?

Michelle Durham speaks English.

How many years of experience does Michelle Durham have?

Michelle Durham has 16 years of experience.

Where is Michelle Durham licensed to practice?

Michelle Durham is licensed to practice in District of Columbia.

Does Michelle Durham accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Michelle Durham does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Michelle Durham offer?

Michelle Durham offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

How can I communicate with Michelle Durham?

Michelle Durham can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Michelle Durham?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.