LGBT therapists in Merrillville, IN

I am a BIPOC and queer-affirming licensed psychologist who is still in love with this work, 20 years in!

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Indiana. I work with individuals who feel paralyzed due to past traumatic experiences; those that feel crippled by anxiety; couples who are wanting to strengthen their relationship as well as those individuals who are struggling in their grief.

With 30 + years of experience as a psychotherapist, I will do everything possible to help you get the most out of your counseling sessions. Being in therapy should be a meaningful and transformative experience. It takes courage to face emotional, mental health, relationship, behavioral, abuse and addiction issues. It is necessary to feel comfortable, safe, and heard in your therapy relationship, as it is feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, guilt, and resentment that motivate us to seek change. I provide a safe, welcoming, discrete, and professional environment where you can explore your needs for personal growth and recovery.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel vulnerable, and it is completely natural to have questions or feel uncertain about where to begin. You do not have to have everything figured out before you reach out. Therapy offers a supportive space where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I believe that healing begins in a safe, compassionate, and respectful relationship. Your story, experiences, and goals matter, and I tailor therapy to meet your unique needs. Whether you are coping with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, intimacy concerns, or other emotional struggles, we will work together to better understand what you are experiencing and create a path forward that feels meaningful and manageable.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe that prioritizing mental health is an integral part of quality of life. Congratulations on taking the first step towards self improvement! I have been practicing for 20 years with a focus on individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and difficulty with life transitions. I am also passionate about working with couples who are experiencing disconnection, conflict, and communication issues.

Dai Grose is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical addiction counselor with a master’s and doctorate in social work. Dai’s graduate concentration while obtaining his master’s degree at Indiana University was mental health and addiction. He researched interventions that enhance resilience among the LGBTQ+ community during his doctoral program at the University of Kentucky.

My name is Joe Nemeth and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received by doctorate from Rush University in Chicago and have years of experience working with patients who are struggling with their mental health. My practice is focused on medication management of a wide variety of illnesses including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and more.

As a licensed mental health counselor, I believe everyone deserves a kind space to feel better and grow stronger. Taking the step to reach out is brave, so I’m proud of you for being here! I earned my master’s at Indiana State University and bring three years of caring experience to Ember Life Counseling. I specialize in helping kids with play-based support, trauma recovery, anxiety, relationships, and life changes in ways that feel right for you. I’m warm and energetic, and I’d love to welcome you!

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 work with individuals experiencing sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, pain during sex, difficulties with orgasm, premature ejaculation, etc), anxiety during sex, low/no desire, desire mismatch in couples, sexual trauma, sexual orientation, sexual shame, gender identity, pornography or sex “addiction,” and LGBTQ+ related issues. I specialize in polyamory and ethical non-monogamy; and have experience working with polycules. I practice couples communication coaching and conflict resolution. I am kink-allied, sex work-allied, LGBTQ+ allied.

Hello, and welcome. My name is Jessica Banford, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker / Clinical Social Worker with experience providing support in both emergency and outpatient mental health settings. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and practical tools for change. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University and my professional background includes working in hospital emergency departments, where I have completed behavioral health assessments, crisis intervention, and care coordination for individuals experiencing acute mental health concerns. This experience has strengthened my ability to remain calm, supportive, and solution-focused during difficult moments. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, emotional dysregulation, and life stressors such as relationship difficulties, financial stress, and transitions. I also worked a outpatient community health center providing therapy to all populations including all ages. I also have experience supporting adolescents and young adults, as well as collaborating with families and support systems. My approach to therapy is client-centered and strengths-based. I often incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), focusing on building coping skills, improving emotional regulation, and increasing overall resilience. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, respected, and supported. I look forward to working together to help you reach your goals and improve your overall well-being.

My name is Doug L. Watson, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, RN, and I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with three years of experience treating clients across the lifespan. While I’m trained to work with individuals of all ages, about 85% of my practice has been focused on pediatrics and adolescents—a population I’m truly passionate about serving. I see children as young as five years old through Telehealth up to ages 75 or higher if needed. I earned both my BSN and MSN from Indiana Wesleyan University, completing my graduate degree in October 2022.

I genuinely love what I do and have always felt called to the field of psychiatry. Becoming a Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner has been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life. I’m excited to be on my own, building a lasting career. I’m committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and making a positive difference in the lives of my clients and their families.

Hello and congratulations for taking the first and sometimes hardest step of looking for a therapist. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of IN, KY LA, MO, NV, TX, WA and WV. I have the great privilege of working with adolescents and adults seeking assistance in improving their overall mental health and associated challenges. I’ve been in the behavioral health arena for over 40 years and have held numerous direct care and clinical leadership roles in a variety of settings. My joy comes from helping people navigate life's challenges.