Transgender Therapists in Ingham County, MI
Ryver Maddern
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48906 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with clients who may be struggling with gender identity, gender dysphoria, religious trauma, and/or complex trauma.
I specialize in LGBTQIA+ topics including Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Religious & Complex Trauma. I can also write letters of support for medical gender-affirming care, including HRT and top surgery. I have a strong background in intersectional feminism and social justice. Every person deserves to be valued and every person is valuable. I have lived experience navigating our society as a visibly trans/queer/lesbian and neurodivergent individual living in Northern Michigan. My wife and I live upstate in a small town with our three cats.
I enjoy working with clients who may be struggling with gender identity, gender dysphoria, religious trauma, and/or complex trauma.
I specialize in LGBTQIA+ topics including Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Religious & Complex Trauma. I can also write letters of support for medical gender-affirming care, including HRT and top surgery. I have a strong background in intersectional feminism and social justice. Every person deserves to be valued and every person is valuable. I have lived experience navigating our society as a visibly trans/queer/lesbian and neurodivergent individual living in Northern Michigan. My wife and I live upstate in a small town with our three cats.
Kris Lewis-Grinwis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48910 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with LGBQ, Transgender, and consensually nonmonogamous clients; as well as clients in the kink/BDSM community.
Making the decision to change your life can be scary. I'm dedicated to helping others work through difficult choices and helping them move their lives in a positive direction. I want to help you discover patterns and behaviors that have been holding you back, and build skills to make your life better in the future. I use an intersectional trans-inclusive feminist lens and use an eclectic combination of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Behavioral Therapy to help solve problems. Making the decision to seek treatment is the first step. I would love to help you make your life one worth living!
I specialize in working with LGBQ, Transgender, and consensually nonmonogamous clients; as well as clients in the kink/BDSM community.
Making the decision to change your life can be scary. I'm dedicated to helping others work through difficult choices and helping them move their lives in a positive direction. I want to help you discover patterns and behaviors that have been holding you back, and build skills to make your life better in the future. I use an intersectional trans-inclusive feminist lens and use an eclectic combination of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Behavioral Therapy to help solve problems. Making the decision to seek treatment is the first step. I would love to help you make your life one worth living!
Sam Darrow
Counselor, MA, LLPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East Lansing, MI 48824 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new therapy clients, current availability for clients seeking a WPATH letter of support for transgender healthcare purposes.
Sam Darrow (they/them/theirs) is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) who has earned certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors. They received their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. They provide counseling to individuals ages 16 and older, couples, and families.
Waitlist for new therapy clients, current availability for clients seeking a WPATH letter of support for transgender healthcare purposes.
Sam Darrow (they/them/theirs) is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) who has earned certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors. They received their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. They provide counseling to individuals ages 16 and older, couples, and families.
My name is Anangabii (uh-nung-uh-bee). I am an enrolled citizen of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and am two-spirit/trans nonbinary. I aim to help people of all ages who struggle with adjustments, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender dysphoria, racial trauma and communication.
My name is Anangabii (uh-nung-uh-bee). I am an enrolled citizen of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and am two-spirit/trans nonbinary. I aim to help people of all ages who struggle with adjustments, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender dysphoria, racial trauma and communication.
As a transgender Queer person, I also provide a space for other transgender and Queer people to cope with related issues, such as discrimination.
Whether this is your first time looking for a therapist or you have spent ages trying to connect with the right fit, everyone is welcome regardless of where they are at in their healing journey. I am a firm believer in my clients being the experts in their life and my role as a therapist is to provide a safe, affirming space for clients to explore and grow. I also believe that there is no one-shoe-fits-all approach to therapy and that each client brings their own knowledge and strengths. No matter what you are experiencing, I am here to help you get where you want to be.
As a transgender Queer person, I also provide a space for other transgender and Queer people to cope with related issues, such as discrimination.
Whether this is your first time looking for a therapist or you have spent ages trying to connect with the right fit, everyone is welcome regardless of where they are at in their healing journey. I am a firm believer in my clients being the experts in their life and my role as a therapist is to provide a safe, affirming space for clients to explore and grow. I also believe that there is no one-shoe-fits-all approach to therapy and that each client brings their own knowledge and strengths. No matter what you are experiencing, I am here to help you get where you want to be.
I am especially interested in helping transgender clients navigate their identities and access transition related and gender-affirming care.
