mel-headshot

Dr. Mel Whalen

Psychologist, PhD, LP

they/them

Dr. Mel Whalen

Accepting new clients

Licensed states

MichiganNew YorkTexas

At a glance

Services Provided

Individual Therapy

Ages Served

Adults (18+)
Older Adults (65+)
Young Adults (18-25)

Languages Spoken

English

Telehealth Availability:

Mon-Fri - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

About this provider

Clients I Work With

I work with teens, adults, parents, and families from diverse and marginalized backgrounds, including Deaf and hearing clients, CODAs, parents of Deaf children, and individuals navigating chronic illness, disability, and identity-related stress. My practice includes many queer, transgender, nonbinary, asexual, neurodivergent, gifted, and immigrant clients, as well as people exploring questions of identity, belonging, relationships, and life transitions. I also support clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, stress, grief, and the emotional impact of navigating a world that may not always understand or accommodate their identities and experiences. I offer virtual therapy across language modalities and am fluent in ASL, allowing me to provide culturally responsive care for Deaf clients and their families.

Approach

My approach is grounded in social justice, respect for lived experience, and the belief that therapy should feel collaborative, transparent, and humane. I work with you to identify realistic goals and create meaningful changes that help your days feel easier and more aligned with your values. I draw from Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, parts work, and humanistic narrative therapy, thoughtfully combining approaches based on your needs and preferences. As a culturally Deaf clinician and fluent ASL user, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to work involving identity, marginalization, communication, and belonging. My goal is to create a space where you feel understood, respected, and empowered to move toward the life you want.

Specialties & approaches

Specialties

AddictionADHDChronic Pain and IllnessParent-Child Bonding & AttachmentRelationship IssuesSexual AbuseSpiritualityTrauma & PTSDWomen’s Mental Health

Therapy approaches

Culturally Responsive TherapyFeminist TherapyHumanistic TherapyIntegrative TherapyNarrative TherapyRelational Life Therapy

Fees & insurance

Payment Accepted

Cash

Insurance Accepted

AetnaBlue Care NetworkBlue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)MedicareMESSA (Michigan Education Special Services Association)Priority Health