Get Started

Three ways to begin. A phone call is never required.

Finding a therapist shouldn't take a dozen emails just to learn who's available. Explore the clinicians below, or send a short request and we'll help you find a fit.

OPTION 1

Explore the team

Narrow your options by age group, insurance and appointment format. Then read a bio or request a clinician.

Help me choose
OPTION 2

Help me find a therapist

Not sure who takes your insurance or fits your schedule? Send a short request and we'll narrow it down for you.

Send a request
OPTION 3

Text us

Prefer to just ask? Text a few words about what you're looking for, your insurance, and times that work.

Text (810) 394-8921

Find a place to begin.

A few practical preferences can help you explore the team. You can ask for someone by name, or let us help you choose.

These are starting points, not a guarantee of availability or coverage. We’ll confirm age range, clinical fit, your exact plan and cost before booking. Your choices here are not submitted to us.

Dr. Sneha Shankar, LP

Adult trauma, PTSD and life transitions.

Ypsilanti in person · Michigan telehealth

BCBS · Aetna · Priority Health · BCN · Private pay

Libby Farren, TLLP

Teens and adults: trauma, LGBTQIA+ identity and immigration-related stress.

Ypsilanti in person · Michigan telehealth

BCBS · Aetna · Priority Health · BCN · Private pay

Corin Magee, TLLP

Children, teens, young adults and parents: LGBTQ+ identities and neurodivergence.

Ypsilanti in person · Michigan telehealth

BCBS · Aetna · Priority Health · BCN · Private pay

Cynthia Schiffman-Szegda, LLP

Adults: complex trauma, PTSD and dissociation; MEMI available.

Michigan telehealth

BCBS · Aetna · Priority Health · BCN · Private pay

Sarah Shields, LLMSW

Chronic illness, medical trauma, caregiver stress and postpartum transitions.

Michigan telehealth

BCBS · Aetna · Priority Health · BCN · Private pay

Jessa Brown, LLPC

Grief, cancer support, military families and family relationships. Ask about age and telehealth fit for a child.

Michigan telehealth

BCBS · Aetna · Priority Health · BCN · Private pay

Jane Halpert, PhD, TLLP

Adults: academic and creative life, religious trauma and life transitions.

Jane’s separate Ypsilanti office · Michigan telehealth

BCBS · Aetna · Priority Health · BCN · Private pay

Dr. Mel Whalen, LP

Deaf/HoH and ASL care, complex trauma and LGBTQ+ identities. Ask about current availability.

Michigan telehealth · ASL fluent

BCBS · Aetna · Priority Health · BCN · Private pay

Not sure who fits? That’s okay.

Use our short request form and name a clinician if you have one in mind. Share your insurance, preferred format and a few times that work. We’ll help with the next step.

Help me find a therapist Or text the practice

Want to be seen sooner?

  • Be flexible about your therapist. The soonest opening may be with someone you hadn't considered.
  • Share several times that work. A few days and times help us find an earlier slot.
  • Consider daytime appointments. Evenings fill first.
  • Consider telehealth. Video lets you see any available Michigan clinician without traveling.

Insurance and cost

We accept BCBS, Blue Care Network (BCN), Aetna and Priority Health, plus private pay. Private pay is $125–$150 per session, and we provide superbills for out-of-network benefits.

Tell us your plan when you reach out and we'll verify your benefits before your first session. Details are on our Insurance & Fees page.

Common questions

Do I have to call?

No. Text (810) 394-8921 or send our request form. Scheduling, questions and reminders can all happen in writing.

How fast will you get back to me?

We aim to reply within one business day.

How does matching work?

Tell us what you'd like help with, your insurance, times that work, and whether you want video or in person. We'll suggest a clinician who fits, or you can ask for someone by name.

Do you see teens in person?

Yes. Corin Magee and Libby Farren see teens in person at our Ypsilanti office, and Corin also works with children and parents. Telehealth is also available.

Can I do telehealth from anywhere in Michigan?

Michigan telehealth is available with our team. You need to be physically in Michigan during your session; we’ll confirm the clinician and appointment format when you request care.

Do you take Medicare or Medicaid?

No. We don't accept Medicare, Medicaid or Medicaid managed-care plans.

Do you write letters for gender-affirming care?

Yes. Mention it when you reach out and we'll match you with a clinician who writes them.

What happens first?

After you reach out, we match you, check your insurance and send a secure intake. Your first session is about getting oriented. You don't have to tell your whole story right away.

What's your cancellation policy?

Please give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations may be charged, and insurance doesn't cover that fee.

A guide you can save or share

Our one-page guide covers choosing a clinician, communication needs, insurance questions and preparing for your first appointment.

Download the Getting Started Guide (PDF)
A note before you reach out. Submitting a request doesn't establish a therapist-client relationship or guarantee availability with a particular therapist. We don't provide emergency or crisis services through our website, text or email. For crisis support, call or text 988. For immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 911.

Something 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 sessions in Ypsilanti