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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer help for LGBTQ+ issues in Grand Rapids, MI

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

All Grand Rapids Charter Township services

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

1,265 people sought LGBTQ+ counseling help in Michigan in the last year

Discover how starting LGBTQ+ counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +23 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, +11 more

As a woman ahead of her time, having been a divorced single parent with no full-time job or college education and then later in life having lived in a... As a woman ahead of her time, having been a divorced single parent with no full-time job or college education and then later in life having lived in a four-generational house, I understand being a caretaker for an elderly parent, I understand the dynamics of balancing life, personally and professionally throughout the lifespan with many planned and unplanned life transitions. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +20 more
Military / Veteran, Chronic Illness, Medical / Health Issues, Self Harm, Domestic Abuse, +22 more

I am a white woman with nearly four years of experience working with many different populations and in various fields within social work.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +16 more
Military / Veteran, Chronic Illness, Medical / Health Issues, Self Harm, Domestic Abuse, +23 more

I have a wide range of experience to help me understand the individual needs a person may have.

Starting LGBTQ+ counseling

What is LGBTQ+ counseling?

LGBTQ+ counseling is a type of queer affirmative counseling dedicated to assisting individuals and couples in navigating the intricate intersections of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health, with a primary goal of fostering well-being, self-acceptance, and affirming a client's life experiences as a queer individual. Although not all LGBTQ+ individuals seek specialized counseling, a substantial number discover vital support and empathy within these inclusive and affirming therapeutic settings.

How does LGBTQ+ counseling work?

Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI typically begins with an initial assessment to understand your specific needs. LGBTQ+ counselors aim to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for anyone within the LGBTQ+ community by encouraging self-acceptance and offering an understanding of your identity and experiences. The therapy addresses issues like coming out, discrimination, mental health challenges, and gender transition, and provides support for LGBTQ+ relationships.

Why is LGBTQ+ counseling important?

LGBTQ+ counseling is incredibly important because it can help queer individuals accept their identity, learn self-love, and give them important tools for facing the challenges of being a queer person in today's society, among many other benefits. LGBTQ+-affirming therapists can understand the unique perspective and experiences of queer individuals as they help them process past trauma, address family conflicts, treat issues with anxiety, and more.

Is LGBTQ+ counseling conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does LGBTQ+ counseling last?

The number of sessions for LGBTQ+ counseling depends on the specific needs and goals of the individual. It could encompass a relatively limited series of sessions or extend into a longer counseling plan. The precise quantity and duration of sessions typically emerge through collaborative discussion with the counselor, taking into account the client's progress and their therapeutic objectives.

Need more help deciding?

At Thriveworks in Grand Rapids, we work with a diverse group of clients. One of the many populations we serve is the LGBT community. The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) community face a social stigma that can have significant impact on their lives, perceived sense of happiness and fulfillment, as well as feelings of isolation.

Homosexuality is not a mental illness, however, not all members of the society in which these individuals live have conformed to that fact. For this reason, it is important for these individuals to have a strong support system and well as the internal ‘tools’ to persevere and thrive through social stigma.

Some of the LGBT clients we serve at Thriveworks in Grand Rapids, Forest Hills come to us for the following reasons:

  • Couples counseling

Address relationship concerns.

  • Premarital counseling

With the June 2015 Supreme Court decision, we are seeing some clients to either fill a local court requirement for premarital counseling or are simply seeking it on their own as a way to strengthen their impending marriage.

  • Conflicts between religious faith and homosexuality

This is a common concern of those in the LGBT community. Many individuals struggle with the conflict between what religion says about their lifestyle and their inability to change who they really are.

  • Identity concerns

Some members of this community feel the social pressure to suppress who they are and, therefore, develop concerns about their identity. They wonder who they really are. They ask themselves, “What would the social or family consequences be if I began behaving as I really am?” Some individuals develop anxiety, depression or other issues because of this suppression of their true self.

  • Workplace/school prejudice

Get support.

  • Victims of trauma or hate-crimes

You’re not alone in this journey. We can help you recover.

It is important to note again that homosexuality is not a mental illness. Therapy for LGBT individuals really focuses on the struggles that all people face, with the unfortunate added stressor of social stigma – which can be compounded in comparison to the everyday struggles the heterosexual population faces.

Effective therapists will not only be knowledgeable about the social struggles of this population, but also be able to provide some effective coping skills, as well as tools for managing healthy relationships.

We believe it is important for therapists to behave ethically and show respect for all clients who are seeking their help. It is also equally important for therapists to continually educate themselves on the most relevant treatment methods for diverse populations.

Clinicians who are skilled in these areas can have a great impact on the individuals in this community. Not only by providing a sense of acceptance and support, but also helping them develop the skills and internal dialogue needed to live happy, healthy lives, as well as thrive in relationships, work, school and society as a whole.

