Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Merrillville, IN

Hello, I'm Chelsea! I am a therapist that values authenticity and openness in my practice that goes both ways. I strive to build a conversational-style atmosphere to help dissolve the barriers to care tied up in clinical "sterility". My experience has been significantly trauma-focused, and I feel confident and comfortable working with folks who have had a lot of life lived by the time they come to therapy.

I come to therapy with a background in education and theater, which has deeply shaped how I connect with people and understand the human experience. My work is rooted in helping individuals better define who they are, where they want to be, and what may be standing in the way of getting there.

I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on curiosity, honesty, and growth. Together, we’ll identify obstacles, explore patterns, and engage with challenges in a meaningful way until we find solutions that truly work for you. My goal is to provide a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

What empowers people to change? A clear direction and the tools needed to succeed. Thats why my counseling approach focuses on YOU and taking steps toward your own definition of success. With a mixture of existentialism, family systems, and cognitive therapies, we will work to discover what you hope to change in your life and walk through the steps needed to get there. Whether you are struggling with aspects of your relationships, identity, life stressors, grief, trauma, or you just need some general direction, we will focus on what matters to you.

I’ve spent the last twenty years working with adolescents, young adults, and their families, and in recent years I’ve expanded my practice to include adults of all ages. My greatest strength as a therapist is my ability to build genuine rapport and trust, creating a space where clients feel understood, supported, and safe to be themselves.

I hold a master’s degree in counseling and have additional training and experience in grief, anxiety, stress, trauma, life transitions, academic counseling, post-secondary planning, and career counseling. Whether you’re navigating a major change, processing something difficult, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to walk alongside you with warmth, practical tools, and evidence-based support.