Dr. Abbie VanDerWege joined Pine Rest in 2023 with roles at both the Psychological Consultation Center in Grand Rapids, MI and Portage Clinic in Portage, MI. At the Psychological Consultation Center, Dr. VanDerWege conducts psychological evaluations for children and adolescents to assess for ADHD and other mental health diagnoses.
As a therapist, Dr. VanDerWege enjoys working with adolescents and adults who present with a variety of clinical issues. She views therapy as a collaborative process of identifying and working toward goals to enhance clients’ fulfillment in their lives. She seeks to understand and respect the diverse perspectives, experiences and values of her clients.
Dr. VanDerWege provides therapy using a cognitive behavioral approach rooted within the broader cultural context in which we live. With specialized training, she is a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional and Certified Mindfulness-Informed Professional. In addition, Dr. VanDerWege has engaged in continuing education to enhance her work with clients who have histories of trauma, women’s health issues, or highly sensitive personalities.
Dr. VanDerWege graduated with a major in Psychology from Kalamazoo College in 2004. She immediately matriculated into the master’s degree program in Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University, which she completed in 2006. While at Western Michigan University, she developed an interest in holistic health and pursued a graduate certificate in Holistic Health Care, which she received in 2006. After completing her master’s degree, she accepted a position as a family therapist for the Family Reunification Program at Bethany Christian Services. Feeling at home in Kalamazoo, she then entered the APA-accredited PhD program at Western Michigan University in Counseling Psychology in 2007. She completed a full-time APA- accredited predoctoral internship at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center where she pursued rotations in outpatient and residential PTSD, outpatient mental health, inpatient mental health, and substance abuse treatment. After completing her PhD in 2011, Dr. VanDerWege worked in private practice providing psychotherapy and conducting psychological evaluations prior to transitioning to Pine Rest in 2023.
