Michelle Topal

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW

Michelle Topal

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

3 Endorsed

Available Upon Request, Raleigh, NC 27615

(919) 885-1200

Let's Connect (919) 885-1200

Appointments Available. If you’re like me, you’re feeling warn out by the daily and boundless upheaval. I get it! I’m here to buoy you, so you can weather this storm. You will find me down to earth, direct, with a sometimes wicked, irreverent sense of humor. As a cis queer woman, I have been committed to helping adults, parents, families, couples and the LGBTQ+ community be authentic and open for over 25 yrs. My relaxed, informal approach is particularly helpful with teens, especially for those exploring identity. I see others, as I do myself; a work in progress. Let me help you be more of who you want to be.

I am a queer person who has celebrated diversity and supporting those of all identities explore who they are. I help teens, couples, parents, and families figure out who they are, what they want and continue to grow towards that vision. Raised with a commitment to advocacy and the importance of community, I welcome those who advocate for social justice.

I am here to provide consistent support that you can count on. No revolving door clinic or disappearing when you need support most. I have years of experience being a steady presence you can rely on to explore what’s most important to you. Reach out. I’m here to meet with you from the familiarity of your own environment; pets welcome.

Call or Email Michelle Topal now for a free 15 minute consultation - (919) 885-1200

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Change for Living Counseling, PLLC

Available Upon Request

Raleigh, NC 27615 map

(919) 885-1200

Change for Living Counseling PLLC

TBD- When in person again

Durham, NC 27713 map

(919) 807-1454

In addition to some in person sessions, I offer convenient online sessions so you can be in a familiar space when we meet. Pets welcome :-)

I specialize in LGBTQ+, Parenting and Marital and Premarital

$170 Per Session

I see individuals, couples and families

Appointments available, so don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to seeing how I can help!

Let's Connect (919) 885-1200

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Change for Living Counseling, PLLC

Available Upon Request

Raleigh, NC 27615 map

(919) 885-1200

Change for Living Counseling PLLC

TBD- When in person again

Durham, NC 27713 map

(919) 807-1454

In addition to some in person sessions, I offer convenient online sessions so you can be in a familiar space when we meet. Pets welcome :-)

I specialize in LGBTQ+, Parenting and Marital and Premarital

$170 Per Session

I see individuals, couples and families

Appointments available, so don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to seeing how I can help!

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $170
Couple Sessions $200
Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

Cash, Check, Mastercard, Paypal, Visa

Insurance

Out of Network

I am currently out of network with all insurance plans. I'm happy to provide a superbill for those who want to use their out-of-network benefits.

Michelle Topal

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200

I am currently out of network with all insurance plans. I'm happy to provide a superbill for those who want to use their out-of-network benefits.

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

Education and Years In Practice

In Practice for 21 years

Attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Graduated 1994

Additional Credentials

Membership with Clinical Advocate, NASW-NC

Certificate from Advocacy Chair, NC Society Clinical Social Work

I have over 25 years experience and training working with teens, families, relationships and the LGBTQ community, including gender and sexual identity. As a queer person myself, I am a fierce advocate who gets the queer experience and am committed to the well being of those who are marginalized.

Michelle Topal

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200

Michelle Topal

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

LGBTQ+
Parenting
Marital and Premarital

Expertise

ADHD
Anxiety
Autism
Behavioral Issues
Bisexual
Child
Coping Skills
Couples, especially LGBTQ+, all relationship types
Depression
Divorce
Family Conflict
Lesbian
Mood Disorders
Open Relationships Non-Monogamy
Parents of trans/non-binary kids/adults, families
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Sex-Positive, Kink Allied
Stress
Transgender
Women's Issues

I help teens, couples and families around relationship, attachment and identity issues, especially LGBTQ concerns. In these scary, uncertain times, I am committed to helping those who feel under attack navigate these challenges and feel supported in weathering the storm. I provide an affirming space to be able to breathe, heal, grow, build confidence and experience what it means to be yourself.

Michelle Topal

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200

Michelle Topal

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200

3 Endorsements

Brittany Bate

Psychologist, PhD

As a colleague, I highly recommend Michelle! Michelle is passionate, caring, and is particularly skilled in offering LGBTQIA+ celebratory care. I'd trust Michelle with any referral!

Joe Gilbert

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, CMMT

Michelle Topal is a gem in the field of counseling and psychotherapy. Her clinical skills, combined with unconditional positive regard, allow for the creation of a safe and supportive space for those seeking support. Michelle is also a strong advocate for ...

Kena Sessoms

Psychological Associate, MA, LPA

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

I approach therapy with curiosity, openness, and creativity, using many different treatment modalities. In listening to your concerns and what brought you to therapy, we'll work together to understand what is working for you and what isn't, and what change will look like. As a therapist, It is my goal to help you understand yourself better and see yourself with both compassion and possibility.

Michelle Topal

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200

Michelle Topal

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200

Location

Primary Location

Change for Living Counseling, PLLC

Available Upon Request

Raleigh, NC 27615

(919) 885-1200

Email me

My website

Additional Location

Change for Living Counseling PLLC

TBD- When in person again

Durham, NC 27713

(919) 807-1454

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

Neighborhoods

North

In addition to some in person sessions, I offer convenient online sessions so you can be in a familiar space when we meet. Pets welcome :-)

Michelle Topal

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW

Call for a free consultation now - (919) 885-1200

In addition to some in person sessions, I offer convenient online sessions so you can be in a familiar space when we meet. Pets welcome :-)

Michelle Topal

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW

Call for a free consultation now - (919) 885-1200

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