Jalayah Ford

Jalayah Ford, TLLP

Therapist

Accepting New Patients

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Saginaw Valley State University

Minor in Youth Services, Saginaw Valley State University

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Michigan School of Psychology

Language

  • English

Location

  • In Person
  • Online

Insurance Accepted

  • Aetna
  • BCBS
  • Priority Health
  • Self Pay

Type of Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Strength-Based Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Person-Centered
  • Play Therapy
  • Group Therapy Facilitation
  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Patient Population

  • Adults
  • Couples
  • Kids
  • Teens

Issue Focus

  • Academic / Career
  • ADHD
  • Anger
  • Anxiety / Depression
  • BIPOC
  • Grief and Loss
  • Life Transitions
  • Personal Empowerment
  • PTSD / Trauma
  • Relationships
  • Self-Esteem

Reviews

Write a Review >

Stephanie Alford profile picture
Stephanie Alford
November 30, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I had the privilege of hearing Serenity speak at the Grieve in Love event, and her presentation was incredibly impactful. She spoke so clearly about the different types of grief we experience, not just after death, but also through life changes, relationships, identity shifts, and seasonal transitions. Her explanation of holiday grief triggers was deeply relatable and really helped me feel seen, especially during this time of year. I highly recommend her as a speaker and therapist for anyone who is looking  true guidance during this time of year or after experiencing loss.
Posted on Google Google
Stephanie Benjamin profile picture
Stephanie Benjamin
October 15, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
After years of struggling to be heard, Greg listened! He is kind, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I would highly recommend Start My Wellness struggling to find the right fit.
Posted on Google Google
Benji Timpf profile picture
Benji Timpf
September 25, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Fantastic and responsive team - highly recommend them as an attentive and compassionate provider. I am very glad I ended up at Start my Wellness.
Posted on Google Google
Дима Гонтаренко profile picture
Дима Гонтаренко
August 5, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Had a great experience with Start My Wellness. The team is warm and professional, and I felt supported from the start. Highly recommend!
Posted on Google Google
Inya Ammerman profile picture
Inya Ammerman
July 20, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The listener demonstrates attentiveness and friendliness.
Posted on Google Google
Tatiana profile picture
Tatiana
July 17, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I contacted the clinic with anxiety issues. The doctors are true professionals who helped me. I am satisfied with the results, so recommend it to anyone looking for quality help
Posted on Google Google
Вова Мустафаев profile picture
Вова Мустафаев
July 14, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I enjoyed working with the Start My Wellness team! They have a knowledgeable staff that was able to support me and give me the information I needed. It was easy to book an appointment and they matched me with a therapist who was perfect for me. I highly recommend them!
Posted on Google Google
Mariya Berkovich profile picture
Mariya Berkovich
July 11, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
This place has been the lighthouse to help guide me to a healthier me. The individuals who work at reception are kind, knowledgeable, understanding and truly care about being a resource to help the patient. The individuals who take on the role of assisting with the cognitive/emotional/etc aspects are heros who don’t wear capes.
Posted on Google Google
MALOI top profile picture
MALOI top
July 8, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Really comfortable and welcoming office. From the first visit, I felt at ease — the staff is friendly, everything is well-organized and calm. My therapist was attentive and easy to talk to. I'm glad I chose this place — they truly help you work through things.
Posted on Google Google
Anna Lavrova profile picture
Anna Lavrova
June 27, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Office looks nice and welcoming, the team is caring, professional, and easy to talk to. I really appreciate how they work to make mental health care more accessible. Highly recommend.
Posted on Google Google
Louis Feurino profile picture
Louis Feurino
May 24, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dr. Babushkin is excellent at helping clinicians learn and grow, including in their business strategy.
Posted on Google Google
Miriam DeWolf profile picture
Miriam DeWolf
March 21, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
compassionate and helpful
Posted on Google Google
makario mubarak philiph ohuro profile picture
makario mubarak philiph ohuro
March 3, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
EU CERTIICAE
Posted on Google Google
Jesus Gilberto Padilla profile picture
Jesus Gilberto Padilla
January 17, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
A professional staff of psychologists.
Posted on Google Google
Carin Onstott profile picture
Carin Onstott
January 11, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
So far, so good. I came in for my Add assessment, spoke to the Dr and made a plan to come back for testing.
Posted on Google Google
About Me: Jalayah Ford

