Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Merrillville, IN

Clients should know that I’m a real person first and a therapist second. I actually started my career in sports management, but life had other plans — and a series of lived experiences pulled me toward social work in a way that felt impossible to ignore. I went on to complete my MSW at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN, and I’ve spent the last ten years working in child protection, community health, and hospital social work in a Level 1 trauma facility.

I also spent years as a caregiver, which made me especially comfortable working with older adults and taught me that humor, patience, and a good cup of coffee can get you through almost anything. I’m nearing completion of my PST therapy certification, which adds a structured, problem‐solving lens to the work we do.

I take therapy seriously, but I don’t take myself too seriously — so you can expect warmth, honesty, and the occasional well‐timed laugh when life hands us something so absurd it deserves one.

I’m an easy‐going, friendly therapist who believes therapy works best when you can be your real self—no pressure, no judgment. I bring a balance of empathetic listening, humor, and practical tools into our work together. Think of it like having someone who can both sit in the hard stuff with you and help lighten the load when you need a moment to breathe. I enjoy working with: Individuals experiencing depression, stress, anxiety, life transitions; Parents and families navigating communication issues or conflict; Preteens, Teens, and young adults, elderly; Individuals healing from difficult family dynamics or patterns; Caregivers.

Hi, I’m so glad you’re here. I am originally from Chicago, and I bring both my lived experience and professional training into the work I do. I attended the University of Michigan Ann Arbor for undergraduate and graduate schools. I have a strong clinical background in mental health, working with individuals across a range of experiences and challenges. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in creating a space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported. I look forward to working with you on your journey.

Dr. Idowu Oshokoya DNP is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Chicago, IL. He works with adolescents, adults, and older adults, and provides care for patients who are battling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolars, and other mental disorders. Idowu studied at Walden University, He has extensive training and 10 years of experience with behavioral health.

As a Clinical Psychologist, I have worked with adults navigating challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, job stressors, and substance use. Whether you’re coping with something acute or seeking long-term personal growth, therapy can help you develop insight and resilience.

Hello! My name is Danielle, and I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 10 years. Too often, we can become overwhelmed by the pressures of life, and that is where therapy can help. It may be time to prioritize your own mental health, and coming here is an important first step. I’m proud of you for taking it.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, family issues, LGBTQIA+ concerns, relationship challenges, PTSD, stress, grief and loss, ADHD, anger, substance use, and major life transitions. My focus in treatment is helping you feel supported while we better understand what you are carrying and what you hope will change. Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself, your relationship, or your family, I look forward to meeting you and helping you move toward healing and growth.

On a personal level, I enjoy time with my teen daughters & my best friend- my little, not so little puggle dog, Rizzo. I enjoy traveling & exploring beautiful places. I also love to cook and share meals with family & friends. I am passionate about and involved with many social causes on local, national and global levels that keep me busy.

Great to meet you. If you have been carrying more than most people realize, therapy can be a place to finally feel seen, supported, and understood. You may be navigating PTSD that still impacts your daily life, anxiety that fills every quiet moment, mood shifts that feel difficult to predict, anger that rises before you can stop it, depression, panic, grief, relationship stress, family issues, ADHD, OCD, substance use concerns, or the emotional toll of a chronic health condition. I work with adults, children, and seniors who want more than someone simply listening from a distance. My goal is to walk beside you with honesty, skill, practical tools, and a therapeutic relationship built on transparency and trust. Whether you are working through trauma, identity concerns, cultural stressors, women’s issues, LGBTQIA+ experiences, transgender issues, or major life stress, you deserve support that meets you where you are and helps you move forward.

Hello! I’m so glad you’re here.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel big, and I’m here to make it as welcoming and grounded as possible. With over 13 years of experience in medical healthcare and over 7 years in mental healthcare, I bring a unique blend of mind-body awareness to our sessions.

I have a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling, and many post-graduate certifications specializing in trauma and grief, including EMDR and Compassionate Bereavement Care.

I did not stumble into this work — I chose it, and I choose it every day. I am Bianca Gist, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Indiana.

I am also a former collegiate athlete, and that background shapes how I show up — I know what it feels like to carry a lot and still need someone genuinely in your corner. My experience is rooted in the spaces where people need the most and are often given the least — Chicago Public Schools, foster care, home-based services, and community mental health. Through my private practice, Her Sole Purpose LLC, I work with children, adolescents, student-athletes, and families using CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care. I use what works for the person in front of me, not a one-size-fits-all approach. I work well with people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and the weight of environments that were not built for them. Therapy with me is honest, grounded, and focused on what actually helps you move forward — not just cope.

If any of this resonates, I would love to connect.