Misty LaFree, MA, LPC

Hi there! I’m Misty, and I’m passionate about helping kids, teens, and families find hope, healing, and a sense of calm again.

I specialize in working with children (ages 5 and up), adolescents, and young adults — especially those struggling with OCD and anxiety. I love helping kids learn to face their fears and discover that they’re stronger and braver than they ever imagined. I’ve completed extensive training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and use creative, hands-on approaches like play, art, and sand tray therapy to make the process both meaningful and engaging.

I’m currently working toward my Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential because I truly believe that play is how children communicate, process, and heal. Whether we’re creating a sand tray world, painting through feelings, or practicing brave moments together, therapy with me is a place where kids can feel safe being themselves.

Smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair in a high ponytail, wearing a colorful striped shirt, standing in front of a geometric-patterned wall.
Blue triangle
Black background with a pink-outlined isometric diamond shape.

Beyond OCD and anxiety, I also work with children and families navigating big emotions, trauma, domestic violence, neurodivergence, borderline personality traits, and school-related challenges. I partner closely with parents and schools so that the progress we make in session continues to grow at home and in daily life.

When I work with families, I often take a whole-family approach. It is important that we create a plan together that nurtures healing for everyone involved. For teens and young adults, I blend talk therapy (including DBT skills) with expressive arts and practical coping tools. I also offer virtual sessions for adolescents and young adults who prefer that flexibility.

I’m EMDR-trained (Safe EMDR) and provide trauma-informed care for both children and caregivers, including those impacted by domestic violence.

It is incredibly life-giving for me to come alongside families and restore hope through the healing process. There is no one or no family too broken to become whole again; you can always choose to grow and blossom into the person you were created to be. I am excited to join you or your family on the journey!

While I welcome clients from all belief backgrounds, I’m also happy to integrate Christian faith into therapy when requested.

What drives me most is helping families rediscover connection, resilience, and hope. I truly believe there’s no such thing as “too broken,” and every person and every family has the capacity to grow, heal, and bloom into who they were created to be. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on that journey.

Insurances Accepted

  • Aetna

  • ASR

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
    (Commercial/Medicare)

  • Blue Care Network

  • Blue Cross Complete

  • Cigna

  • Priority Health (Commercial/Medicare/Medicaid)

  • McClaren

  • Molina

  • United Health Care
    (Commercial/Medicaid)

  • UMR

  • Private Pay

Office Location:

Cascade Office 

5360 Cascade Rd SE,
Grand Rapids, MI
49546

Cozy living room decorated with colorful pillows, small plants, books, and heart-shaped garland hanging across the window. A bookshelf displays motivational signs and books about mental health.
A white wire book rack filled with children’s books, a white shelving unit with bins and toys, and a white storage basket with plush toys and slippers on a gray carpet.
A cozy living room with a blue velvet couch, various colorful pillows, and a soft gray armchair with a blanket. There are large windows with blinds, a patterned rug, and shelves with books and decorations. The room is decorated with balloons, flowers, and playful plush toys.
Children's play area with sand tray at the bottom and three shelves of toys above, including collectibles, figurines, and plush toys.
Colorful motivational quote on a whiteboard that says, 'Be kind, Be brave, Be silly, Be honest, Be happy, Be you' in various colors and patterns.
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