LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI
Waitlist
Specializing in complex trauma (CPTSD) and mood + personality disorders, specifically borderline and BPD, I work with individuals aged 15+ and couples. I am an effective, educational, honest and unmasked clinical social worker. I am equally warm, kind, empathetic and non judgmental.
While a diagnosis offers a framework to understand you, I take a trauma resolution + interpersonal neurobiology approach that focuses on you and your goals for change.
I am flexible in structure but guided in change. Therapy is a collaborative experience and the goal is you learning enough to be the same expert I am, just over yourself.
Waitlist
Specializing in complex trauma (CPTSD) and mood + personality disorders, specifically borderline and BPD, I work with individuals aged 15+ and couples. I am an effective, educational, honest and unmasked clinical social worker. I am equally warm, kind, empathetic and non judgmental.
While a diagnosis offers a framework to understand you, I take a trauma resolution + interpersonal neurobiology approach that focuses on you and your goals for change.
I am flexible in structure but guided in change. Therapy is a collaborative experience and the goal is you learning enough to be the same expert I am, just over yourself.
I am passionate about children’s mental health, the LGBTQIA+ community, and mental wellness for people of all ages.
I work with individuals ages 5 and up. I specialize in anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns both in school and at home, family issues, self-esteem, and struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. I use a variety of therapy modalities such as CBT, DBT, and others in order to help clients meet their goals.
I am passionate about children’s mental health, the LGBTQIA+ community, and mental wellness for people of all ages.
I work with individuals ages 5 and up. I specialize in anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns both in school and at home, family issues, self-esteem, and struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. I use a variety of therapy modalities such as CBT, DBT, and others in order to help clients meet their goals.
Trauma Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMSW, LMFT, LLP
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Our therapists are skilled in working with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. No matter what you’re facing, we are here to support you on your journey towards healing and growth. We offer a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. Our goal is to help you develop the skills and insights needed to navigate life’s challenges and find greater happiness and fulfillment.
Our therapists are skilled in working with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. No matter what you’re facing, we are here to support you on your journey towards healing and growth. We offer a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. Our goal is to help you develop the skills and insights needed to navigate life’s challenges and find greater happiness and fulfillment.
Suppression 2 Expression Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, ASDCS
5 Endorsed
Online Only
Many of our therapists are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and have experienced symptoms related to neurodivergence, anxiety, and depression themselves.
Accepting New Clients! We believe that you are the master of your own life and that therapy is a joint process that we can navigate together. We are here to help you develop the tools and understanding needed to create the life you want and meet your goals. Our mission is to provide more accessible services to underserved clients. Our counselors can help with a variety of different concerns, such as struggles related to Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Depression, OCD, trauma, chronic illness, sexual orientation and/or gender identity exploration, and more. We are best reached by email.
Many of our therapists are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and have experienced symptoms related to neurodivergence, anxiety, and depression themselves.
Accepting New Clients! We believe that you are the master of your own life and that therapy is a joint process that we can navigate together. We are here to help you develop the tools and understanding needed to create the life you want and meet your goals. Our mission is to provide more accessible services to underserved clients. Our counselors can help with a variety of different concerns, such as struggles related to Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Depression, OCD, trauma, chronic illness, sexual orientation and/or gender identity exploration, and more. We are best reached by email.
Richelle Whyte
Licensed Professional Counselor, LLPC
4 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Waitlist for new clients
We all want to change in some way, and I believe that real, visible change comes from an internal motivation to be better versions of ourselves. By looking at the uncomfortable or unexamined parts within ourselves, that positive change becomes possible.
We all want to change in some way, and I believe that real, visible change comes from an internal motivation to be better versions of ourselves. By looking at the uncomfortable or unexamined parts within ourselves, that positive change becomes possible.
I am especially passionate about the healing and wellbeing of POC, QTPOC, Women, and young adults. I understand how the intersectionality of our identities impacts our experience of the world, and I strive to provide a safe, warm, and supportive space for those experiences to be discussed.
