
Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW (she, her)
Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
4 Endorsed
Available Upon Request, Raleigh, NC 27615
Let's Connect (919) 885-1200

Appointments Available. These are scary and uncertain times for so many targeted communities. The daily upending can be overwhelming and I am here to help you in this struggle. You will find me down to earth, direct, kind, with a sometimes wicked sense of humor. As a cis queer woman, I have been providing the kind of space that helps adults, parents, families, couples and the LGBTQ+ community to be authentic and open for over 25 yrs. My relaxed, conversational style has been especially helpful in connecting with teens, particularly in exploring sexual and gender identity. If I sound like a fit for you, reach out. I want to help.
I am a cisgender woman who has been part of and serving the queer community for 30 years, with a focus on those who defy labels and who identify along the gender continuum. I have specialized in therapy for teens, adults, couples, parents and families. I was raised with a commitment to advocacy and welcome those who focus on the struggle for social justice.
You will find me an authentic, responsive, interactive presence in our sessions. My years of experience have taught me how to create an inviting, comfortable space and safe relationship needed to share, challenge, cry and even laugh as we explore your needs and path forward. I hope to see you soon from the familiarity of your own environment; pets welcome.
Call or Email Michelle Topal now for a free 15 minute consultation - (919) 885-1200
Let's Connect (919) 885-1200

Finances
Fees
- Individual Sessions $170
- Couple Sessions $200
- Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible
Payment Methods
Cash, Check, Mastercard, Paypal, VisaInsurance
- Out of Network

Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200
Qualifications
- Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of North Carolina / C003891 Michelle Topal
- In Practice for 20 years
- Attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Graduated 1994
- Membership with Clinical Advocate, NASW-NC
- Certificate from Advocacy Chair, NC Society Clinical Social Work
Education and Years In Practice
Additional Credentials
Specialties and Expertise
Top Specialties
- LGBTQ+
- Child
- Transgender
Expertise
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Behavioral Issues
- Bisexual
- Coping Skills
- Couples, especially LGBTQ+, all relationship types
- Depression
- Divorce
- Emotional Disturbance
- Family Conflict
- Lesbian
- Marital and Premarital
- Mood Disorders
- Open Relationships Non-Monogamy
- Parenting
- Parents of trans/non-binary kids/adults, families
- Peer Relationships
- Relationship Issues
- School Issues
- Self Esteem
- Sex-Positive, Kink Allied
- Stress
- Women's Issues
4 Endorsements
Client Focus
Age
Preteen ,
Teen ,
Adults
Participants
Individuals ,
Couples ,
Family
Communities
Bisexual Allied ,
Gay Allied ,
HIV / AIDS Allied ,
Intersex Allied ,
Lesbian Allied ,
Non-Binary Allied ,
Queer Allied ,
Racial Justice Allied ,
Transgender Allied
Age
Preteen ,
Teen ,
Adults
Participants
Individuals ,
Couples ,
Family
Communities
Bisexual Allied ,
Gay Allied ,
HIV / AIDS Allied ,
Intersex Allied ,
Lesbian Allied ,
Non-Binary Allied ,
Queer Allied ,
Racial Justice Allied ,
Transgender Allied
Treatment Approach
Types of Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
- Attachment-based
- Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- Culturally Sensitive
- Eclectic
- Emotionally Focused
- Experiential Therapy
- Family / Marital
- Family Systems
- Feminist
- Imago
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Narrative
- Psychodynamic
- Reality Therapy
Location
Primary Location
Change for Living Counseling, PLLC
Available Upon Request
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 885-1200Email me
Additional Location
Change for Living Counseling PLLC
TBD- When in person again
Durham, NC 27713
(919) 807-1454Nearby Areas
Neighborhoods

Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Call for a free consultation now - (919) 885-1200