A qualified LGBT counselor is available at Thriveworks Counseling in Grand Rapids, Forest Hills. Call us today at 616-425-2176.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Grand Rapids Charter Township therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • ASR

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

Show more
Self-pay costs at Grand Rapids Charter Township
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I am loving Thriveworks not only for the convenience of virtual appointments, but this is the first place I’ve tried that has actually helped. My therapist is incredibly kind and helpful and is amazing at helping me with any issues I’m struggling with. They paired me with a therapist that is experienced in the specific areas I needed help with, and it has been wonderful. I would absolutely recommend Thriveworks!
Read more I am loving Thriveworks not only for the convenience of virtual appointments, but this is the first place I’ve tried that has actually helped. My therapist is incredibly kind and helpful and is amazing at helping me with any issues I’m struggling with. They paired me with a therapist that is experienced in the specific areas I needed help with, and it has been wonderful. I would absolutely recommend Thriveworks!
Kelly Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have worked with Pamela Rybka LPC both personally and professionally. I have found her compassion and expertise invaluable. She has helped with me issues related to aging and grief and loss. If you need someone to help you on life's journey, contact her. Her kindness and gentle confrontation will help you be the best person you can be.
Read more I have worked with Pamela Rybka LPC both personally and professionally. I have found her compassion and expertise invaluable. She has helped with me issues related to aging and grief and loss. If you need someone to help you on life's journey, contact her. Her kindness and gentle confrontation will help you be the best person you can be.
Grand Rapids Jul 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Emily Warning is an amazing therapist. She is very professional and knows how to listen and respond to my concerns. She really makes me feel heard. Thank you Emily, you are great!
Read more Emily Warning is an amazing therapist. She is very professional and knows how to listen and respond to my concerns. She really makes me feel heard. Thank you Emily, you are great!
Grand Rapids May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cassie personally and professionally for over 10 years. She is an extremely kind and compassionate person. She is an excellent listener, she is very thoughtful, organized and you can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help. She’s an excellent communicator and I would highly recommend her as a counselor any day!
Read more I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cassie personally and professionally for over 10 years. She is an extremely kind and compassionate person. She is an excellent listener, she is very thoughtful, organized and you can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help. She’s an excellent communicator and I would highly recommend her as a counselor any day!
Grand Rapids Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Angel was the sweetest person! I’m so glad I chose this place for help! I felt like a crazy person at first but she made me feel like I was just normal and just going through a lot! I really appreciate angel!
Read more Angel was the sweetest person! I’m so glad I chose this place for help! I felt like a crazy person at first but she made me feel like I was just normal and just going through a lot! I really appreciate angel!
Grand Rapids Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Thriveworks is a blessing. I got an appointment with a counselor within a week. Margaret Rose was wonderful. She was kind and insightful and I felt safe with her. I highly recommend Thriveworks Grand Rapids
Read more Thriveworks is a blessing. I got an appointment with a counselor within a week. Margaret Rose was wonderful. She was kind and insightful and I felt safe with her. I highly recommend Thriveworks Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My son saw Denise for the first time recently and she was great. She seemed very well informed in every area and so willing to help my son with his anxiety. She actually spent time with us and seemed to care. I'm so glad we found her.
Read more My son saw Denise for the first time recently and she was great. She seemed very well informed in every area and so willing to help my son with his anxiety. She actually spent time with us and seemed to care. I'm so glad we found her.
Grand Rapids Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was in need of a psychiatrist for chronic depression and anxiety. I came across thrive having only a 4 month wait instead 9 to 12 month wait with any other psychiatrist. This was wonderful news. I met Denise as my clinician. She is very empathetic very knowledgeable. She has helped me alot sine my first vist. She is very dedicated to her patients which I truly appreciate. I would highly recommend her for any psychiatric needs. I think she goes above and beyond her role. She is a caring individual. There should be more people like Denise. She needs to be recognized for her work.
Read more I was in need of a psychiatrist for chronic depression and anxiety. I came across thrive having only a 4 month wait instead 9 to 12 month wait with any other psychiatrist. This was wonderful news. I met Denise as my clinician. She is very empathetic very knowledgeable. She has helped me alot sine my first vist. She is very dedicated to her patients which I truly appreciate. I would highly recommend her for any psychiatric needs. I think she goes above and beyond her role. She is a caring individual. There should be more people like Denise. She needs to be recognized for her work.
Grand Rapids Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Grand Rapids is located off of Kenmoor Ave SE. We share an office with Paper Plane Therapies, and are located near the ClearChoice Dental Implant Center.

Phone number

(616) 421-9387

Languages spoken by MI providers

  • English
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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