Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Merrillville, IN

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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience primarily working with families, teenagers, women's issues, medical and behavioral health focused as well as crisis support. I am also a dog lover, a concert goer and enjoy silly-goose humor. I'm here to offer guidance and support from my training and years of experience. I have many years of experience in medical settings (NICU, PICU, child and adult ER) as well as Behavioral Health (SMI and EAP). You are the expert of your life and I want to see you live it to the max.

If you're carrying something that's hard to put into words — trauma, grief, chronic stress, infertility, or the particular weight that comes from serving others— you don't have to figure out how to start the conversation. Whether you are struggling in high school, college, or the world of adulting, I'll help with that. I came back to therapy because I noticed a high number of individuals in need but not enough therapists who are able to navigate cultural diversity in therapy.

I am a Guyanese-born American-raised world traveler who has experienced life and appreciates diversity in all aspects. I bring a holistic lens to my private practice, working with adults and families facing PTSD, trauma, infertility, sleep challenges, and the hard parts of life that don't fit into a tidy category.

I believe your mental health, physical health, and sense of purpose are all connected — and we work with all of it.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and National Board‐Certified Health and Wellness Coach with extensive experience in veteran-centered care, higher education, and community mental health. I have extensive knowledge and practice in individual and group interventions. I am also passionate about process improvements in self and organizations. I have contributed to and led Lean Six Sigma process‐improvement initiatives. Prior to my current role at the VA Hospital, I spent nearly a decade as an Assistant Professor of Social Work and held key administrative roles in field education, accreditation, and curriculum development.

My earlier clinical career includes intensive in‐home therapy, crisis intervention, and supervisory leadership supporting high‐risk children, families, and adults. Across all roles, I am known for my commitment to holistic care, spiritually and culturally responsive practice, and the development of systems that enhance learning, wellness, and community impact.

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.

My clients seek to understand and accept themselves and their life experiences. Together we will explore how your past is impacting your present, so you can ultimately move toward a better future.

I work with individuals, couples and families from an attachment and systems perspective, knowing we experience many wounds through relationships but through the right relationships we can also experience healing.

It is important in my work that I allow the client's cultural context inform my treatment.

Hi. My name is Amy. I have been a nurse for 30 years and a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for over a year and a half. I love listening to my clients and giving them the best care possible. I love cows! And I look forward to working with you. I am not a therapist. I can do an evaluation and prescribe medications IF needed. I do not like to prescribe medication if I do not have to.

Dr. Alejandro Corona Espinosa is a Licensed Psychologist (HSPP) who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame. He works with adults ages 18 and older and brings a warm, inclusive, and culturally sensitive approach to his clinical work. With a generalist background, he supports individuals across a wide range of mental health concerns and is especially passionate about integrating discussions of faith and spirituality into the therapeutic process when desired by the client.

Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Corona is deeply committed to providing accessible and meaningful care to Spanish-speaking individuals and communities. In his role with Hispanic Mental Health Ministries, he partners with parishes and diocesan ministries to reduce stigma, foster healing, and support the intersection of faith and mental wellness.