Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Merrillville, IN

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.

I love helping others overcome mental obstacles to allow them to reach their goals. I strongly value the therapeutic relationship and use it as a catalyst for positive change. I have over 8 years of experience in private practice and have helped people through a wide range of issues. I have unique experience in sport and performance psychology. I have two post undergraduate degrees in mental health counseling from Indiana University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Butler University. I bring my knowledge, experience, and value system to each of my clients.

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.

You might feel alone in this struggle but you don’t have to be. My work, which has been shaped by my own experiences of suffering and clinical training, is more than a career, it is a calling. I help people move from surviving to living with intention, calm, and confidence.

I have an undergraduate degree in psychology, and a master’s in clinical social work. I specialize in treating OCD and other anxiety disorders with Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy. I use this therapy because I’ve seen it help people begin living the lives that they want to live without fear being the driving force.

I also have a background in working with parents who are experiencing challenging situations. Whenever I work with children, I work with the caregivers as well in order to improve family unity and create lasting change.

I am very trauma-aware in that I recognize the role that past experiences have had in shaping who we are today. My philosophy is that these experiences don’t have to hold us back, but that healing is a journey to be embraced.

Hi! My name is Maggie Peters and I have been a Mental Health Counselor for about 10 years. I have worked with a wide variety of populations and do my best to create a welcoming, open minded and creative environment for my clients to feel comfortable and grow. I have a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have worked as an outpatient therapist/mental health counselor in many settings. I am also experienced in crisis intervention, as I used to work for the 988 suicide prevention hotline. I work with a wide variety of ages and populations, including children and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, trauma and suicide/self harm. I enjoy exploring coping strategies, implementing healthy, daily practices and processing stressors. I am a proud member of the LGBTQ community and have a lot of experience surrounding gender identity, acceptance and positive self esteem/self worth.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 14 years, I have found that every person possesses the ability to change. I graduated with my masters degree from Loyola University Chicago where I specialized in working with older adults. I have since expanded my expertise to include all ages of adults who are experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, or difficult life changes.

My calling as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker allows me to partner with clients in their places of greatest need, with a focus on complex post-traumatic stress. I employ a combination of talk, somatic and non-verbal eye movement based therapies. We will do deep trauma work while still making room for safety, warmth, and even a little playfulness. Because healing doesn’t have to happen in cold, serious rooms. Sometimes it happens barefoot, holding a fidget, with a sloth nearby and someone beside you who truly sees you.

I’m Dr. Michelle S. McBride, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MBA, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Rush University in Chicago, IL. Before obtaining my doctorate, I was a board-certified psychiatric registered nurse, gaining extensive experience across various clinical settings, including inpatient psychiatry, psychiatric emergency services, community behavioral health, and forensic psychiatry (jail-based care).

I am experienced, confident in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

• Schizophrenia & Schizoaffective Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Psychosis
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• ADHD
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• PTSD
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Bipolar Disorders
• Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
• Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)