Therapy Assistance Program (TAP)

The Grand Rapids Pride Center's Therapy Assistance Program aims to decrease disparities associated with 2-SLGBTQ+ individuals accessing quality mental health services. Since its introduction in 2020, TAP has supported over 175 people (as of mid-2023) with their mental health journeys.

Geographic Scope: West Michigan residents accessing therapy in Michigan only

Eligibility: Open to 2-SLGBTQ+ individuals and their immediate families

Focus Areas: Mental health access, therapy support, affirming care

Types of Assistance Available

• Help on the Search: Assistance finding a suitable, affirming therapist for those who can afford one but need someone who is 2-LGBTQ+ affirming, safe, and/or takes their insurance. Also assists with finding therapists who are safe and affirming for other identities, and committed to anti-racist, fat-affirming, and anti-ableist practices.
• Help with Co-pays: Up to $45 per session for up to 12 sessions for those with insurance who cannot afford co-pays. Includes assistance finding a therapist or paying co-pays for existing therapists.
• Help with Other Costs: Covers the cost of therapy for those who are uninsured or underinsured, cannot access insurance coverage due to privacy reasons, or have large deductibles. Provides 5 appointments at full price, at no cost to the participant.
• Help with Access Needs: Assistance with access accommodations such as transportation or internet access for sessions.

Background: In response to increasing mental healthcare needs and cuts to affordable, equitable therapy services, GRPC committed to increasing access to safe and affirming therapy for 2-SLGBTQ+ people and their immediate families.

Important Notes:

• Annual Cap: There is an annual cap on services per calendar year due to funding limits. Clients are encouraged to reapply annually.
• Wait Time: Typical wait time is approximately one month between application submission and first appointment, accounting for provider selection, consent processes, and scheduling.
• Crisis Support: TAP cannot provide immediate crisis support. Those experiencing mental health emergencies should contact Forest View Hospital's No-Cost 24/7 Assessment Line at 616-942-9610 or go to the nearest hospital.

Address: 343 Atlas Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

How to Apply

Step 1: Fill Out the Application Form
Complete the TAP application form to the best of your knowledge. Many questions are optional, but sharing information about what you're looking for from therapy helps connect you with the best possible therapist. Share any information you feel would be helpful and relevant.

Step 2: Follow Up
Within 2-3 business days of submission (accounting for office closures), a Grand Rapids Pride Center staff member will email you confirming receipt of your application. They will ask any necessary follow-up questions based on your responses and provide you with a list of potential therapists matching your needs.

Step 3: Find Your Therapist
Review the therapist options and select one that seems like a good fit, or decline and discuss additional needs and preferences with the staff member. Staff will continue providing options as needed to find the best match.

Step 4: Confirmation
Once you've selected a provider, the staff member contacts the therapist's office to confirm availability and that they're taking new clients. They provide the therapist with program paperwork and obtain participatory consent. This step typically takes the longest due to varying provider response times.

Step 5: Ready to Start
A Pride Center staff member confirms your selected therapist is available and ready to see you. You then contact the therapist's office directly to schedule your first visit, as any regular client would.

Step 6: Continued Support
The Pride Center provides additional support with intake paperwork, social and support groups, and other local resources throughout your therapy journey.

Required Materials:

• Completed TAP application form
• Information about your therapy needs and preferences (optional but recommended)

Accessibility Support:
If you need assistance with the application or have accessibility needs (such as screen-reading assistance or translation services), contact the Health Equity Team at health@grpride.org or (616) 458-3511 ext. 104.

Client Responsibilities:

• Keep track of sessions attended and remaining financial support
• Contact Health Equity Team if you need additional assistance, wish to change therapists, or need to switch programs
• Reapply annually to continue receiving support

Important: You are responsible for tracking your session usage. The Pride Center will maintain records when able, but the organization is not liable for costs associated with overuse of services.