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

Stephanie Young is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 1 year of experience. With a background in grief, depression, anxiety, and behaviorism, Stephanie supports clients in navigating difficult emotions. She is passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ community and values holistic, individualized care that empowers each person to reconnect with their sense of self, strength, and emotional clarity.

Stephanie earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. She incorporates eye movement desensitization reprocessing, mindfulness, and behavioral approaches to help clients shift unhelpful patterns and improve daily functioning.

Stephanie aims to guide individuals toward healing by addressing the full spectrum of the mind-body connection. Whatever life has thrown your way, Stephanie believes in your ability to heal, grow, and reclaim peace. She looks forward to walking alongside you on your path toward emotional clarity, inner strength, and lasting change.

Delana Hadden is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 12 years of experience working with individuals and couples with varying severity of mental illness and concerns. She specializes in helping teens, adults, and seniors to better cope with trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment, substance use, and personality disorders.

Delana completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and utilizes various evidence-based modalities including acceptance and commitment Therapy (ACT), client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and mindfulness, believing that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience.

Delana is committed to providing a comfortable and safe environment to assist clients in processing and developing coping strategies to assist in leading fuller lives. She strives to help clients sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offers a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. Delana invites you to reach out if you are ready to take the next steps in beginning to work on the struggles you are facing and offers a safe place to explore your inner thoughts and feelings.

Anna Kate Orletski is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working with adults and adolescents. She is dedicated to assisting her clients in facing the many challenges that life brings, whether that's difficulty transitioning in school, a career, or a relationship. Anna provides care to her clients, helping them reach their goals of finding relief, building skills, and changing perspectives. She specializes in life transitions, ADHD, self-esteem, relationships, and anxiety. Anna received her Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialty in addiction from the University of Detroit Mercy.

Anna understands the importance of searching for meaning in life through expression and creative problem-solving. Anna utilizes a variety of treatment approaches including trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy, expressive arts therapy, and mindfulness.

No one should go through difficult times alone. Anna is determined to provide this support to you when you need it most. When you're ready to take the first step to relief, she's available for you.

Jhenna Jamal VanTimmeren is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW-C) with years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults to reach their full potential by addressing their unique struggles. She seeks to improve individual self-confidence and decision-making by equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate life's stressors. Jhenna specializes in treating anxiety sexual abuse, trauma, and PTSD.

Jhenna earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University and her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University. During her Master's program, she received a specialization in school social work. Jhenna has worked as an intern with child sexual abuse survivors and is trained in behavior modification tracking and planning.

Jhenna seeks to provide a safe and comforting space where individuals feel free to open up and share the difficulties they are facing in their lives. She aims to share helpful tools and strategies to equip everyone with the ability to cope with their particular challenges. If you are feeling ready to make an appointment, Jhenna would be honored to be your provider.

Chris Lawitzke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 4 years of experience. He works with teens, adults, and seniors to identify their goals and work through issues related to addictive disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral modification, bipolar disorders, borderline personality disorder (BPD), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), depression, LGBTQIA+-related issues, PTSD, stress, and more.

Chris completed his Master's degree in Social Work at Grand Valley State University. He enjoys working with individuals living with developmental disabilities, severe and persistent mental illness, incarcerated populations, at-risk youth, and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. Chris uses a variety of treatment modalities and principles including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, coping and distress tolerance development (CDTD), and behavior modification. Chris believes that rapport-building and developing the therapeutic alliance is the key to all therapeutic relationships.

Chris believes that each person has the potential to overcome whatever ails them and causes them to stumble. Chris's practice works to help people to explore their abilities while engaging their strengths. Life is a constant state of transition and Chris works to help people understand their resources to move forward and gain mastery.

Amanda Lambert is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been a therapist since 2012. Amanda feels that mental health is such an important part of our lives. She believes that everyone deserves access to help with this, and that this help is needed for everyone from time to time. Her passion and purpose is to empower her clients to love their lives and themselves. Amanda strives, always, to provide a safe and accepting environment for you to share and grow. Her counseling style is warm and positive. She believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and without judgment.

Amanda’s counseling approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and rational-emotive counseling. She will tailor our treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs, and she is always open to your input for what approaches work best for you.

Thank you for taking the time to look over Amanda’s profile, and congratulations and best wishes on your journey toward better mental health. She looks forward to working with you!

Pamela Rybka is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducational therapy, mindfulness, and meditation. Her philosophy of care is to involve clients in their treatment plans. She will work with you, exploring what has worked for you in the past and what has not. Together, you will look at how you as a client can become your optimum best self on this journey of life. 