Life can feel overwhelming at times, and it's not always easy to navigate life's challenges on your own. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, self-esteem, behavioral concerns, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Together, we'll work toward helping you gain insight, build on your strengths, and create lasting change.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Youth Services from Saginaw Valley State University and my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Psychology. My experience includes providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I believe every person already has the capacity for growth and healing, and my role is to walk alongside you, helping you discover the tools and confidence to move toward the life you want.

My Unique Approach to Therapy

I view therapy as a partnership. While I bring clinical knowledge and evidence-based interventions, I believe you are the expert on your own life. Rather than telling you what to do, I work with you to better understand your experiences, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools that support your goals. My aim is not only to help you feel better but also to help you feel more confident in navigating life's challenges long after therapy ends.

Because every individual is different, I tailor therapy to your unique needs instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach. My work is informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. Above all, I strive to create a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and empowered.

Specialized & Extended Training

What sets me apart is my commitment to building meaningful therapeutic relationships and creating an environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves. I understand that opening up can be difficult, so I focus on establishing trust and meeting you where you are. I have a special passion for working with children, adolescents, and young adults, and I enjoy helping clients build resilience, strengthen emotional awareness, and gain confidence in themselves.

My graduate training provided extensive experience with psychological assessment, treatment planning, crisis and safety planning, and evidence-based psychotherapy across the lifespan. In addition to individual therapy, I have experience facilitating psychoeducational and process-oriented therapy groups for adolescents, incorporating topics such as emotional regulation, self-esteem, communication, coping skills, and healthy relationships. I continue to expand my clinical knowledge through ongoing supervision, consultation, and specialized training to provide thoughtful, individualized care for every client.


Posted on Google Google
David Sims profile picture
David Sims
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I received an affordable, thorough psychological assessment by Dr. Bloom. He was very helpful, knowledgeable and insightful. I very much appreciate the service he offers because full neuropsychological testing is expensive and nearly unobtainable for people with certain types of insurance. I paid out of pocket and it was worth every cent.
Posted on Google Google
Curtis Jemison profile picture
Curtis Jemison
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
It's not normal for me to write reviews. The service that I received from the staff at Start my wellness, was absolutely amazing! The response and help from Rayven at the front desk was extremely helpful. She was able to walk through the process without making me feel rushed or pressured. She was knowledgable of the everything I need to be seen in a timely and professional manner. The treatment team was caring and warm. I didn't feel like "Just another patient", or embarrassed about my conditions. Thank you all for helping me.
Posted on Google Google
Sabreen Nafsu profile picture
Sabreen Nafsu
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I love talking with Laila. I feel really comfortable and she seems genuinely kind. I look forward to my appointments with my psychiatrist now thanks to her, which is something I never thought I would say.
Posted on Google Google
Chelsey Steele profile picture
Chelsey Steele
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I love this place. I look forward to coming here! Everyone is helpful around the office and my particular person help me stay sane every week!
Posted on Google Google
Irene Roberts profile picture
Irene Roberts
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Wonderful practice. Provide primarily virtual sessions which is preferred for me. Dr. Marashi is very knowledgable and helped me finally for the first time in my adult life nail down a combination of medications to help manage my PMDD and ADHD struggles. I could not have achieved everything I have in the past year without her support and knowledge. I recommend to everyone that struggles with their mental health.
Posted on Google Google
Pearl Fonbuena profile picture
Pearl Fonbuena
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
They understand and listen. Couldn’t ask for a better place to go to!
Posted on Google Google
Sean Gossard profile picture
Sean Gossard
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Lauren Anderson is the best!