My primary area of focus is working with LGBT clients, particularly transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. I consider it an honor to be able to support members of my community. I believe that community is a need and no one should be alone in their identity. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients come to a better understanding of themselves, who they want to be, and how they want to live their lives.
I am especially interested in helping transgender clients navigate their identities and access transition related and gender-affirming care.
My primary area of focus is working with LGBT clients, particularly transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. I consider it an honor to be able to support members of my community. I believe that community is a need and no one should be alone in their identity. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients come to a better understanding of themselves, who they want to be, and how they want to live their lives.
I am a woman of transgender experience, a parent of three queer and neurodivergent teens, and an anti-racist educator and activist. I have extensive professional experience developing and facilitating safe spaces for queer and autistic youth, both online and in person. I obtained a BS in Anthropology from Michigan State University in 2002 and an MSW from Michigan State in April of 2024, with a certificate in counseling combat veterans. Additionally, I bring to my therapy practice over 20 years' experience as a spiritual director, life coach, and holder of ceremonial healing spaces.
I am a woman of transgender experience, a parent of three queer and neurodivergent teens, and an anti-racist educator and activist. I have extensive professional experience developing and facilitating safe spaces for queer and autistic youth, both online and in person. I obtained a BS in Anthropology from Michigan State University in 2002 and an MSW from Michigan State in April of 2024, with a certificate in counseling combat veterans. Additionally, I bring to my therapy practice over 20 years' experience as a spiritual director, life coach, and holder of ceremonial healing spaces.
Sarah Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Lansing, MI 48823
My ideal clients are dealing with life. Transitions, trauma, relationships, or just dealing with the world...all of these things come without a manual of how to manage. I work with individuals in adolescence through adulthood dealing with a variety of issues such as trauma/PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria. I meet with families struggling with poor communication and life transitions. I provide couples therapy to those struggling with communication, connection, boundaries, parenting, and exploring non-monogamy. I work with individuals and couples who identify as LGBTQIA+.
My ideal clients are dealing with life. Transitions, trauma, relationships, or just dealing with the world...all of these things come without a manual of how to manage. I work with individuals in adolescence through adulthood dealing with a variety of issues such as trauma/PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria. I meet with families struggling with poor communication and life transitions. I provide couples therapy to those struggling with communication, connection, boundaries, parenting, and exploring non-monogamy. I work with individuals and couples who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Bryce (Brees) Routhier
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Okemos, MI 48864 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with something in your life or the world as a whole? Do you need someone who can listen with a nonjudgmental & discerning ear? Have you come to a place in your personal growth where you need help? If any of the above describes you or you just need help. Feel free to contact me. My name is Bryce (Pronounced B-rees rather than B-rice). I am a counselor working in Michigan via Teletherapy. I am also a trans woman. I have spent the last decade learning everything I can to support people with compassion and skills to aid them on their personal journey. Hope to hear for you soon!
Are you struggling with something in your life or the world as a whole? Do you need someone who can listen with a nonjudgmental & discerning ear? Have you come to a place in your personal growth where you need help? If any of the above describes you or you just need help. Feel free to contact me. My name is Bryce (Pronounced B-rees rather than B-rice). I am a counselor working in Michigan via Teletherapy. I am also a trans woman. I have spent the last decade learning everything I can to support people with compassion and skills to aid them on their personal journey. Hope to hear for you soon!
Jackson Daly
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Okemos, MI 48864 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience with clinical disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as issues related to life transitions; I specialize in self-esteem development and identity exploration. I provide therapeutic services for children, adolescents, and adults as well as individuals, couples, and families. My philosophical orientation is based in Rogerian theory and how we can invite change into our lives through congruency, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. These qualities are the first tools with which we might build the foundation to a therapeutic relationship.
I have experience with clinical disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as issues related to life transitions; I specialize in self-esteem development and identity exploration. I provide therapeutic services for children, adolescents, and adults as well as individuals, couples, and families. My philosophical orientation is based in Rogerian theory and how we can invite change into our lives through congruency, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. These qualities are the first tools with which we might build the foundation to a therapeutic relationship.
