David Hay, LLMSW - Offering Face to Face and Telehealth in Ann Arbor

“A contributive life of giving hope to those who are suffering is a source of growth, fulfillment, learning, creativity, and solidarity.” — Daisaku Ikeda, Soka Gakkai International

As a licensed clinical social worker in Michigan, Ohio, Colorado, and Utah, I provide therapy for adults navigating anxiety, identity, life transitions, relationships, sexuality, and high levels of self-criticism. My style is direct yet compassionate — I believe in being transparent and honest while also offering deep empathy, nonjudgmental support, and a touch of humor. Clients often share that they feel both challenged and cared for in our work together.

I earned my Master of Social Work in Interpersonal Practice and Global Social Work from the University of Michigan and an MBA in Strategic Planning from the University of San Francisco. These dual degrees give me both the clinical expertise and the strategic perspective to help clients navigate complex challenges and life transitions.

My therapeutic work is grounded in evidence-based approaches and tailored to each individual’s needs. My orientation is informed by Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) and complemented by training in Attachment-Focused EMDR, Flash Technique, DBT, Family Systems, Play Therapy, and Sex-Positive Therapy. I am especially passionate about supporting individuals from diverse racial, cultural, religious, gender, and sexual orientation identities, including the LGBTQIA+ community. My goal is to help clients connect with their own values, build resilience, and move toward a more meaningful and authentic life.

My clinical training includes a placement at the University of Michigan–Dearborn’s Counseling and Psychological Services, working with undergraduate and graduate students, as well as a practicum with Berry Street’s Take Two program in Melbourne, Australia, where I focused on children and family systems. Beyond my clinical practice, I volunteer with the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP), providing support to first responders and trauma survivors.

I have also been deeply involved in activism, serving as a director and now an advisor with V-Day and helping to launch the One Billion Rising campaign, both global initiatives to end violence against women. In addition, I bring a diverse professional background in the performing arts, fashion, branding, and technology, which enriches my perspective as a therapist and allows me to bring creativity and openness to the healing process.

Raised between New York City and Woodstock, I developed a love for both the vibrancy of city life and the calm of the Catskill Mountains. Outside of work, I enjoy my engaged Buddhist practice, playing jazz piano, practicing yoga, and exploring new places.

• Anxiety
• Family Conflict
• Gender Identity
• Grief and Loss
• Marital and Premarital
• Men's Issues
• Relationship Issues
• Sex Therapy
• Spirituality
• Trauma

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Family Systems
• Play Therapy
• Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)-informed approaches
• Sex Positive Therapy

• Adult (18+)

• Attachment Focused EMDR Part One and Two with Julie Probus-Schad, LCSW
• EMDR Part One and Two with Philip Manfield, PhD, EMDRIA
• The Institute of Sexual Positive Therapy, AASECT coursework
• Core Training Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) with Leslie Auld, LMSW, ACSW
• Advance Flash Technique with Philip Manfield, PhD
• Integrative Sex and Couples Therapy Certification with Tammy Nelson, PhD
• Advanced Grief Counseling Certification with Joy Samuels, D.MIN, LPC-MHS
• Mindfulness Certification with Debra Alvis,PhD

• American Psychological Association Credential
• Michigan Council For Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy
• NASW