Therapy Assistance Program

The Stand with Trans Therapy Assistance Program:

 

  • Provides trans affirming mental health care for transgender and non-binary youth ages 13-24 years old
  • Provides therapy in the California Bay Area, Michigan, Utah, Wyoming, and Florida
  • Pays session fees directly to the mental health provider
  • Requires individuals to indicate an inability to pay for services
  • Has a limited number of sessions available for each individual 
  • Provides therapy by one of our trained, vetted, mental health providers listed below (by state)

Supported by:

Meet Our Therapy Partners

 

Michigan

Laurel Blume

Al Gray (they/them)

Therapist

Al holds a Limited License Master of Social Work Clinical degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Philosophy and Sociology from Northern Michigan University. Al currently works out of Suunta Integrative Health in Marquette and Ishpeming, Michigan providing both in-person and teletherapy mental health services.They aim to utilize a comprehensive person-centered, trauma-informed approach to maneuvering life’s challenges, recognizing that each person has a unique story to tell and one style does not fit all when it comes to therapy treatments. Al’s areas of specialty and experience include, but are not limited to, the LGBTQIA+ population, gender affirming care, sexual health and well-being, anxiety, depression, substance use recovery, and grief and loss. Al has additional training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).Their life mantra is that everyone is different and everyone belongs. In their free time they enjoy hanging out with their wife and dachshund and remaining curious about what life has to offer.

Amy Ver Wey, MA LLP RPT (she/her)

Therapist

Amy practices an active and interpersonal approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness, popular culture, art, music, role playing games and technological aspects to modify her treatment on an individualized basis to best meet the needs of her clients. She works with clients of all ages, primarily working with children and young adults and is a Registered Play Therapist. She meets people where they are in their journey and helps walk with them. Amy strives to create a genuinely warm therapeutic environment based upon empathy, resiliency and a relatable atmosphere to help normalize mental health services.

Amy practices a gender affirmative therapeutic approach and focuses on working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and has specifically worked with gender expansive youth for many years. She has held full membership with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health since 2017 and is a WPATH Certified Transgender Health Provider.

Paul Wierzbicki

Paul Wierzbicki LLMSW, CFSW, GCDF [he/him or they/them]

Therapist

Paul is Queer, here, and ready to help you heal!

Before they were a therapist, they were in the patient’s seat. He knows firsthand how anxiety provoking and uncomfortable opening up and telling your story is; however, he also knows how amazing it feels to regain control of your anxiety and/or depression and heal. (Amongst other symptoms, too!)

Paul helps his patients through validation and using methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through a trauma informed approach. He practices through a lens of non-judgement to help work through the shame and guilt that is associated with trauma, abuse, bully, and other common experiences in the LGBT community.

Their, apparently, radical philosophy to therapy is that YOU are the expert. He believes he is just there to help you make the changes you want to make. At the end of the day, we have the same goal: Help you start living your most authentic life.

Paul Wierzbicki

Ash Tobin, LPC (they/them)

Therapist

Ash is a queer / trans / non-binary / neurodivergent therapist for individuals exploring identity, experiencing grief, or healing from trauma

 

Paul Wierzbicki

Amber Earth Kennedy, LLMSW (she/her)

Therapist

It can be hard to find someone who understands the unique struggles that LGBTQIA+ individuals experience, but as a queer person herself, Amber is happy to stand beside you. She has a passion for working with adolescents and young adults as they traverse the journey of discovering their authentic selves, build confidence, and provide tools for all that life may throw their way. The approach she takes is centered on creating a non-judgemental environment where clients feel comfortable and safe enough to grow in whatever way they feel is necessary. She uses a person-centered, strengths-based and holistic approach with the belief that only the individual knows exactly what is true and right for them.

 

Paul Wierzbicki

Samantha (Sami) Dwornick, LLMSW, CHES (she/her)

Therapist

As a queer identified person myself, who has also struggled with anxiety, I understand how tough it is to go through life when things aren’t going your way, or when there are internal struggles that weigh you down. As a therapist, my hope is that we can work together to combat some of the struggles you are going through and to have a safe and inclusive space to do so in. I work from a person-centered, trauma-informed lens, utilizing aspects of CBT. I am a Limited Licensed Master Social Worker, with my degrees from Wayne State University. When I’m not working, I like to try new restaurants or watch movies with my partner and try my best to be outside in the sunshine. My hope is that when you leave our sessions together, you leave knowing that someone cares about you, and that you have the tools you need to live your life the best way possible.

 

Paul Wierzbicki

Emily Hagen LMSW, Practice Manager (she/her/hers)

Therapist

Emily is a licensed clinical social worker who works from a trauma-informed, strengths-based perspective. Emily is committed to working with you to develop a therapeutic relationship that is safe, supportive, and trusting. You are the expert in your own life – Emily‘s role is to help you access your own strength and wisdom, and to support you in your healing. She utilizes a variety of modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), ego state therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Emily is particularly passionate about substance use recovery, healing from complex trauma, and providing gender affirming care. All parts of you are welcome here.