There is no right or wrong. Therapy is a process of growth. Therapy is about relationships," says Pamela. "Your relationship with your therapist and your relationship with yourself and those around you."

Pamela’s professional goal is to assist in making lives happier, healthier, and more fulfilling. She describes herself as a pragmatic humanistic psychotherapist who leads with compassion. Pamela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing for over 30 years in California, New Mexico, and Michigan — where she practices currently. She has expertise in helping individuals cope with life stressors, transitions, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues and marital counseling, family issues, 2SLGBTQIA support, grief and loss, substance abuse, adjustment disorders, ADHD, adjustment to school, mood changes, self-esteem, anger management, postpartum depression, overcoming burn-out, care management, and life coaching. She is also trained in crisis intervention at the Center for Domestic Preparedness/Homeland security and with the Red Cross.

She received both her Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Michigan, where she graduated with honors. For Her Master’s degree in Social Work, Pamela graduated Summa Cum Laude. She has spent over three decades working with individuals, children, and families helping improve the quality of their lives and relationships. Pamela takes a well-rounded, global approach to behavioral health encompassing aspects from several schools of psychology including cognitive behavioral, existential, humanistic, and psychodynamic theories. In addition to providing individual counseling, Pamela has also worked as a School Social Worker and Hospital/Medical Social Worker. She brings these skills and her specialized training to her role as a therapist to provide you with the tools and support you and your family need in order to achieve the best version of yourselves in a calm and safe space. Pamela believes every person deserves a personalized approach to maximize the benefits of counseling.

Pamela takes care to tailor healing plans for each of her client’s unique needs. She provides a welcoming, non-judgemental and empathetic environment for you to begin to explore your strengths, heal, and thrive. She offers you in-person or virtual appointments. In sessions, we will focus on insight, adjusting patterns that you feel no longer serve you, and building emotional strength to manage anything life presents.

Anthonia Umelogu is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 7 years of clinical experience. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders through evidence-based, person-centered care. Her background in forensic psychiatry, outpatient clinics, and community mental health enables Anthonia to offer a compassionate, collaborative approach, helping clients build resilience, develop coping skills, and achieve their mental health goals.

Anthonia earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Wayne State University in Michigan. She provides medication management and also uses approaches including emotionally-focused therapy and integrative therapy based on client needs.

Anthonia understands how challenging it can be to navigate life’s difficulties alone. In a compassionate and collaborative space, she works alongside clients to help them find balance, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal growth. If you’re ready to begin your journey toward healing, Anthonia invites you to reach out for support.

Jennifer Rizk is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 11 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She worked previously as a psychiatric registered nurse, developing a strong foundation in crisis management and long-term care. Jennifer specializes in mood and anxiety disorders and trauma, with a focus on expanding access to high-quality care for underserved populations.

Jennifer earned her Master’s in Nursing from Wayne State University. She treats anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues through a compassionate and collaborative approach. Her work is grounded in trust, respect, and tailored treatment, often blending medication management with supportive therapy.

Jennifer knows how hard it can be to take the first step toward healing and helps clients feel safe, heard, and supported. Whether you’re navigating life transitions or managing a mental health condition, she offers a calm, nonjudgmental space where you are empowered to feel more grounded and in control. Schedule an appointment today!

Joe Jaster is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 25 years of experience. He specializes in therapy for substance abuse, depression, anxiety, anger management, stress, and relationship issues for adults and teens, and has significant experience counseling adolescents and adults in substance abuse, usage, and addiction. He has a background in both individual and group counseling and has worked with diverse clientele. Joe completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Detroit and a Master of Arts in Guidance & Counseling from Oakland University.

Joe believes that it’s important to focus on the causes of the issues that his clients face, as well as the everyday external complications that impact their lives. Joe sees great value in exploring Relapse, Recovery, and Relationships with his clients, which are three major components of substance abuse.

Joe believes in helping his clients work through their concerns and remember that mental health issues affect not only the individual, but also those involved in their life. Schedule an appointment with Joe today.

Arlene Donnelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, substance use, grief and loss, trauma, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and hoarding. Arlene is passionate about helping clients from all backgrounds find meaning, purpose, and clarity in their healing journey. She values the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for meaningful, lasting change.

Arlene holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She utilizes exposure therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavioral activation. Her approach is individualized, helping each client discover what works best for their growth.

Arlene is warm, compassionate, and deeply committed to helping clients achieve their goals. She supports, encourages, and challenges those she works with to take steps toward healing, while walking beside them every step of the way. Clients can expect a therapeutic partner who believes in their success and offers consistent encouragement.