I am especially passionate about the healing and wellbeing of POC, QTPOC, Women, and young adults. I understand how the intersectionality of our identities impacts our experience of the world, and I strive to provide a safe, warm, and supportive space for those experiences to be discussed.
Vulnerability: while rewarding, can be daunting. It isn’t easy to let someone into your internal landscape and I value the possibility of learning yours. My name is Sam and I work with clients to become intimately comfortable with the buried and beautifully impactful aspects of themselves. Often, the relationship to yourself contributes to how your days unfold in the world around you. When was the last time you heard or nurtured the parts of yourself that long for you? In doing so, a gateway opens up to a sense of self-worth that will allow you to experience yourself and your environment with a new lens.
Vulnerability: while rewarding, can be daunting. It isn’t easy to let someone into your internal landscape and I value the possibility of learning yours. My name is Sam and I work with clients to become intimately comfortable with the buried and beautifully impactful aspects of themselves. Often, the relationship to yourself contributes to how your days unfold in the world around you. When was the last time you heard or nurtured the parts of yourself that long for you? In doing so, a gateway opens up to a sense of self-worth that will allow you to experience yourself and your environment with a new lens.
I am a compassionate and experienced therapist dedicated to supporting individuals across the lifespan, with specialized expertise in working with children, adolescents, young adults, couples, and families. I am committed to empowering clients to achieve emotional well-being, mental clarity, and personal growth.
I am a compassionate and experienced therapist dedicated to supporting individuals across the lifespan, with specialized expertise in working with children, adolescents, young adults, couples, and families. I am committed to empowering clients to achieve emotional well-being, mental clarity, and personal growth.
Heartstone Guidance Center is a group of neurodivergent therapists offering neurodiversity affirming, LGBTQIA-affirming, and culturally aware therapy services.
As neurodivergent therapists, we can offer you lived experience and a safe space where you can enter therapy as yourself unmasked and unashamed. We have years of experience offering children, teens, adults, and families nonjudgemental support. We specialize in Neurodivergence - Autism, ADHD, DID, OCD, LGBTQIA support, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, etc.
Heartstone Guidance Center is a group of neurodivergent therapists offering neurodiversity affirming, LGBTQIA-affirming, and culturally aware therapy services.
As neurodivergent therapists, we can offer you lived experience and a safe space where you can enter therapy as yourself unmasked and unashamed. We have years of experience offering children, teens, adults, and families nonjudgemental support. We specialize in Neurodivergence - Autism, ADHD, DID, OCD, LGBTQIA support, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, etc.
As a Mindfulness Therapist, I believe in a personalized and inclusive approach to counseling. I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with techniques like Mindfulness, Hypnotherapy, Meditation, to create a unique treatment plan for you. Together, we'll work at your own pace to improve your mental health and well-being. Are you curious about how holistic therapy can help you build emotional resilience and effectively manage stress?
As a Mindfulness Therapist, I believe in a personalized and inclusive approach to counseling. I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with techniques like Mindfulness, Hypnotherapy, Meditation, to create a unique treatment plan for you. Together, we'll work at your own pace to improve your mental health and well-being. Are you curious about how holistic therapy can help you build emotional resilience and effectively manage stress?
Sometimes life can present us with difficulties, as well as opportunities, that we don't expect or aren't sure how to handle. Many people find ways of healing, growing, and even striving through the counseling process. Once you've decided to seek out psychotherapy, finding the therapist who is the right fit for you can feel overwhelming. The psychologists, professional counselors and social workers at River City Psychological Services (RCPS) strive to create a safe environment where people can grow and heal.
Sometimes life can present us with difficulties, as well as opportunities, that we don't expect or aren't sure how to handle. Many people find ways of healing, growing, and even striving through the counseling process. Once you've decided to seek out psychotherapy, finding the therapist who is the right fit for you can feel overwhelming. The psychologists, professional counselors and social workers at River City Psychological Services (RCPS) strive to create a safe environment where people can grow and heal.
My pronouns are they/them and I love helping queer people explore Gender Identity & Sexuality, process Religious & Complex Trauma, and assess for Neurodivergent traits.
