Group Therapy
Note: Due to COVID-19 all sessions are currently via HIPPA compliant Telehealth.
Group therapy can provide not only assistance from the therapist but also peer/social support. Often it can be helpful to have insight from others facing similar challenges or in similar life situations. Groups are typically scheduled bi-weekly and may be recommended on their own or in addition to individual/family therapy.
Individual & Family Therapy
Individual (one on one) and/or family therapy is available to help clients meet their goals. These sessions are usually scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on the client’s need.
Please Call for More Information.
Training and Supervision
Individual and/or group training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or the treatment of Gender and Sexual Minority (LGBTQIA+) clients can be provided on an ongoing or as needed basis. Supervision of TLLP and LLP therapists is also available.
My Expertise
Working with Youth and Adults concerning Gender…
With over ten years of experience in working with individuals experiencing gender dysphoria Dr. Farrell has the specialized knowledge necessary to help clients explore gender identity, gender presentation, and sexual orientation issues. These can include but are not limited to transition related concerns, coming out, and family rejection.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy…
ACT is a third wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy developed to help people live rich, full, and meaningful lives. Through the use of ACT client’s develop flexibility in the way they approach their thoughts, feelings, and actions. An emphasis on helping the client identify and move toward their individual values makes ACT an extremely person-centered approach, and the use of empirically supported behavior change processes ensures the effectiveness.
Parenting Support
With the plethora of challenges facing gender and sexual minority youth it can be helpful to have someone who can answer questions and provide space to process feelings. Dr. Farrell provides a supportive and judgement free environment to help parents of gender and sexual minority youth while offering her extensive experience within the community as a resource.
WPATH Letters &
Informed Consent
Dr. Farrell has experience and expertise in writing letters for clients seeking medical transition. She is able to write both WPATH letters for hormones and/or surgery as well as informed consent letters.
Getting Started is Easy
Book Appointment
Let me know that you would like to book an appointment.
I will get back to you.
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Questions? Concerns?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is therapy like?
Each person’s experience of therapy will be unique to them, as well as uniquely tailored to their particular situation and needs. However, it is typically true that you will be discussing with your therapist the details of your current situation and challenges, your desires and your goals, your personal history as it relates to the issues you are addressing, and the progress or lack of progress toward your goals between therapy sessions.
What should I expect in the first session?
If you are coming for therapy services, the first session will be much more fact finding than subsequent sessions. You may find yourself talking for the majority of the session as the therapist needs to gain an understanding of you and your situation. After this initial session the therapist will have a much better idea of the direction your specific therapy will need to take.
How long are appointments?
Therapy Sessions typically last 45-55 minutes. WPATH letter appointments can last 1-2 hours depending on if it will be a “first” letter or “second” letter. Informed consent appointments last
15-30 minutes.
How frequently will I need to come to therapy?
The frequency of therapy will be unique to each person and may change over time. Frequently, if the intensity of the issue warrants it, clients will be seen weekly at the outset of therapy with the frequency of visits decreasing to every other week or even once a month as the client improves.
How much do services cost?
Your out of pocket cost will depend on your insurance and the type of service being provided. Please contact your insurance company to verify your benefits. If you will not be using your insurance, please contact me with the type of service you would like, and we can discuss cost.
Does insurance cover WPATH/informed consent letter appointments?
Many insurance companies do not cover what is considered a “consultation.” If you are not seeking therapy, you would be considered a “consultation.” The cost for WPATH letter appointments are $50 for a hormone letter appointment, $100 for a second surgery letter appointment, $200 for a first surgery letter appointment, and $30 for informed consent letter appointment.
Contact Me
Ask a question or book an appointment below.
For emergencies call 911 or visit your nearest hospital
Melissa Farrell
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Authenticity Psychological Services
(773) 318-5567
Office:
220 S Main St Royal Oak MI 48067 –
Mailing address:
PO Box 2776 Dearborn, MI 48123
eMail: mfarrellpsyd@gmail.com