Jennifer Plesz is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (CRC, LPC) with over 9 years of professional experience helping clients tp overcome anxiety, family conflict, relationship difficulties, pregnancy and post-partum-related issues, stress, anger issues, ADHD, women's issues, and much more. 

Jennifer earned her Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Wayne State University, and has several years of experience working with people from all backgrounds. Today Jennifer offers individual, couples, and families who experiencing hard times, or new obstacles. 

Tackle your roadblocks with help from Jennifer; with her professional support and guidance, you can start feeling better, while rebuilding trust, confidence, and contentment. With each session, she'll work to establish a professional, caring relationship between you and herself. 

D’estinay Doxey is a Licensed Social Worker (LMSW-C). Her work experience includes medical social work and providing outpatient therapy to individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, life transitions, stress management, and substance use issues.

D’estinay completed her Master of Social Work at Wayne State University. She utilizes a holistic approach to create a safe, understanding space to support and empower her clients. She incorporates a trauma-informed perspective into evidence-based practices including systems therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, seeking safety, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness.

Support and connection are some of our best tools in life when experiencing discomfort. D’estinay believes in providing a therapeutic relationship where dignity, respect, and self-determination are valued to allow individuals to flourish in their own personal growth. Through creating meaningful relationships and focusing on a person’s strengths they are better able to face the challenges they encounter. D’estinay looks forward to meeting you.

Marvelyn Thompson is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of experience in psychiatric and family practice settings. She is passionate about providing personalized, compassionate care for clients managing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and life transitions. She creates a supportive, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to manage their mental health and improve daily functioning.

Marvelyn earned a Master’s in Nursing Practice from Liberty University. She uses a compassionate, client-centered approach to help clients manage anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, combining clinical expertise with empathy to support each individual’s path to healing and stability.

Marvelyn understands that seeking help takes courage and believes in creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel comfortable being heard without judgment. She is here to guide clients through life’s challenges, offering encouragement, compassion, and personalized care to support their journey toward improved mental health and wellness.

Gabriel Kangas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience in mental health. He specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, children, and adolescents. He knows that every client is different—that's why his responses and approaches to therapy are diverse.

Gabe completed his Master's degree at Central Michigan University, and utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness, and solutions-focused therapy (SFT). His personal theoretical foundation is not limited to one approach and Gabe believes it is necessary for counselors to be adaptive.

We all go through different circumstances in life. Gabe is confident that he would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that would allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with him today.

Making the decision to seek therapy is incredibly courageous. I have over 19 years experience working as a Social Worker and I am a licensed Master’s Social Worker. I have worked with a diverse population with a variety of diagnoses and situations. However, I believe that each person’s experience is unique and while they may be similar to someone else’s, no two people or situations are the same, therefore neither are the solutions. I provide a non-judgmental , compassionate, therapeutic environment. Working together is essential to creating a good therapeutic relationship and one that is most beneficial. I find that creating meaningful goals with clients based on specific needs really helps this process. Life is not meant to be figured out alone. I feel both honored and privileged to work with my clients helping them to overcome their obstacles and empowering them to do so.

Stephanie Scianna is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Advanced Addiction and Drug Counselor with nearly 15 years of experience working in the substance use and mental health fields. She specializes in treating adults who are seeking services for anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorders, self-esteem, relationship issues, and substance use disorders. Stephanie is passionate about working with pregnant and parenting women with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Stephanie earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from Wayne State University. She utilizes a variety of clinical approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing techniques, strength-based strategies, psychoeducation, solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness-based practices.

Stephanie encourages her clients to identify personal strengths and works collaboratively with them to foster growth and change. She hopes to accompany you on your journey of finding peace, recovery, and self-fulfillment.

Brad Rudolph is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 3 years of experience working in a variety of roles to gain a broader understanding of the social issues impacting the communities and the individuals he hopes to help. Brad is passionate about helping people of all ages (11-100+), races, sexualities, and genders. He specializes in helping others process and cope with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, anger management, addiction, and major life transitions.

Brad completed his Master of Social Work (MSW) at Grand Valley State University of Michigan. Following graduate school, he has worked in a variety of roles in the Grand Rapids area including home-based clinician, in-patient clinician, case manager, partial-hospitalization clinician, group therapy leader, and trauma program facilitator. Brad utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, psychoeducation, and more.

It can be hard to ask for help and admit to ourselves that we need more support in our life. Brad strives to create a space where you can comfortably let your guard down and process your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. He will help you work through whatever problems life has thrown at you, regardless of how big or small. If you're ready to take the next step on your path to a better life, schedule your appointment today!

