Mel Whalen
Ypsilanti, Michigan · Telehealth
My style: warm, direct, collaborative
“Deaf, nonbinary psychologist. Trauma and dissociation therapy in ASL or English, no interpreter and no phone call needed.”
My own openings are for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing adults who want therapy directly in ASL or English with a culturally Deaf psychologist, no interpreter in the room.
- Fees
- $125 to $150 per session
- Session format
- Telehealth
- Languages
- English and American Sign Language
- Experience
- 20 years in practice
- Insurance and payment
About Mel
My own openings are for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing adults who want therapy directly in ASL or English with a culturally Deaf psychologist, no interpreter in the room. Many of my clients carry complex trauma, dissociation, or the long shadow of growing up without full access to language, often alongside LGBTQ+ identity, neurodivergence, chronic illness, or disability. If you're hearing, my team at Forest Ferns Counseling is accepting new clients across Michigan; ask and I'll match you.
Sessions are by secure video with live captions and written chat, or in person in Ypsilanti at a wheelchair-accessible office. I write gender-affirming care letters and provide superbills. Text (810) 394-8921 or book at forestfernscounseling.com/get-started.
My approach
I combine body-based trauma processing (Somatic Experiencing training, EMDR) with an IFS-informed, parts-aware approach: we work at the pace your nervous system can actually use, and we don't retraumatize you to make progress. Access is a clinical issue, not a courtesy: captions, ASL, and text-first communication are part of how care works here.
About me
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist (MI, TX, NY) and the founder of Forest Ferns Counseling, a Deaf-led group practice. My clinical and research focus is structural dissociation in Deaf adults with language-deprivation histories, presented as the 2026 ADARA keynote, "Fluency Without Freedom." I also supervise TLLP and LLP psychologists in Michigan.
Ready to talk to Mel? Message Mel or call (810) 394-8921.
Specialties
Types of therapy
Who Mel works with
- Ages
- Teens (14-19), Adults, Elders (65+)
- Communities
- LGBTQ+, Transgender, Non-Binary, Neurodivergent, People with Disabilities, Body Positive, Open Relationships / Non-Monogamy
- Languages
- English, American Sign Language
Education and training
PhD, Clinical Psychology, graduated 2013
MA, Sign Lingustics, graduated 2000
BA, Smith College, Women's Studies and Sociology major, graduated 1999
Certifications
EMDR trained; Somatic Experiencing (SE) practitioner training in progress; IFS-informed; National Register of Health Service Psychologists; fluent in American Sign Language
Mel Whalen is a Licensed Psychologist in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Specializes in trauma and ptsd, gender identity, dissociative disorders (did) and anxiety. Telehealth · $125 to $150 per session. License verified with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on October 8, 2026. Identity matched to the federal NPI Registry on October 7, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What does Mel specialize in?
Mel Whalen specializes in trauma and ptsd, gender identity, dissociative disorders (did) and anxiety.
Is Mel licensed?
Yes. Mel Whalen holds an active Licensed Psychologist license in Michigan, verified with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on October 8, 2026, and their identity was matched to the federal NPI Registry on October 7, 2026.
Does Mel offer telehealth or in-person sessions?
Mel Whalen offers telehealth.
Does Mel take insurance?
Mel Whalen accepts Self-Pay / Out of Network, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Out of Pocket. Confirm your specific plan when you reach out.
Does Mel take Aetna?
Mel Whalen lists Aetna among the insurance and payment options accepted. Confirm your specific plan when you reach out.
How much does a session with Mel cost?
Sessions with Mel Whalen are $125 to $150 per session.
Where is Mel located?
Mel Whalen is based in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and also offers telehealth.
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