Counseling Program

The staff and volunteers of Affirmations Counseling Program specialize in providing affordable services for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. We offer affirming counseling services in a safe and welcoming environment for people of all cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.  We work with individuals, couples and families in the Southeast Michigan area and are particularly sensitive to the important issues facing today’s LGBT community members, families, and allies.  Affirmations counseling services can assist adults, teens, and children (if under 18 parental or guardian consent for services is required).   Apply for counseling here.  

What we offer
Support during a difficult phase of life (i.e., the loss of a loved one, sexual abuse, trauma)
Exploration of important issues such as learning to build healthy relationships, sexual orientation, gender identity, self esteem and confidence, and personal growth

The most common issues for which people seek counseling are:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Relationship issues
• Coming Out
• Gender identity/exploration
• Substance use/abuse
• Domestic violence

Counseling services are offered on a short term basis (from 6 to 32 sessions).  Each session is 45 minutes long with the Initial Assessment (first meeting) lasting an hour and a half. 

Counseling services are provided by graduate and doctoral psychology/counseling students with advanced practice and coursework in counseling or clinical psychology.  The students are supervised by both a degreed professional in the counseling and mental health services field (e.g.  MSW, LMSW, LPC, LP) from Affirmations and qualified faculty supervisors who are professionals in the field of counseling.

Confidentiality
Confidentiality is preserved at all times.  What is said in your counseling sessions stays in your sessions.  However, by law, there are three reasons confidentiality may be breeched, and they are: 1) you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else; 2) there is evidence of child abuse; and 3) a court of law subpoenas the records.

Cost
 We do not currently accept insurance. 
 The Initial Assessment session costs $25.00. 
 Additional sessions are priced on a sliding scale based on income. The sliding fee scale is based on the 2008 Department of Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Guidelines and calculated on income and household size.  The per-session fee will be calculated at your Initial Assessment appointment.
 Counseling may be free to those who qualify. 

How do I get started?
Call us for an initial Assessment Appointment at 248-398-7105 or 248-398-GAYS or fill out our online Counseling Services Intake Form.

More Information
If you'd like additional information or have questions not answered here, please email Shelly McCallister, Counseling Program Coordinator.