John has been a great resource for me for the past couple of years. He's a great listener and has a lot of great wisdom and analogies to provide in relation.
John Shovels, LMSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
John is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- FSA/HSA accepted
- Have FSA/HSA funds? Use them here.
- 4.8 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with John. View 8 reviews
- Great news, John is accepting new clients!
- He is normally fully-booked.
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Michigan
Recent reviews
John Shovels is a professional, kind, understanding expert who listens, clarifies, and sets clear goals for improving yourself. Five stars!
More about John
- 15 years' experience
- Male
- LMSW
As a licensed therapist with three decades of experience in Michigan, I specialize in supporting individuals dealing with complex emotional situations. My practice focuses on addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, and self-esteem issues. I offer compassionate, evidence-based support for individuals experiencing life transitions, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. In addition, I have experience and a passion for working with men and the unique issues they face.
My therapeutic approach is focused to individual needs, particularly for adults seeking understanding and meaningful connection. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore difficult emotions, heal from past experiences, and develop healthier coping strategies. Whether you're struggling with isolation, family dynamics, or seeking greater life purpose, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise.
I bring an open minded perspective to our work together, prioritizing your unique journey and personal growth. My goal is to help you build resilience, understand underlying patterns, and create positive change in your life.
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
Addictions
Grief
Self esteem
Depression
Relationship issues
Trauma and abuse
Intimacy-related issues
Bipolar disorder
Coping with life changes
Co-morbidity
Codependency
Communication problems
Drug and alcohol addiction
Emptiness
Family of origin issues
Family problems
Fatherhood issues
Guilt and shame
Isolation / loneliness
Life purpose
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Mood disorders
Narcissism
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Paranoia
Personality disorders
Self-harm
Treatment Approaches
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Licenses
John Shovels's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1124169545.
- LMSW · Michigan · 6801067333 · Renews August 2028
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 John Shovels
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
John has been a great resource for me for the past couple of years. He's a great listener and has a lot of great wisdom and analogies to provide in relation.
John Shovels is a professional, kind, understanding expert who listens, clarifies, and sets clear goals for improving yourself. Five stars!
I have issues with the billing policy.
John is great. I've done over 20 sessions with him (and counting). I hadn't tried therapy in over a decade ago because I had a bad initial experience with someone else. John has showed me how helpful therapy can be. We both listen to each other and have mutual respect. Therapy isn't a magic solution of course. But if you do the work, and intentionally communicate well with your therapist, it adds up. Sometimes even just being able to verbalize what I'm struggling with is half the battle. Even when sometimes that's "I'm not sure what to focus on today." But we somehow figure it out. And whatever I share, John actually listens and often can point out patterns or perspectives I had never considered or haven't been paying enough attention to. Thanks John!
The best
Very compassionate, an active listener and he advocates for you.
John is extremely professional and very insightful
Helpful and listens, doesn’t appear to be preparing what he plans to say while I’m talking but actually listens. That’s nice. Super flexible scheduling and multiple options. When my Internet hiccuped he messaged and offered to call. Very quick, convenient, and seamless transition with the tech helping rather than getting in the way. Great app. Well thought out and implemented.
Frequently asked questions
Does John Shovels offer telehealth visits?
Yes. John Shovels 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 John Shovels speak?
John Shovels speaks English.
How many years of experience does John Shovels have?
John Shovels has 15 years of experience.
Where is John Shovels licensed to practice?
John Shovels is licensed to practice in Michigan.
Does John Shovels accept FSA/HSA?
Yes, John Shovels accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.
Does John Shovels accept clients outside of the United States?
No, John Shovels 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 John Shovels offer?
John Shovels offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with John Shovels?
John Shovels 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 John Shovels?
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.
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.
FSA/HSA
eligible