 

Utah

Paul Wierzbicki

Kellie Fitke, LPC Intern, CMHC-i [they/them]

Counselor

Kellie Fitke, a dedicated counselor, firmly believes that everyone they meet is doing their best and acknowledges the value of professional help in achieving personal growth. Their approach centers around a person-oriented, goal-driven framework that fosters connection and support in addressing their clients’ concerns. Kellie’s fascination with people and their diverse life experiences stems from their own journey as a non-binary masculine transgender person, which has cultivated deep empathy and a genuine openness towards their clients.

Apart from their counseling practice, Kellie is an active advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Salt Lake City, diligently following WPATH standards of care to provide inclusive and affirming support. Their dedication to normalizing discussions surrounding mental health, sexuality, trauma, shame, justice, and vulnerability creates a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions.

With unwavering respect and dignity, Kellie is honored to listen to their clients’ life stories and lived experiences, offering a compassionate space for them to thrive and embrace their uniqueness.

Paul Wierzbicki

Cass Henriques (he/him)

Therapist

Cass Henriques (he/him) is the clinical director of Celebrate Therapy, Salt Lake City. He is trained as a couple and family therapist and specializes in working with trans youth. In his PhD program, he studies how family relationships can be a protective factor and a risk factor for suicidality in trans communities. As a transgender man, it is deeply meaningful for Cass to be able to serve other trans folks through providing therapy and letters for gender-affirming medical care. In his free time, Cass enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends, going to concerts with his wife, and listening to podcasts.

Wyoming

Paul Wierzbicki

Gage Williams MSW, PCSW (He/They)

Therapist

I’m Gage Williams, a queer therapist dedicated to fostering self-discovery and resilience. In my practice, I create a safe space for individuals navigating life’s challenges, celebrating unique identities, and embracing personal growth. I’m here to support you through life’s hurdles, offering a non-judgmental environment for overcoming obstacles and building a more fulfilling life. As a queer therapist, I understand the importance of affirming and validating the diverse experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community. I’m here whether you’re questioning, coming out, or seeking specific support.

California

Paul Wierzbicki

Mere Abrams (they/them)

Therapist

Mere (they/them) is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. They have over a decade of experience supporting trans and gender-diverse youth, young adults, and adults in mental health, medical, and community-based settings. Mere works with clients to build upon their strengths and self-understanding, process trauma, manage anxiety, change behavior, make sense of thinking habits and patterns, and develop coping skills. Mere is committed to co-creating intentional and nonjudgmental spaces for clients to share, learn, discover, heal, and grow.

Paul Wierzbicki

Daniel Blumrosen (He/they)

Therapist

“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” – Simone Weil.

Hi, I’m Daniel. I offer a warm, relational approach to therapy that combines attachment-based, somatic, and trauma-informed mindfulness practices with the many pragmatic tools I’ve gathered in my 20 years of working with individuals, couples and groups of all ages. I’ve worked with clients addressing gender, neurotypical exploration/celebration, relational challenges, depression, anxiety, fear, and spiritual/emotional life transitions. As a trans therapist myself, I bring a social justice lens to my work and an awareness that many folks come to therapy with race, class, gender, disability and other forms of minority or oppression related stress and stories that require belief, care and informed attention. An accompanied life supports greater ease in these challenging times. I am here to help.”

Florida

Paul Wierzbicki

Habibi E. Feliciano Pérez, LCSW, MSW, RSW (He/Him) 

Therapist

 I am very committed to supporting you on your healing journey. I meet you where you’re at, and we go at a pace that feels right for you! I focus on LGBTQ individuals, couples, and families, where I bring my lived experience as a gay man of Arabic and Latino descent. In bringing my lived experience to session, I have compassion and understanding for what brought you to therapy. 

A bit about my approach to therapy 

I work from a trauma-informed lens, where i focus on your past and present life events to know how they are informing your future. Let’s spend some time exploring your life, identity, and other relevant events. In shaping your life, we explore relationship dynamics, confidence and self-esteem, body image, communication, and general mental health. I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, and Emotion- Focused as a framework to guide the sessions together. 

What you can expect from our first session 

I will help you identify thoughts and ways of thinking that lead to behavior patterns and ways of coping. Let’s find new and healthier ways to cope and navigate stressful situations. I will support you in building capacity to find new ways to cope, heal, and persevere. My goal is to support you until you are self-sufficient on your own! 

Modalities: Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing Trauma Focused, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Attachment-based Internal Family Systems (IFS). 

Paul Wierzbicki

Mick Rehrig, MSW, LCSW (he/they)

Therapist

Mick is a white, queer and trans-identified clinical social worker and parent in independent practice based in Atlanta, Georgia and is also licensed to provide Telehealth in Florida. Mick was born and raised in Miami, and has specialized in supporting LGBQ/trans/non-binary/gender expansive youth, adults, and their families and partners for over 16 years. Mick deeply believes in the healing power of community and the magic of queer and gender expansive people.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Share your name and email to receive updates from
Stand with Trans!

Mailing Address

23332 Farmington Rd #84
Farmington, MI 48336

Call

248.907.4853