Zoe Russick Steinfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW-C, CAADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48912
You're at a crossroads. Maybe you're ready to take your next steps, and seeking guidance. Maybe you're not sure you're ready, still doubting whether you could make the changes you know you need in your life, your identity, or your relationships. Either way, looking here is an expression of hope in the possibility of change. I believe anyone can change their life, heal, and grow, if you feel safe enough to be vulnerable, and you have the right support for your needs. What I offer is calm non-judgment, and navigation for healing pain, resolving ambivalence, finding joy, and facing hardships, grounded in your authentic self and values.
You're at a crossroads. Maybe you're ready to take your next steps, and seeking guidance. Maybe you're not sure you're ready, still doubting whether you could make the changes you know you need in your life, your identity, or your relationships. Either way, looking here is an expression of hope in the possibility of change. I believe anyone can change their life, heal, and grow, if you feel safe enough to be vulnerable, and you have the right support for your needs. What I offer is calm non-judgment, and navigation for healing pain, resolving ambivalence, finding joy, and facing hardships, grounded in your authentic self and values.
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Are you feeling disconnected from the people around you? Do you have a sense that some inherent part of you is less worthy than others? You are not alone; it is unfortunately not uncommon for people who carry trauma, especially identity-based trauma, to feel this way. When an integral part of who you are has been attacked, either in one big way or every day in a series of smaller harms, it can leave you feeling as though you are not deserving of the things you need, much less those that you want. I am here to empower you to reclaim your innate wisdom.
Are you feeling disconnected from the people around you? Do you have a sense that some inherent part of you is less worthy than others? You are not alone; it is unfortunately not uncommon for people who carry trauma, especially identity-based trauma, to feel this way. When an integral part of who you are has been attacked, either in one big way or every day in a series of smaller harms, it can leave you feeling as though you are not deserving of the things you need, much less those that you want. I am here to empower you to reclaim your innate wisdom.
Life has its ups and downs no matter what. Whether that means a struggle with interpersonal connections, family, employment, mental illness or substance use. Having someone to help you through those times is truly critical. Finding the right counselor is even more critical, someone who is empathetic, motivated and dedicated to your health and wellbeing.
Life has its ups and downs no matter what. Whether that means a struggle with interpersonal connections, family, employment, mental illness or substance use. Having someone to help you through those times is truly critical. Finding the right counselor is even more critical, someone who is empathetic, motivated and dedicated to your health and wellbeing.
I want to help clients who feel misunderstood, estranged from society, or who are dissatisfied with their daily life or current relationships. You may feel anxious in situations deemed normal by others or unmotivated to engage in everyday activities. You may believe that something is innately wrong with you or that you are overly sensitive. I provide a safe space for clients to process difficult thoughts and feelings, express their authentic voice, and identify how change is possible and within reach. I want to help improve your self-awareness and self-esteem, and learn how to prioritize self-care to build and maintain mental health
I want to help clients who feel misunderstood, estranged from society, or who are dissatisfied with their daily life or current relationships. You may feel anxious in situations deemed normal by others or unmotivated to engage in everyday activities. You may believe that something is innately wrong with you or that you are overly sensitive. I provide a safe space for clients to process difficult thoughts and feelings, express their authentic voice, and identify how change is possible and within reach. I want to help improve your self-awareness and self-esteem, and learn how to prioritize self-care to build and maintain mental health
At North Star, we believe that it is possible to find peace and be content even in difficult times. When we hold pain gently and allow ourselves to be vulnerable, our problems can pass with more ease and we can grow more authentically - we become wiser and more connected to ourselves and others. Strength isn't the absence of vulnerability or fear. Happiness isn't the absence of sadness. Safety isn't the absence of threat. Our peace can come from knowing how to be vulnerable, how to express sadness, how to navigate threat.
At North Star, we believe that it is possible to find peace and be content even in difficult times. When we hold pain gently and allow ourselves to be vulnerable, our problems can pass with more ease and we can grow more authentically - we become wiser and more connected to ourselves and others. Strength isn't the absence of vulnerability or fear. Happiness isn't the absence of sadness. Safety isn't the absence of threat. Our peace can come from knowing how to be vulnerable, how to express sadness, how to navigate threat.