Clients continue to confirm that having a therapist who understands their perspective as a queer person has made a huge difference in their therapy experience. I have experience assessing and providing support for Anxiety, Depression, C-PTSD, OCD, Autism, and ADHD. My modalities include IFS, DBT, ACT, TF-CBT, and Somatic therapy.
My pronouns are they/them and I love helping queer people explore Gender Identity & Sexuality, process Religious & Complex Trauma, and assess for Neurodivergent traits.
Clients continue to confirm that having a therapist who understands their perspective as a queer person has made a huge difference in their therapy experience. I have experience assessing and providing support for Anxiety, Depression, C-PTSD, OCD, Autism, and ADHD. My modalities include IFS, DBT, ACT, TF-CBT, and Somatic therapy.
Life isn’t always easy. Our past experiences can sometimes feel like they’re holding us back. But that doesn’t mean we’re stuck. Healing and growth are always possible. I believe that with compassion, support, and a collaborative approach, we can work through emotional wounds and help you reconnect with your sense of purpose. If you’re struggling with low self-worth and challenging thoughts, I’m here to walk alongside you — along with my Golden Retriever, Bailey or Gordie the Bernese Mountain Dog. Together, we offer a safe and welcoming space where you can begin moving forward at your own pace.
Life isn’t always easy. Our past experiences can sometimes feel like they’re holding us back. But that doesn’t mean we’re stuck. Healing and growth are always possible. I believe that with compassion, support, and a collaborative approach, we can work through emotional wounds and help you reconnect with your sense of purpose. If you’re struggling with low self-worth and challenging thoughts, I’m here to walk alongside you — along with my Golden Retriever, Bailey or Gordie the Bernese Mountain Dog. Together, we offer a safe and welcoming space where you can begin moving forward at your own pace.
Amy Lynn Ver Wey
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP, RPT
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Waitlist for new clients
Amy identifies as a queer therapist and strives to create a genuinely warm and inclusive therapeutic environment based upon empathy, resiliency and a relatable atmosphere to help normalize mental health services.
Amy practices a gender affirmative therapeutic approach, with significant experience working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. She has held full membership with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health since 2017 and is a WPATH Certified Transgender Health Provider. Amy runs a Trans/Non-Binary Youth Support Group-- message for details.
Amy identifies as a queer therapist and strives to create a genuinely warm and inclusive therapeutic environment based upon empathy, resiliency and a relatable atmosphere to help normalize mental health services.
Amy practices a gender affirmative therapeutic approach, with significant experience working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. She has held full membership with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health since 2017 and is a WPATH Certified Transgender Health Provider. Amy runs a Trans/Non-Binary Youth Support Group-- message for details.
As a gay clinician, I provide an affirming and respectful space for LGBTQ+ clients who want to feel seen, understood, and supported.
My work is grounded in a person-centered approach, meaning sessions move at your pace and focus on what matters most to you. When anxiety feels constant, depression makes everything heavier, or anger starts showing up in ways you do not like, it can be hard to know where to begin. Therapy can be a place to slow down and talk through what is really going on without feeling judged or rushed. I offer secure online therapy across Michigan, making it easier to meet from home, during a break in your day, or wherever you feel most comfortable and private.
As a gay clinician, I provide an affirming and respectful space for LGBTQ+ clients who want to feel seen, understood, and supported.
My work is grounded in a person-centered approach, meaning sessions move at your pace and focus on what matters most to you. When anxiety feels constant, depression makes everything heavier, or anger starts showing up in ways you do not like, it can be hard to know where to begin. Therapy can be a place to slow down and talk through what is really going on without feeling judged or rushed. I offer secure online therapy across Michigan, making it easier to meet from home, during a break in your day, or wherever you feel most comfortable and private.
As a queer, trans therapist, my work is rooted in lived experience, compassion, and authenticity.
I support teens, adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals navigating identity, trauma, anxiety, faith, and life transitions. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, I offer a warm, affirming space to explore your story, build resilience, and reconnect with your authentic self.
As a queer, trans therapist, my work is rooted in lived experience, compassion, and authenticity.
