Grand Rapids Pride Center’s

Therapy Assistance Program

It’s OK to not be ok.

we can help.

In response to the ever-increasing mental healthcare needs and constant cuts to affordable, equitable therapy services, the Grand Rapids Pride Center has committed to increasing access to safe and affirming therapy for 2-SLGBTQ+ people and their immediate families.

Since the introduction of our Therapy Assistance Program (TAP) in 2020, we are proud to have supported over 175 people (as of mid-2023) with their mental health journeys and are ready to continue to connect community members and their loved ones with the care that they deserve.

How It Works.

TAP has four components:

Assistance finding a suitable & affirming therapist, for those who can afford one but simply need someone who is 2-LGBTQ+ affirming, safe, &/or who takes their insurance. (We also can assist with finding therapists who are safe & affirming for other identities and we are committed to working with therapists who are anti-racist, fat-affirming, anti-ableist, etc. as well.)
Assistance with covering co-pays* for therapy for those with insurance who cannot afford the copays. In this case, we can also assist clients with finding a therapist or pay the co-pays for their existing therapist. This option will pay co-pays up to $45 per session for up to 12 sessions.
Assistance with covering the cost of therapy* for those who are uninsured or underinsured, who cannot access their insurance coverage for therapy due to privacy reasons, or who have a large deductible that needs to be utilized before the co-pay kicks in & therefore do not have access to therapy at all due to the cost. In this case, we can, again, assist clients with finding a therapist or pay for therapy with their existing therapist. This option pays for five (5) appointments at full price, at no cost to the participant.
Assistance with access needs for therapy, such as helping with transportation or paying for internet access for a session.

*There is an annual cap on services, per calendar year, due to funding limits and great need. Clients are strongly encouraged to reapply annually to continue to receive this support as needed.

If at any time during therapy a participant feels they need to change therapists, please contact our Health Equity team at health@grpride.org or 616-458-3511 x104

The Grand Rapids Pride Center has a partnership with multiple different affirming therapy offices and our Health Equity Team is happy to connect clients with available providers that would best meet their needs. If clients have an existing therapist or another therapist in mind that they would like to work with, they can note that therapist on the application, and we will connect with them directly to discuss availability, potential involvement, consent, and affirmation of the program’s terms and agreements.

To obtain support, the first step is to fill out the TAP application below. If you need assistance with this paperwork or have any accessibility needs that must be met in order for you to complete this paperwork (such as screen-reading assistance or translation services), please contact the Health Equity Team. We can be reached at health@grpride.org or (616) 458-3511 ext. 104.

Our 2023 TAP application is open!

We stand ready to connect applicants with 2-LGBTQ+-affirming therapists, and offer support for therapy or co-pays as needed to help with financial burden. If you used the program before and still need assistance, feel free to re-apply.

Start Your Application

Funding for the Therapy Assistance Program Provided by:

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The Grand Rapids Pride Center aims to be at the center of a vibrant and inclusive community that supports all LGBTQ individuals.

Sep 22