Small towns often have a lot of growth opportunities, allowing you to become a better person. A counselor in Merrillville will allow you to do just that, and so much more without too many issues. 

Merrillville was originally a place where Potawami Indians hunted, but later on, it became a settlement for some people. It was a township in 1971. One notable event that happened was the pedestrian bridge at Hidden Lake did fall, and since then people have fixed it. It’s a city with fixed bridges, and you can fix the bridges in your own life, with the help of a counselor today. 

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Cydaria Cooke

Offering therapy in IN
License: MBA,MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to the BetterHelp community! My name is Cydaria Cooke and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Indiana. I've been practicing since 2015. I truly enjoy the therapeutic process and enjoy working with clients to accomplish goals. It really is an amazing process to be a part of. Taking care of your body from your neck up is just as important as taking care of your body from the neck down. We must be personally healthy in order to enjoy our lives, provide support to ourselves, and support to others. Are you having troubles with a big transition in your life? Trouble getting grounded? Are you needing support or self direction? Relationship concerns? Feeling sad, anxious, and/or need someone to talk to? I am accepting new clients! I have experience working with clients who suffer from depression, self-harming activities, PTSD, stress, emotional trauma, Adjustment disorder, Anxiety, relationship issues, Self-esteem issues, Bipolar disorders, grief and loss, among other mental health issues/concerns. I enjoy working with my clients to identify their concerns/goals. My client is the expert on his/her life. We will approach therapy as an active partnership created to assist and guide you with the knowledge and tools needed to make progress towards personal growth and change. Your mental health is very important. Let's work together...for you.

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Jennifer Fisher

Offering therapy in IN
License: LCSW,MSSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
31 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with the state of Indiana and am also a certified life coach. I have almost 30 years of clinical experience working with all ages and their families in a wide variety of areas within the mental health field. This includes depression, anxiety, stress management, communication skills, abuse recovery, grief and many others. Practice locations have included both inpatient and outpatient settings as well as a private practice. In my work with clients, it is my intention to help you find that balance between needing insight into past experiences and current thinking and behavior patterns that influence those experiences, while also empowering you to move beyond them into a sense of healing and purpose. I also emphasize a continuous connection between mind, body and spirit. Each of these aspects of ourselves influences the other and learning how to nurture each of those parts of ourselves can go a long way toward helping someone feel whole again. As we work together, it is very important to me that a client experiences a sense of safety and acceptance for who they are and where they are in their lives. I am especially dedicated to embracing diversity and inclusion. These concerns are not solely from clinical experience but also from personal experience as a woman with a lifelong disability and extensive experience with adapting to life changes as necessary in order to have a fulfilling life. It is very important to me to come to you from a place of authenticity. I incorporate many therapeutic approaches depending on individual needs. I look forward to working with you and am honored by your trust.

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Stephen Weaver

Offering therapy in IN
License: MA,MSED,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger management
5 years of experience

Hey there. I'm Steve. I've been moved by the human experience ever since I was a young lad. My first field was communication not because I was good at it, but because I was really horrible at it. I eventually became a journalist, video producer, photographer, and excelled at it, but something was lacking. I got into teaching at the collegiate level and as well with kids through adults who've had difficulty with learning, but yet, I yearned for more. It was there, with kids who were dealing with so much, that I learned what I wanted to do next in working with people. I entered counseling school and about a decade later, here I am. I am much less shy than when I first went to college, and you'll see that in a session. I don't enjoy sitting back, I get in there and point things out to you. I work with you how I think I would like to be worked with. Am I human? Yes, and I point that out, but I truly care about you and want you to be where you want to be. I am underpinned by existentialism, it's the big things in life that I look to when people have issues. I also regard the human body as possibly part of the issue that is giving you difficulties - for example our diets today are very much affecting our mental health. I love neuroscience and the polyvagal theory approaches and regard our "mind" as something that can also use some healing. I also am a big lover of relationships, and see them as the last cog in the total wellness of you. Look at it as a triangle or wellness - Mind-Body-Relationships. Oh, and I also may have you talk to yourself. I do best with adults for some reason, but I like all people. I am a family therapist, and see the family as a reason many issues occur. Anyway, I'll help, but you as well have to want to change. It is something I value deeply as I've changed from that shy kid to a confident, more present person, and I want to help you do the same. Stephen Weaver, MA, MSED, LMFT has a bachelor's in electronic media: mass media from the University of Akron, a master's of art in professional communication from Purdue, and a master of science in education: couple and family counseling, from Indiana University (both master's from IPFW).

