Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Merrillville, IN

Hi, I'm Sarah — a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Indiana with a background in community mental health. I currently work as a clinical supervisor at a Federally Qualified Health Center, where I provide both direct care and supervision to other clinicians. My training includes IFS (Internal Family Systems) and EMDR, and I bring a collaborative, client-centered approach to every session.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience supporting adolescents, adults, and older adults through life’s most challenging transitions. My background spans mental health therapy, crisis intervention, trauma recovery, child welfare, and geriatric care, which allows me to work with clients from a holistic, compassionate, and well-rounded perspective.

I use a strength-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach, meeting each client where they are and honoring their unique experiences. My clinical work integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT-informed skills, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness-based practices. I work collaboratively with clients to set meaningful goals, build coping skills, and create sustainable change.

I have experience helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I also bring a strong background in crisis support and safety planning, ensuring clients feel supported, grounded, and safe throughout the therapeutic process.

Above all, I strive to provide a warm, non-judgmental, and culturally responsive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Therapy with me is collaborative and paced to your needs, with a focus on helping you reconnect with your strengths and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

I use a four- fold approach to treating beyond traditional psychotherapy to help you on your journey. I have PhD in Clinical psychology, two master's degree (one in community counseling, one in community psychology). I also have a degree in Addictions and one in business management. Having worked every level of care from an inpatient hospital setting, residential long-term care, in a jail, a prison, out-patient levels for intensive three times per week to one time per week and taught in two universities. I am working my favorite level of care on an out-patient setting. Training has been in addictions, mental health, couples and family systems. I have other specialties with chronic pain and nutrition/bariatrics and obesity and available to provide medical and court evaluations with limited testing. I see children from 12 and up and adults/geriatrics.

My calling as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker allows me to partner with clients in their places of greatest need, with a focus on complex post-traumatic stress. I employ a combination of talk, somatic and non-verbal eye movement based therapies. We will do deep trauma work while still making room for safety, warmth, and even a little playfulness. Because healing doesn’t have to happen in cold, serious rooms. Sometimes it happens barefoot, holding a fidget, with a sloth nearby and someone beside you who truly sees you.

Empathetic, but will challenge one to become the best version of themselves. My years of experience afford me a good insight into various mental health disorders. I have a vast background in working with couples, families, and court ordered cases regarding divorce and coparenting. I have worked with diverse populations extensively. I utilize humor to help make the counseling environment warm, fun and engaging.

I actively participate in helping you get to where you want to go, and I offer insight when clients have a desire and readiness to hear it. I have worked in the mental health field for over ten years as well, so I have heard it all! My office is a no judgement zone first and foremost. I am a sex therapist and look forward to helping you overcome sexual shame and trauma so that you can have all the intimacy and closeness you desire.

I’ve been working in the mental health field since earning my Masters of Science in Social Work degree with a specialization in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from the University of Louisville in 2011. Over the years, I’ve worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, supporting adults through challenges with mental health and substance use. Those experiences have given me the privilege of walking alongside people in some of the hardest and most transformative moments of their lives.

With over a decade of experience, I offer tailored therapy for diverse challenges: Disruptive Behavior, Parental Stress, LGBTQIA Support, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Relationships, Grief, Life Transitions, BIPOC Concerns, and Personal Growth. I use a holistic approach integrating Trauma-Informed Care, CBT, and Behavior Therapy. Let's work towards healing and growth together!