Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D, LMSW
Owner and Hiring Director, Staff Therapist
Accepting Letter Requests for Gender Affirming Medical Care Only
Aetna, BCBS, BCN, CHAMPS Medicaid (BCC, Meridian, McLaren), Priority Commercial and Medicaid, United Health Care Commercial and Medicaid, McLaren Commercial, MCare, Private Pay
Dr. Aesha Mustafa (she/her/hers) earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan and has worked as a clinical social worker since 2012. During her MSW program, Aesha interned at the Women's Center of Southeastern Michigan. After graduating, she worked at the Corner Health Center as a clinical social worker and case manager specializing in pregnant and parenting adolescents. In 2023, Aesha obtained her PhD in educational administration from Michigan State UniversityDr. Aesha Mustafa (she/her/hers) earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan and has worked as a clinical social worker since 2012. During her MSW program, Aesha interned at the Women's Center of Southeastern Michigan. After graduating, she worked at the Corner Health Center as a clinical social worker and case manager specializing in pregnant and parenting adolescents. In 2023, Aesha obtained her PhD in educational administration from Michigan State University.
Aesha’s clinical interests include working with clients from historically marginalized and underrepresented groups, particularly those identifying as BIPOC and or 2SLGBTQIA+. As a cisgender provider, she recognizes her privilege and is continually working to provide accessible and inclusive gender-affirming care. From 2022 - 2023, Aesha joined Planned Parenthood of Michigan's Gender Affirming Care Advisory Board. As a member of this inaugural board, she contributed to PPMI's expanding its services to provide gender-affirming hormone therapy. In addition, she works with clients dealing with financial strains, academic and occupational challenges, ADHD and planning-related issues, depression, anxiety, stress, relationship concerns (monogamous, non-monogamous, kink, etc.), health and wellness, and multicultural issues
Aesha aims to understand how clients' multiple identities intersect and influence their lives. She strives to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel empowered to direct and tailor sessions to best fit their needs. Her therapeutic approach is shaped by feminist, multicultural, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
Outside of the office, Aesha is an Assistant Professor at Eastern Michigan University. She teaches master students in the Higher Education Student Affairs program and doctoral students in the Educational Leadership program. Her research focuses on Black tenure-track faculty at predominately White research institutions and how they navigate their personal and professional commitments. When she is not practicing therapy, teaching, or amplifying the untold stories of Black faculty’s experiences, she can be found enjoying family time, snuggling with her rescue pup, Bailey, and exploring ways to practice self-care and self-love.