LGBT therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

Clients should know that I bring warmth, empathy, and a genuine commitment to their growth. I create a safe and supportive environment where their voices are valued, and their goals are prioritized. With encouragement and guidance, I help clients navigate challenges and celebrate meaningful progress along their journey.

Im a neurodivergent LCSW, providing therapy from a queer, anti oppression perspective. Explicitly affirming of neurodivergent, fat, kinky, disabled , trans and nonmonagamous experiences and identities. Comfortable with dissociative systems.

Welcome! I’m a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (APRN, PMHNP-BC) with over 20 years of nursing experience and a Master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, currently pursuing my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). I provide warm, supportive telehealth care for individuals of all ages, offering thoughtful, personalized treatment to meet your unique mental health needs.

Career counseling focused on mental health in the workplace is my specialization. I help college students, job seekers and working professionals who are feeling burned out, anxious, or overwhelmed reconnect with their strengths and bring their best selves to work or school. Many of my clients juggle high expectations, relationship challenges at work or college, and feel stuck, frustrated, or held back by negative self-talk. Together, we work on recognizing these patterns, challenging self-imposed limitations, and building healthier, more confident ways of thinking.

As a dedicated therapist with a master's degree in social work from Wayne State University. My mission is to empower clients to achieve mental clarity & emotional balance through proven therapeutic techniques and compassionate care to help clients achieve their goals with my genuine commitment, empathy, respect. My extensive training and experience have equipped me with skills to support clients mental health with various life changes, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, stress, and/or trauma.

I am a board-certified PMHNP with extensive experience in the field of mental health. With a comprehensive background spanning child and adult inpatient and outpatient settings, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise into practice. Committed to providing holistic and compassionate care. I combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy to address the unique needs of each patient.

Do you often find yourself feeling empty – as if you float through your days going through the motions, rather than living an abundant and thriving life? Life can be difficult, and no matter how strong one may be mentally, there is only so much stress one can shoulder alone before it becomes too much. I believe in working together collaboratively in order to unlock one’s innate ability to self-heal. Through support and guided introspection, the answers to our troubles become self-evident.

Taking the step to seek support isn’t easy, and I want to honor the courage it takes to be here. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Life Coach, and retired Army veteran who believes caring for your mental health is essential to living a balanced, fulfilling life. I’m passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves. I work with teens and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or major life transitions, and I strive to meet you with respect, compassion, and understanding.

I've been a listener my whole life — since I was a teenager, long before I had any clinical training, I learned that the most powerful thing one person can do for another is to genuinely pay attention. That hasn't changed. What has changed is that now I have the tools, training, and experience to help that attention lead somewhere. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Michigan. I work with individuals, families, couples, and children — and I see clients across the state through telehealth. I'm trained in a range of approaches including CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Bowen Family Systems, which means I can adapt to what actually fits you — not just apply a template. I'm also comfortable holding faith and spirituality as part of your story if that's relevant for you. I'm not a "Christian therapist" in a prescriptive sense, but I've spent years working as a chaplain and I understand how much a person's spiritual framework shapes how they see themselves and the world. That's a welcome part of the conversation here.

A former client called me "endlessly chill." I am known to wear more sweatshirts than more "professional" attire. I don't want to give off any energy that I am better than anyone who sits across from me. I am known to swear in sessions (but I do filter this per client).

Hello, and welcome. My name is Jessica Banford, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker / Clinical Social Worker with experience providing support in both emergency and outpatient mental health settings. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and practical tools for change. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University and my professional background includes working in hospital emergency departments, where I have completed behavioral health assessments, crisis intervention, and care coordination for individuals experiencing acute mental health concerns. This experience has strengthened my ability to remain calm, supportive, and solution-focused during difficult moments. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, emotional dysregulation, and life stressors such as relationship difficulties, financial stress, and transitions. I also worked a outpatient community health center providing therapy to all populations including all ages. I also have experience supporting adolescents and young adults, as well as collaborating with families and support systems. My approach to therapy is client-centered and strengths-based. I often incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), focusing on building coping skills, improving emotional regulation, and increasing overall resilience. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, respected, and supported. I look forward to working together to help you reach your goals and improve your overall well-being.