Hello, my name is Betsie, and my pronouns are fae/faer. My role is to provide a safe, affirming, and empathetic space so trust can foster in identifying and achieving therapeutic goals. I have extensive experience working with trauma survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence. Common goals can include emotional regulation, reprocessing past traumatic events, and addressing themes of anxiety or depression. Additionally, as a queer-identified therapist, I aim to provide an inclusive space for all LBGTQIA2S+ clients and am comfortable exploring themes of gender identity, expression,
Hello, my name is Betsie, and my pronouns are fae/faer. My role is to provide a safe, affirming, and empathetic space so trust can foster in identifying and achieving therapeutic goals. I have extensive experience working with trauma survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence. Common goals can include emotional regulation, reprocessing past traumatic events, and addressing themes of anxiety or depression. Additionally, as a queer-identified therapist, I aim to provide an inclusive space for all LBGTQIA2S+ clients and am comfortable exploring themes of gender identity, expression,
Lindsay E. Hall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
East Lansing, MI 48823 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Your smile is different – once natural, it is now wavering, feeling more like a lie with each passing day. You’ve had to keep it plastered on your face for as long as you can remember: to look happy, to keep the peace, to not be noticed as a problem. The thought of standing out now as someone who needs help, who isn’t okay all the time, is terrifying. Yet you don’t know how long you can keep this up. Everything in your life feels out of control, and anxiety and isolation weigh heavy on your heart. You’re wondering why, after so many years of successfully keeping your emotions under wraps, they now seem to be running your life.
Your smile is different – once natural, it is now wavering, feeling more like a lie with each passing day. You’ve had to keep it plastered on your face for as long as you can remember: to look happy, to keep the peace, to not be noticed as a problem. The thought of standing out now as someone who needs help, who isn’t okay all the time, is terrifying. Yet you don’t know how long you can keep this up. Everything in your life feels out of control, and anxiety and isolation weigh heavy on your heart. You’re wondering why, after so many years of successfully keeping your emotions under wraps, they now seem to be running your life.
Perhaps you have a new diagnosis of ADHD or Autism, and want to know what it means for your future. Perhaps you suspect you are neurodivergent, but aren’t sure how to proceed. Perhaps you want to show up more authentically; you want to learn to stop masking your autism, for example, or present as the gender you align with, but want support and guidance through the conflicts that could arise. Perhaps you just want to stop feeling like your own worst enemy.
Perhaps you have a new diagnosis of ADHD or Autism, and want to know what it means for your future. Perhaps you suspect you are neurodivergent, but aren’t sure how to proceed. Perhaps you want to show up more authentically; you want to learn to stop masking your autism, for example, or present as the gender you align with, but want support and guidance through the conflicts that could arise. Perhaps you just want to stop feeling like your own worst enemy.
Lillian Ojetta Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48911 (Online Only)
Has LIFE taken a toll on your mental health? Are you stressed, depressed or grieving the loss of a loved one? Have you neglected the care of your own mental health needs to take care of everyone else? Is your relationship with your spouse or significant other suffering? Do you feel overwhelmed? I can help you! I will teach you to: Master the skills of processing old wounds, trauma, betrayal, self-harm and abuse. Identify and DISARM triggers. Create and accomplish goals that calm your thoughts, soothe your emotions and direct your behavior in healthy and positive ways. Prioritize self-love with confident and assertive behavior.
Has LIFE taken a toll on your mental health? Are you stressed, depressed or grieving the loss of a loved one? Have you neglected the care of your own mental health needs to take care of everyone else? Is your relationship with your spouse or significant other suffering? Do you feel overwhelmed? I can help you! I will teach you to: Master the skills of processing old wounds, trauma, betrayal, self-harm and abuse. Identify and DISARM triggers. Create and accomplish goals that calm your thoughts, soothe your emotions and direct your behavior in healthy and positive ways. Prioritize self-love with confident and assertive behavior.
My specialization includes assisting adults experiencing challenges of all types: be that physical, mental, psychiatric, developmental, cognitive, intellectual, chronic illness, etc. This may be a personal or indirect experience currently affecting you. We will work together to reflect on and overcome barriers in an empathetic and nurturing environment. We will take the time to grieve any loss, reflect on how things have changed and current frustrations, appreciate where you are now, and work together to find solutions or strategies that work for you and move you towards a better outlook and life.
My specialization includes assisting adults experiencing challenges of all types: be that physical, mental, psychiatric, developmental, cognitive, intellectual, chronic illness, etc. This may be a personal or indirect experience currently affecting you. We will work together to reflect on and overcome barriers in an empathetic and nurturing environment. We will take the time to grieve any loss, reflect on how things have changed and current frustrations, appreciate where you are now, and work together to find solutions or strategies that work for you and move you towards a better outlook and life.
See more therapy options for Ingham County
Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.