Therapy for Queer & Trans Teens — and Their Families
Your teen gets a therapist who doesn’t need it explained. You get a real seat at the table.
Being a queer or trans teen right now is a lot. So is parenting one. Teens are figuring out who they are in front of classmates, group chats, and the news. Parents are trying to get it right while the ground keeps moving. We work with both: the teen in the room, and the family around them.
For teens
Figuring it out at your own pace
Questioning, coming out, or not ready to yet. You don’t need a label to start, and no one here will push you toward one.
Gender, names, and pronouns
Social transition, dysphoria, handling school, and deciding what to tell extended family and when.
Things that aren’t about identity at all
Anxiety, depression, friendships, grades, sleep. Being queer or trans isn’t the problem we’re treating.
Queer and neurodivergent
Autistic and ADHD teens who are tired of explaining both. More on our Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy page.
When it’s been hard
Bullying, rejection, harassment online and off, and the exhaustion of always scanning the room.
For parents
Supportive and scared at the same time
Many parents are. Parent sessions give you a place to work through your own feelings so they don’t land on your kid.
Your role in your teen’s therapy
We agree up front on what therapy is for, how you’ll stay in the loop, and what stays private between your teen and their therapist.
School, family, and everyone else
Teachers and counselors, grandparents, a co-parent who isn’t on the same page, and siblings with questions.
Medical questions
Whether or not your teen is considering medical care, we can help your family think through options, timing, and next steps together.
If your teen’s gender care changed
Some Michigan hospital systems have stopped providing gender-affirming medications to minors. If your family’s plan was disrupted, your teen doesn’t have to lose their support too. We can help your family steady things while you figure out what comes next.
In person or online
Teens can be seen in person at our Ypsilanti office or online anywhere in Michigan. Plenty of teens prefer video from their own room. Family sessions work either way.
Cost
In-network with BCBS, BCN, Aetna, and Priority Health. Private pay and superbills available, and ask about our limited reduced-fee spots. Details on our Insurance & Fees page.
Common questions
Does my teen need to be out, or sure, to start?
No. Questioning is a perfectly good reason to start, and so is something that has nothing to do with identity.
Will the therapist tell me what my teen says?
We’ll be clear with both of you from the first session about what’s shared, what stays private, and the safety situations where we’d always involve you.
Can parents come to sessions?
Yes. Some families do joint sessions, some parents have a few sessions of their own, and some teens work mostly one-on-one. We’ll find the mix that fits.
How soon can we start?
We have openings now and reply to every inquiry within one business day. Teens and parents can both reach out.
Who provides this
Forest Ferns was founded and is led by Dr. Mel Whalen, a nonbinary psychologist who worked in U-M Health’s Comprehensive Gender Services Program before opening private practice.
Corin Magee, TLLP
Queer, trans, and neurodivergent teens and young adults, including gender exploration and transition. Intermediate ASL signer. In person in Ypsilanti and online across Michigan.
Meet CorinLibby Farren, TLLP
LGBTQ+ teens and adults working through identity, trauma, and life transitions. In person in Ypsilanti and online.
Meet LibbyJessa Brown, LLPC
Children, teens, and families, including family transitions. Online anywhere in Michigan.
Meet JessaSarah Shields, LLMSW
Support for parents and caregivers, drawing on more than 14 years as an educator. Online across Michigan.
Meet SarahSomething here sound familiar?
You don’t have to have it figured out to begin. Tell us a little about what’s going on and we’ll match you with the clinician who fits.
Or text us: (810) 394-8921 — no phone calls needed.
Telehealth across Michigan · In-person options in Washtenaw County