Adolescent and Family Behavioral Health Services

08/27/2025

Our Doing, Being, Thinking podcast is BACK! Check out the latest episode:

Learn how to use the DBT STOP Skill to pause, ground yourself, and make effective choices instead of reacting on impulse. In this video, we’ll walk through each step of STOP—Stop, Take a step back, Observe, and Proceed mindfully—so you can respond with clarity and control in stressful moments. Perfect for anyone practicing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or wanting simple tools for managing emotions.

Learn how to use the DBT STOP Skill to pause, ground yourself, and make effective choices instead of reacting on impulse. In this video, we’ll walk through e...

08/15/2025

The annual Out of Darkness Walk for su***de prevention is coming up soon! Join Team AFBHS on September 14th as we walk to fight su***de! Join this community walk to raise awareness, support one another, honor and remember loved ones, and fund critical efforts to protect mental health and prevent su***de.

Register today and be part of the movement to walk

Register for our team: https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/team/372484

08/15/2025

Edward Lowe Foundation, Thank you Rita, Erick, Hannah, Dino, and SheDANigans and staff for a wonderful retreat. By helping leaders, they help those we serve. Thank you Michigan Celebrates Small Business for the award that keeps on giving.

08/15/2025

What a privilege to be a part of the retreat this week. Part of the reward from the Small Businesses to Watch Award in April. The location was all that!

This week Big Rock Valley welcomed 19 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch (CTW) awardees to an annual retreat. This year marked the first time that the CTW retreat group has been composed entirely of Michigan entrepreneurs!

Participants included Aaron Hamp of INC SYSTEMS, Blake Ratcliffe of TMC The Makers Creative, Britney Hoskins of The Top Pic Collective, David Strickland of Envision Automation, Wayne and Debby Wolfe of Blue Water Controls, LLC, Hussein Mokahal of Led Lion, Jason Klinesteker of S Custom Welds, Jess Farhat of NECTAR body•face•skin, Jessica Rollins of Sylvan Learning, Jill Holden of Güd Marketing, Julie Kibler of Field & Fire, Justin VanEffen of Halyard, Melissa McKinley of Kelley Cawthorne, Rachel Blatt of Royalty Logistics, LLC, Sonny Anani of Dynamic Glazing Systems, Inc., Stacy Sloan of Three Little Birds Granola, Tom Sikkema of Ride YourWay and Valencia Agnew of Adolescent and Family Behavioral Health Services.

Congratulations to the awardees and thank you for attending!

We’d also like to thank Erick Stewart of LAGNIAPPE Strategic Consulting LLC for serving as our Entrepreneur Emeritus throughout this retreat!

08/14/2025

What AFBHS means to me. - Dr. Agnew

08/11/2025

Welcome new therapist, Laranda Coleman!

08/07/2025

Welcome new therapist Sarai Gamez!

07/23/2025

Ever have one of those days when you feel overwhelmed with gratitude and want to tell everyone. Today I am thankful for the many professionals and practice owners who have made referrals to us and trusted us with clients and been a support in many ways. A few that I am thankful for today: Enid Gaddis (Arbor Circle), Sanford Behavioral Health (Rae Green), Community Of Hearts(Monica Sparks), Brenda Cage (Women on the MUV), Barb Homrich (ClearWater Counseling), Jennifer Coria-Muñoz (JC Counseling).

07/17/2025

06/01/2025

05/27/2025

Welcome Michelle! 🎉🎉🎉

"I am a Psychiatry Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) intern pursuing my Master of Science in Nursing Practice, with an expected graduation date of December 2025. My aim is to provide a holistic and compassionate approach to optimizing my clients' mental health through psychotherapy and medication management services. Throughout my training, I have had the opportunity to work with clients across all age groups and with a range of mental health challenges. I aim to create a safe space where clients feel comfortable sharing their difficulties. I plan to work with patients who find meaning in mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy. Passionate about serving diverse populations, I believe in collaborating with adults and adolescents to achieve meaningful goals and promote overall well-being.

Additionally, I aim to support families who struggle with a loved one's mental health, helping them build a supportive structure. Committed to the field of mental health, I have over 13 years of nursing experience in hospital settings, working with various demographics. Currently, I work in a mental health crisis center that serves adolescent and adult patients. Being raised on a Caribbean island, I bring a unique perspective to cultural understanding. So, stomp out the stigma and do it while feeling supported to overcome those obstacles with us."

05/21/2025

Welcome Karen Ramirez, LLMSW 🎉🎉🎉

"I hold a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. My professional experience encompasses a range of roles, including outpatient therapy, child welfare case management, foster parent licensing, and community mental health services.

As someone who has personally benefited from therapy, I understand the transformative power of the therapeutic process. My own experience inspired me to become a therapist and help others navigate life’s challenges. I strive to create a safe, affirming, and inclusive space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered, while also being gently challenged to grow and develop new skills and perspectives.

I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and a fluent Spanish speaker. I’m passionate about utilizing my language skills to foster meaningful connections and expand access to mental health care within our diverse communities.

To ensure I provide the highest quality of care, I engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education. I am currently pursuing advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with a focus on working with both adults and adolescents."