Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Merrillville, IN

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.

Welcome, I am Christy Walters, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Indiana, and have been practicing 15 years. I specialize in working with children and families. I have experience working with Domestic Violence victims, Childhood trauma and substance abuse. Other areas I address are Adjustment disorders, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, trauma, loss/life changing transitions.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Hi! I have a LCSW with a MSW. By integrating evidence-based practices such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, CPT, and ACT, I will work alongside you to develop practical strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving your goals.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 30 years of experience working with all aspects of mental health needs. I help my clients relive their anxiety and stress to experience newfound peace and happiness

Many of the individuals I work with come to therapy feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed, and trapped in patterns of survival rather than truly living. They may find themselves constantly overthinking, struggling to relax, carrying the weight of past experiences, feeling disconnected from their emotions, or wondering why they no longer feel like themselves. Others may be experiencing relationship challenges, difficulty trusting others, or feeling stuck despite their best efforts to move forward.

Using a person-centered, trauma-informed approach, I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can safely explore your experiences, gain deeper self-understanding, and begin healing at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Together, we will identify the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, develop healthier coping strategies, and work toward creating meaningful and lasting change.

I believe that healing happens within the context of a strong therapeutic relationship. My approach is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and genuine connection, allowing you to feel heard, understood, and supported throughout your journey. Whether you are processing trauma, navigating anxiety or depression, struggling in your relationships, or facing a major life transition, our work together will focus on helping you reconnect with your strengths, build self-confidence, improve emotional well-being, and create a more fulfilling and balanced life.

With 18 years of experience in the mental health field and 7 years as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I specialize in working with adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions. My passion is helping clients move beyond merely surviving and toward living with greater peace, resilience, connection, and purpose.

Reach me directly at [email protected] to schedule a consult or appt.

I also accept Medicare, AmBetter, UMR and United plans.

https://care.tavahealth.com/providers/jessica-gaffney

Therapy is a healing of the past, UNFOLDING OF THE PRESENT AND gift for your future. You will see growth from day one.