I support teens, adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals navigating identity, trauma, anxiety, faith, and life transitions. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, I offer a warm, affirming space to explore your story, build resilience, and reconnect with your authentic self.
Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or have been living your truth for years, I specialize in helping transgender and the broader LGBTQ Community feel more comfortable in their skin.
As a therapist, I base the foundation of my practice on the notion that you are the expert on your own life, and it is my privilege to be invited into your world to be an extra pair of eyes to help you navigate it. I see therapy as an inherently collaborative process, where we explore the ways in which various coping strategies have served you throughout your life, reinforce the strategies that are helpful, and work together to develop and practice new coping strategies for the future.
Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or have been living your truth for years, I specialize in helping transgender and the broader LGBTQ Community feel more comfortable in their skin.
As a therapist, I base the foundation of my practice on the notion that you are the expert on your own life, and it is my privilege to be invited into your world to be an extra pair of eyes to help you navigate it. I see therapy as an inherently collaborative process, where we explore the ways in which various coping strategies have served you throughout your life, reinforce the strategies that are helpful, and work together to develop and practice new coping strategies for the future.
Hi there! I see you looking for the right therapist. I've been there too. You're probably asking yourself: Who seems kind? Who's qualified? Who gets what I'm going through?
I get it. You want someone who can handle the things you're struggling with. I can. I've faced my own challenges, helped many others through theirs, and use evidence-based approaches that have helped people reclaim their lives. My goal isn't to keep you in therapy forever—it's to help you get back to living yours. I'd love to help.
Hi there! I see you looking for the right therapist. I've been there too. You're probably asking yourself: Who seems kind? Who's qualified? Who gets what I'm going through?
I get it. You want someone who can handle the things you're struggling with. I can. I've faced my own challenges, helped many others through theirs, and use evidence-based approaches that have helped people reclaim their lives. My goal isn't to keep you in therapy forever—it's to help you get back to living yours. I'd love to help.
Shannon Geneen Kelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, MPA, LCDC
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
LGBTQ+ affirming.
I work with women carrying more than anyone sees, complex trauma, PTSD, and the anxiety that comes from holding it all together. ADHD that went undiagnosed for decades. Burnout. Grief. Life transitions: divorce, empty nest, major identity shifts. Performing fine on the outside while the inside tells a completely different story.
LGBTQ+ affirming.
I work with women carrying more than anyone sees, complex trauma, PTSD, and the anxiety that comes from holding it all together. ADHD that went undiagnosed for decades. Burnout. Grief. Life transitions: divorce, empty nest, major identity shifts. Performing fine on the outside while the inside tells a completely different story.
I’m a queer, neurodivergent therapist specializing in neurodiverse brains and LGBTQIA+ issues, with a unique clinical background in folks with high suicidality.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or exhausted from trying to navigate a world that doesn't feel like it was built with you in mind? Maybe you're dealing with chronic suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and burnout, but aren't entirely sure why. If you're looking for answers, I offer Affirming Autism Assessments with personalized life recommendations tailored to your unique brain style; and for those looking for more, I offer short and long term- individual therapy or coaching to help creative problem solve and build systems that uniquely work for you, and hopefully make life feel a little more manageable.
I’m a queer, neurodivergent therapist specializing in neurodiverse brains and LGBTQIA+ issues, with a unique clinical background in folks with high suicidality.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or exhausted from trying to navigate a world that doesn't feel like it was built with you in mind? Maybe you're dealing with chronic suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and burnout, but aren't entirely sure why. If you're looking for answers, I offer Affirming Autism Assessments with personalized life recommendations tailored to your unique brain style; and for those looking for more, I offer short and long term- individual therapy or coaching to help creative problem solve and build systems that uniquely work for you, and hopefully make life feel a little more manageable.
See more therapy options for Grand Rapids
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Grand Rapids
- Ada
- Belmont
- Byron Center
- Caledonia
- Cascade
- Comstock Park
- East Grand Rapids
- Grandville
- Jenison
- Kentwood
- Walker
- Wyoming
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.