LGBT therapists in Ypsilanti, MI

I was born and raised in Michigan. I love the four seasons and all of the college and professional sport teams. I have over 20 years of behavioral health experience and both mental health and substance abuse. I also hold a certificate from Western Michigan University for treating drug and alcohol addictions.

I work with people navigating life's challenges using an approach that draws from real-life experience and evidence-based methods. I'm trained in DBT, EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Trauma-Focused CBT, and I tailor my work to fit your unique needs and goals.

I'm genuine and create a safe, non-judgmental place to process life's difficult moments. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I'm here to support and empower you on that journey.

My name is Dr. Llena Carter. I am originally from the southside of Chicago. I have lived in four different states and traveled to over 40; including teaching/traveling abroad for multiple summers. I have been a therapist for over 20 years and have a breadth of experience. I see therapy as a sacred space where trust and nonjudgment are essential. I am specifically passionate about providing support for persons of color and oppressed populations where therapy may be otherwise stigmatized. I would be honored to walk, even a small part of your journey, with you.

In my 20-plus years of clinical experience, I have worked with individuals, families as well as with couples and groups. My experience has stemmed from a variety of settings including domestic violence shelters, psychiatric units, juvenile detention centers, college campuses and private practice. Consulting work has included Suicide Prevention, DEI trainings, Intergroup Dialogue, and Groups geared toward de-stigmatizing mental wellness for communities of color. All are welcome here.

Hello and welcome.

I’m a licensed therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families across a range of settings—including colleges, group practices, healthcare systems, and now in my private practice. My clinical foundation includes seven years of graduate training (MS and PhD), and I began my career as a social worker in non-profit LGBT health and hospital inpatient care.

I specialize in trauma-informed care and work with people navigating depression, anxiety, and overwhelming stress.

I typically work with clients long-term, building a therapeutic relationship grounded in warmth, honesty, and trust. I’m easy to talk to, and I invite collaboration and transparency in every session—believing that healing happens when people feel safe, understood, and empowered.

I work with children and teens (ages 7+), young adults, adults, couples, families, and relationship partners. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or navigating challenges in your relationships, I’m here to help you move toward a more connected and fulfilling life.

Click on my calendar to book - you'll see my real availability and can choose a time that works. I'm a licensed clinical social worker with more than 25 years of experience. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, and challenges related to cultural diversity, LGBTQIA+ issues, ADHD, and autism. I help people thrive and improve relationships.

I have discovered that every client I see has the same goals. You want to feel better! In a collaborative, supportive, and professional environment, this is possible. I see clients who feel shame, guilt, confusion, grief, anger, hopelessness, and those with high levels of stress and anxiety. I graduated with my Master's in Counseling from Spring Arbor University in 2019. I bring a wealth of life experience to help those who are struggling. I welcome the opportunity to build trust in a professional relationship to help you feel better.

I have over 20 years of working with diverse populations. I enjoy building relationships with my clients that focuses on your strengths, identify barriers to your goals and help you navigate ways to get to where you want to be. I use an evidence based holistic approach that is client-centered. Whether you’re wanting to focus on your sexual health, addictions, sexual assault, domestic violence, grief, loss, raising children, you name it! I have successfully supported hundreds of folks who want to live their best life on their terms! Give me a call today and you’ll see why clients say, “I'm the BEST at helping you get there!”

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. I provide telehealth across Michigan and will start by learning what brings you to therapy and what you hope to work on. I’m a licensed professional counselor.