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Jeanette Grissom

Offering therapy in IN
License: LMHC,LCAC,MAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
39 years of experience

I am an outpatient Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor Licensed in Indiana with over 36 years of experience providing a wide range of treatment services to non-inpatient and non-partial hospitalization hurting people. Individual Therapy and Group Psycho-Education Therapy have been the foundation of services I have provided. Additionally, I have worked with Trauma-Impacted people for many years. Overall health and wellness represent my counseling style. My counseling approach is solution focused integrating and incorporating mostly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reality Therapy (RT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to empower and to promote self-efficacy in people. I utilize the unique situations of every person to design an Individual Treatment Plan that addresses the presented and expressed needs of each person seeking service. I understand how difficult it is to reach out for help and I also understand the power and confidence gained in healing the wounded child. The first step is getting started. If you are ready to start your journey, I look forward to helping you create and live your success story. Specialties: *Depression *Anxiety *Addictions/Disorders *PTSD/Trauma *Coping Skills/Tools *Self Esteem/Self Image *Communication Problems *Relationship Issues I am comfortable with and have experience providing a variety of therapeutic treatment approaches and life skill enhancement strategies. Efficacy is the end result of a person’s motivation, application and implementation efforts to embrace change that aligns with the person’s desired outcome. What I don’t know, I learn. Where I can help, I do. My primary focus is overall health and wellness.

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Stephen Groce

Offering therapy in IN
License: MS,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
5 years of experience

My name is Stephen Groce, and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Indiana. I received my BA in Psychology from Earlham College after participating and lettering in both football and track. I completed my graduate studies at Walden University, receiving a MS in Mental Health Counseling. I have over 10 years of experience in the mental health and social service arena. I’ve worked in several different clinical settings such as residential treatment facilities and acute psychiatric hospitals as well as being a member of wraparound care teams in community-based and home-based settings. I am a very flexible, caring, funny, open-minded, honest, and down to earth person. As a certified racial equity trainer and mental health advocate, I am high on respect; respect for my clients, myself, the counseling process, for who you are and who you want to be. I am grounded in my faith in God, but I understand there are so many different perspectives, based on our own experiences and upbringing, that I have learned to be a student of life and understand that there are many ways to accomplish a goal. My goal as a counselor is to help you identify and understand what works for you and help create strategies that helps you meet your goal(s). My counseling style combines several theoretical approaches including but not limited to (trauma focused) cognitive-behavioral, reality, solution focused, and client-centered therapy as well as motivational interviewing. I tailor my approach to what works for my client based on what they need and what will help them meet their goals as quickly and effectively as possible. I am authentically me and I hope to help you become the best version of yourself.

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Greta McKinney

Offering therapy in IN
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Emily Evans

Offering therapy in IN
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping both adult and teenage clients with a variety of mental health concerns. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Christy Stinton

Offering therapy in IN
License: LPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a licensed counselor, with over 15 years of experience. I have worked with a variety of issues, including infertility, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, career challenges, and life changes. I have also helped people with parenting, attachment and divorce related issues. I have a warm and interactive style. I believe that real change occurs in a safe and accepting counseling environment. My approach is to combine cognitive-behavioral, developmental and person centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Tina McCrackin

Offering therapy in IN
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Marlon Rollins

Offering therapy in IN
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Indiana with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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How to find counseling in Merrillville

Finding the best therapist close by in Merrillville can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Merrillville. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Merrillville, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Merrillville or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Merrillville area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Merrillville, elsewhere in Lake, or in the greater state of Indiana.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Merrillville area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Merrillville therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Merrillville due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Merrillville may not take health insurance, some in the state of Indiana may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Indiana you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Merrillville, Indiana working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Merrillville above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Merrillville helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Merrillville therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Merrillville therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Merrillville therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in IN, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 46411 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Merrillville counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Merrillville licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Merrillville, Indiana can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Merrillville has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Merrillville.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Merrillville:

46307, 46410, 46411

Popular cities near Merrillville, IN

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