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Photo of Michelle Topal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Photo of 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
4 Endorsed
Available Upon Request, Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 885-1200
Let's Connect (919) 885-1200
Photo of Michelle Topal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
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 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+, Child and Transgender 
$170 Per Session  
I see individuals, couples and families  
Let's Connect (919) 885-1200
Photo of Michelle Topal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW

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+, Child and Transgender 
$170 Per Session  
I see individuals, couples and families  

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.
Photo of Michelle Topal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Call or 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.
Photo of Michelle Topal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Call or 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 20 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.
Photo of Michelle Topal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200
"
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.
Photo of Michelle Topal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200

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
"
I help teens, adults 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.
Photo of Michelle Topal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200
"
I help teens, adults 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.
Photo of Michelle Topal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200

4 Endorsements

Brittany Bate
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
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 ...
Allan A Bloom Ph.D.
Allan A Bloom Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Kena Sessoms
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.
Photo of Michelle Topal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (919) 885-1200
"
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.
Photo of Michelle Topal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Call or 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

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