Chip Clearwater

LMSW, MED

Specialty Areas: For more than 25 years, I have served families, groups and individuals by assisting them in regaining control of their lives through person centered therapeutic approaches designed to promote healing and lasting change. Focus areas include adolescent behavior problems, school engagement concerns, family relationships, anxiety, depression, unresolved grief, and issues related to death.dying. In addition, as a former Director of Special Education, I provide guidance with navigating the complexities of public school special education programming and services.

Treatment Philosophy: My passion and commitment is to help others recognize that the ability to transform their lives is located within themselves, thereby promoting long-term emotional and psychological healing and growth. I also believe that every person regardless of circumstance is valuable and what they say and do has meaning. Therefore, I encourage the collaborative exploration of variables impacting effective bio-psycho-social functioning, so as to assist others in learning and developing meaningful strategies that support their individual needs. Through supportive and caring intervention, I strive to help those working with me find strength and peace while minimizing the negative effects of maladaptive thoughts and feelings.

Education: Master’s degree in 1990, Social Work from Western Michigan University (MSW); Master’s degree in 2007, Special Education Administration from Grand Valley State University (M.Ed). I am a fully licensed social worker (LMSW) with additional professional certifications in school social work and as a supervisor/director of special education. My experience includes individual and group therapy with adolescents, teen and adults; counseling patients and families through the end of life and bereavement; working with the severely mental ill; principal/supervisor of special education at a K-12 school for students with severe behavior problems, and as a director of special education.

*Plans may change at any time. Please call your insurance company for eligibility, deductions, co-pays and pre-certification. Out of state plans often vary, please check with your insurance company.