Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Merrillville, IN covered by United Healthcare

Hi! I'm Lindsay. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been in the field of Social Work for the past ten years. I have worked in a multitude of settings. I have worked with children as young as 4-5 years of age to older adults in their 70s. I have been working in telehealth medicine since December of 2019. I had previously worked in community health. My main focus has been anxiety disorders, but I also work with those experiencing symptoms of depression, stress, family issues/concerns, and relationship problems.

Hi, I’m Ashley therapist, animal lover, creative soul, and lifelong daydreamer. I bring a warm and down-to-earth approach to my work, and I believe that connection, curiosity, and authenticity are at the heart of healing.

When I’m not in session, you can usually find me lost in a good book especially fantasy, romantasy, or dark romance (I’m a proud BookTok girly). Some of my favorite reads have come straight from client recommendations. I always love hearing what’s on your bookshelf.

I’m also a big fan of all things crafty. Paper crafting is my go-to especially junk journals and mini albums but I’ve dabbled in wreaths, t-shirts, and tumblers. My creativity also spills into my love of music, which spans from Sleep Token to George Strait to Eminem. I’m always up for discovering new bands or catching a local show.

On slower days, I love wandering through antique stores and thrift shops. Most of my home is decorated with pieces that have a story either found secondhand or passed down through family. I find comfort in giving old things new life.

Animals have always been a grounding force in my world. I’ve been riding horses since I was four, and my heart horse, Kirby, is my trail buddy and snack-sharing best friend (she’s a big fan of applesauce and cupcakes). My two dogs, Oliver and Dottie, are certified therapy dogs who’ve joined me in visits to hospices, hospitals, nursing homes, and children’s reading programs. Together, Kirby, Oliver, and Dottie inspired the name Free to Wander Counseling, a reflection of my belief that healing often begins when we allow ourselves to explore, play, and connect in gentle, open-hearted ways.

Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here just as you are.

When emotional challenges begin affecting your relationships, confidence, or daily life, it can be difficult to know where to start. You may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, or the impact of difficult experiences. For children and adolescents, these struggles may show up through behavioral changes, emotional outbursts, school difficulties, or challenges connecting with others. Therapy offers a supportive space to better understand what is happening beneath the surface and begin creating meaningful change.

Hi, I’m Carllie Meeks, a licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders, body image, and identity work. I hold a Masters degree from Loyola University Chicago and have extensive experience supporting adults in their recovery through a culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens. My approach integrates evidence-based therapies with compassion and curiosity, helping clients reconnect with their bodies and sense of self. I’m especially passionate about creating affirming spaces for BIPOC individuals navigating healing and self-acceptance

I believe that therapy is a space that belongs to you and is nurtured by your therapist for you. Through this healing environment, I give you the tools to change self-defeating behaviors.

With nearly 10 years of experience providing therapy, I believe meaningful change happens when you feel both deeply understood and gently challenged. My style is warm, human, and occasionally sprinkled with humor- because therapy doesn't have to feel cold, clinical, or intimidating to be effective.

I specialize in working with OCD and anxiety, helping clients understand intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and the anxiety cycles that keep them going. Together, we focus on building tolerance for uncertainty, reducing compulsive behaviors, and increasing emotional flexibility.

I also have specialized training and experience in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and evidence-based therapy approach that helps people process trauma, reduce emotional intensity, and shift long-standing beliefs that no longer serve them.

In addition, I work with individuals navigating major life changes, including high-conflict divorce and the painful realities of parental alienation. These experiences can be isolating, overwhelming, and deeply destabilizing. My approach centers on helping clients regain a sense of grounding, clarity, and agency, while learning practical tools to cope with ongoing stress, grief, and complex family dynamics.