



Meet the Therapist
Ana Tester - LMSW
Licensed psychotherapist serving all of Michigan for individual (18+) telehealth therapy. In person availability in the Metro Detroit area coming in 2026.
Ana received her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University, where she also earned a certificate in School Social Work. Before moving into private practice full time, she worked in schools and in crisis intervention with at-risk teens and LGBTQ+ youth. With a background in Criminal Justice, Ana has always been guided by a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and amplifying the voices of underserved populations.
Ana is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, a mom to one, and someone who lives with (and manages) ADHD. She believes deeply in the power of science, psycho education, and humor to make therapy both meaningful and practical.
Outside of therapy, you may find her bird-watching, listening to true crime podcasts, or making soup while pretending not to read the news. Ana has a soft spot for millennial nostalgia, philosophy, and anything that helps us make sense of being human.
As a therapist, Ana is continually humbled by the courage and insight her clients bring into sessions. Watching people grow, heal, and reconnect with themselves is one of her greatest honors. Ana's clients inspire her to keep learning, evolving, and meeting the ever-changing challenges of our world with compassion and curiosity.


Frequently Asked Questions
(Or at least sometimes wondered about)
1. What can I expect in my first session?
The first session is mostly about getting to know you — your story, what brings you in, and what you’d like to get out of therapy. We’ll talk about what’s been working (and what hasn’t), and start mapping out what our work together could look like. You don’t have to have it all figured out before showing up — most people don’t!
2. How often will we meet?
Most clients start with weekly or bi weekly sessions to build momentum and consistency. Over time, some shift to every other week or every three weeks. We’ll decide together what feels right for your needs and goals.
3. How long does therapy last?
It really depends. Some people come in for a few months to work through something specific; others stay longer to do deeper work or maintain progress. There’s no “right” amount of time — it’s about what’s helpful for you.
4. Do you offer virtual or in-person sessions?
Currently I only offer virtual sessions. Virtual sessions are a great fit for people who need flexibility or prefer therapy from the comfort of home. In-person sessions will likely be available again starting in 2026. Date TBD.
5. Do you take insurance?
Yes. I currently accept: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Priority Health, and United Health Care. We will verify your plan's benefits prior to your first session so you will know how much you owe - if anything! I also offer private pay sessions starting at $140 a session for those who prefer not to use insurance.
6. What is the benefit to not using insurance?
Self Pay (aka Private Pay) therapy is beneficial because your insurance does not have your diagnosis and access to your mental health information. Self pay allows for more flexibility and confidentiality.
8. Do you provide free consultations?
I don’t offer free consultations at this time. In my experience, a full session gives us both a much clearer sense of whether we’re a good fit — and allows you to experience what therapy with me actually feels like.
9. What's the difference between talking to you or a friend or family member?
Talking to a therapist is different from talking to a friend because therapy is a space completely focused on you — without judgment, conflict of interest, or the need to protect anyone’s feelings. Therapists use training, science, and practical tools to help you understand patterns, heal, and create real change. Friends support you; therapy helps you grow.
10. Do you use EMDR with your clients?
I’m trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and incorporate it with established clients when it feels like the right fit for their goals and readiness.
Contact
Owner: Ana Tester, LMSW
Pobody is Nerfect, PLLC
DBA Tester & Iverson Therapy
Phone (text only): 248-890-6671
anatestertherapy@gmail.com
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