Makoto Ikegami (he/him)
Founder · DSW, LCSW
Trauma · substance use · systems navigation · identity & culture
Book with Makoto →
Deaf-led · Telehealth · ASL-first
Healing in ASL.
Healing in ASL.
Therapy that understands you — without explaining.
Online therapy in ASL for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, DeafDisabled, and Late-Deafened clients. No interpreters. No barriers. Just real care from therapists who share your language and lived experience.
Who We Serve
Created by and for the Deaf community
A Deaf-led practice grounded in shared experience. No explaining your identity. No teaching your therapist about Deaf culture. Therapy that starts where you already are.
- Deaf
- Hard of Hearing
- DeafBlind
- DeafDisabled
- Late-Deafened
- Deaf ADHD & Autism
- LGBTQIA+ Deaf
- Deaf immigrants & multicultural
- Hearing families & partners
- CODAs
Why DMC
Deaf-centered care from therapists who share your world
You shouldn't have to teach your therapist what it means to be Deaf, then also try to heal. We start from shared ground.
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ASL-first sessions
Direct conversation in ASL. No interpreter in the middle, no waiting for relay.
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Deaf culture understanding
Lived experience built in — language deprivation, audism, dual-world fatigue, all of it.
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Trauma-informed approach
Safe pacing, your consent, your boundaries. We move only as fast as you do.
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Flexible scheduling
Daytime, evening, weekend slots. Sessions fit your life — caregivers, parents, shift workers welcome.
How to Start
Three steps. No pressure.
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Reach out in ASL, text, or email
Use the form below, videophone, or send a quick message. We respond in 1–2 business days.
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Free 15-min intro
Meet a therapist over secure video. Ask anything. Talk fit, access needs, fees. No commitment.
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Begin therapy at your pace
Weekly, biweekly, or whatever fits. You set the rhythm. We support the work.
Our Team
Meet our therapists
10 Deaf clinicians. Different specialties, different identities, all licensed and lived-experience-grounded.
Amber Hansen (she/her)
Therapist · MSW, LMSW, CSW
ADHD · anxiety · couples · language deprivation
Book with Amber →
Durkhanai Nassery
Therapist · MA
Trauma · DeafBlind · LGBTQ+ · women's experiences
Book with Durkhanai →
Samantha Burgess (he/they)
Therapist · MSW, LMSW
PTSD · crisis · LGBTQ+ · somatic
Book with Samantha →
Sarah Clawson (she/her)
Therapist · MSW, CSW
Women's MH · neurodiversity · ASL faith-based
Book with Sarah →
Thomas Swope (he/him)
Therapist · MA, MS, ACMHC
Substance use · crisis safety planning · family
Book with Thomas →
Tamara Taylor (she/her)
Therapist · MSW
Court/legal involvement · advocacy · families
Book with Tamara →
Nicholas Vineyard (he/him)
Therapist · MSW
Crisis recovery · ADHD/autism · DeafBlind · LGBTQ+
Book with Nicholas →Therapist photos shown are AI-generated placeholders for demo purposes only. Production site uses real team headshots from DMC.
Therapy Services
Four ways we work together
All sessions in ASL. Accessible communication on request. Pick the format that fits — or ask, and we'll guide you.
Individual Therapy
One-to-one work on stress, trauma, grief, identity, life transitions. Your space, your pace.
Couples Therapy
Communication, connection, repair. Deaf-Deaf, Deaf-hearing, mixed-language couples all welcome.
Family Therapy
Bridge generations and languages. Help hearing parents, Deaf kids, CODAs, siblings, partners meet each other better.
Group Therapy
Therapist-led groups around shared experiences. You're not alone — and you don't have to start from scratch.
Where We Practice
Telehealth across 8 states
If you live in one of these states, you can start today. We're adding more — message us if your state isn't listed yet.
Licensure varies by state and plan. We'll check coverage before your first session.
- GAGeorgia
- PAPennsylvania
- FLFlorida
- NYNew York
- MEMaine
- MDMaryland
- TXTexas
- UTUtah
Insurance & Payment
Most plans accepted
Medicaid, Medicare, and major commercial insurance accepted. Coverage varies by state and plan — message us and we'll verify your benefits for free.
- Aetna
- Anthem
- CareSource
- Cigna
- GEHA
- Humana
- Kaiser Permanente
- Medicare
- Oscar
- UnitedHealthcare
- Medicaid (state-by-state)
- Self-pay sliding scale
Common Questions
Things people ask before booking
Do I need to know ASL?
No. We work with hearing family members, partners, and allies too — through clear, accessible communication.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. Most major plans, plus Medicaid and Medicare. Coverage varies by state. Send a message and we'll verify your benefits for free.
Is teletherapy accessible for DeafBlind clients?
Yes. Tell us what works best for you — large text, screen reader, ProTactile interpretation, or another approach — and we'll set it up.
Are your therapists Deaf?
Yes. We're one of the few Deaf-led group practices in the U.S., and our therapists share lived Deaf experience.
What if I'm in crisis right now?
If you're in immediate distress, call or text 988 (24/7), or use videophone/VRS to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. DMC offers ongoing therapy, not emergency response.
How long until my first session?
Usually within 1–2 weeks of your first message, depending on therapist match and insurance verification.
Book a Session
Take the first step. We move at your pace.
Whether this is your first time in therapy or you're coming back after a break — we're here when you're ready.
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Videophone / VRS(470) 763-5282
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Text message(555) 123-4567
Need support right now? Call or text 988, or use videophone (VP) or VRS for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.