Professional Bio

Nicole Beurkens, PhD is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Board Certified Nutritionist specializing in evaluation and treatment of children with serious developmental and mental health conditions.

As one of the only psychologists in the world with a doctorate in clinical psychology, a master’s of science in nutrition and integrative health, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education, Dr. Beurkens brings a unique blend of knowledge and experience to her work. With a current caseload of over 80 patients, and having treated over 1,000 children and families during her 20 years in practice, she understands how to use nutrition, lifestyle, and mental health techniques to help where all others have failed, and without using prescription medication.

Dr. Beurkens is the Founder and Director of Horizons Developmental Resource Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At her state of the art facility she leads a team of six clinicians dedicated to integrative treatment services, research on innovative treatment protocols, and professional training targeted toward pediatric patients and their families in areas such as autism, ADHD, brain injury, anxiety, and behavior disorders.

Dr. Beurkens was recently honored with a Mom’s Choice Award and an AutismOne Best Therapist award for her continued commitment to bettering the lives of her patients and their families.

Her work has been highlighted in dozens of online and print publications, as well as peer-reviewed journals. She is regularly asked for her expert opinion from Reader’s Digest, Prevention, Huffington Post, Redbook, and Care.com, doing multiple interviews each month.

Her most recent Amazon bestseller, Life Will Get Better: Simple Strategies for Parents of Children with Attention, Anxiety, Mood, and Behavior Challenges (2016, Sky Water Press) provides parents with the knowledge and tools needed to help children overcome emotional and behavioral challenges using nutrition, lifestyle, and relationship-based approaches. Her first Amazon bestseller, Learning As We Grow (2009, Horizons), helps teachers of students within this difficult population develop educational environments and curriculums that improve student outcomes. Dr. Beurkens has also authored several chapters of books related to education and integrative treatment of children with emotional and behavioral disorders.

Dr. Beurkens has been an instructor and guest lecturer for numerous undergraduate and graduate level education and psychology courses at Oakland University and Hope College, among others. She has published original research in peer-reviewed journals (Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology and Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders) on developmental treatment of autism, and has coordinated grant funded projects in the fields of both special education and clinical psychology.

Dr. Beurkens has spoken at numerous national and international conferences, and has conducted hundreds of seminars for parents and professionals in the fields of education, psychology, and medicine.

Dr. Beurkens’ greatest joy comes from spending time with her husband and four children at their home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She can be reached at (616) 698-0306 or info@drbeurkens.com.