Jennifer Turner is a Licensed Counselor with 3 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, children, adults, and families reach their goals in order to live a more fulfilled life.

Jennifer completed her Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Western Michigan University. Her role as a therapist is to provide a safe space where you can feel relaxed and move at your own pace. She offers a client-centered approach and believes you are the expert in your own life. She is here to help guide you toward your goals. She offers a non-judgmental approach and a safe space where you both will work together to help you navigate the roadmap to your life to be the healthiest version of yourself that you can be. She also utilizes various approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance-based therapy, and skills from dialectical behavior therapy.

Life, unfortunately, has no road map or single, final destination. Many find themselves searching for counseling when they feel lost, defeated, depressed, anxious, or hurt. Jennifer is here to offer a safe space to those looking to make a change. She focuses on helping you reach your goals by exploring behaviors and thought patterns. She focuses heavily on helping you learn skills and tools to help reduce your stress and to empower you to be able to make change where it counts. If you are ready to work please schedule an appointment with her today.

Carmella is a Licensed Clinical Master Social Worker in the state of Michigan. She has seven years of experience in the mental health field. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Carmella specializes in anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, PTSD, trauma, grief, and relationship/family issues. She provides individualized/family therapy and assists clients in working toward achieving their ultimate goals and healing.

Carmella completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Wayne State University. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches, including strengths-based, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, culturally sensitive, and person-centered therapy.

Asking for help can be one of the hardest things a person can do. Carmella understands this and approaches therapy with an open, supportive, and empathetic attitude. Her treatment is tailored to her clients, and she is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals. If you’re ready to start your healing journey, schedule an appointment with her today!

Paige Casagrande is a dedicated Limited Licensed Master Social Worker with 2 years of experience supporting individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Paige has experience working in inpatient psychiatric settings and with diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. She is passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ community, clients in foster care, and those recovering from trauma.

Paige Casagrande earned her Master’s in Social Work from Aurora University. She utilizes a trauma-informed, person-centered approach and integrates dialectical behavior therapy techniques. Paige supports clients navigating identity concerns, co-occurring disorders, and emotional regulation.

Paige offers a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can show up as they are. She believes in meeting clients where they are emotionally and supporting them as they explore goals and build self-trust. Paige is committed to helping clients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their healing journey.

Jenna Smelser is a Licensed Social Worker (LMSW-C) with over 5 years of experience. She enjoys helping children, adolescents and adults through their challenges and stressors in life. Jenna specializes in depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, PTSD, and trauma.

Jenna completed her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Michigan. Throughout Jenna's career, she has worked with a wide range of individuals. This experience has equipped her with a profound understanding of the challenges and barriers faced by individuals. Jenna utilizes an array of treatment approaches that include, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and motivational interviewing.

Everyone has their own unique challenges in life. Jenna looks forward to walking alongside you on your therapeutic journey, providing guidance, support, and a listening ear every step of the way. Together, you can navigate the challenges that arise in life, schedule an appointment with her today.

Glikeria (Ria) Mantis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 9 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adults and seniors address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Ria specializes in major life transitions, aging, end-of-life/hospice issues, grief, loss, bereavement, addiction, substance use, depression, mood disorders, trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, low-self esteem, women's issues, bipolar disorder, relationship concerns, and stress management.

Ria completed her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at Eastern Michigan University with a concentration in Aging Services. Ria utilizes multiple treatment approaches, including person-centered therapy (PCT), mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), addiction, prolonged exposure therapy (PET), motivational interviewing, existential therapy, somatic, solutions-focused therapy (SFT), reality therapy, and more.

Ria is confident to provide a safe, private and professional therapeutic journey. Let Ria assist you in getting to your goal through a person-centered approach. She'll help you to obtain new perspectives and techniques to allow you to cope and heal with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to put in the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

As a married mother working in mental health, I understand the impact of stress, depression, anxiety, and trauma and the effect they have on everyday life.

Shawna Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 5 years of experience helping adolescents, adults, and couples work through everyday life challenges to live a life they love. Shawna specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, mental disorders, relationship issues, stress management, and behavioral issues. She is a full-time therapist and a full-time mom.

Shawna received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Spring Arbor University. She uses eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy.

Shawna is confident she can provide the support and guidance to allow you to process, cope, gain new insight, or work through your current issues. If you are ready to begin the work, schedule an appointment with her today. She looks forward to hearing from you and can’t wait to be a catalyst in your story of change.