Afsha Merchant

LCPC
Accepting Clients

Therapist, wellness coach, artist & holistic practitioner creating inclusive spaces for healing, connection, and creativity

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Chicago, IL

Free Initial Consultation
Book consultation

Free 15-minute call, no obligation.

About My Clients

I’m passionate about supporting BIPOC communities, particularly Latine and South Asian individuals, who are navigating trauma, neurodivergence, life transitions, relationships, anxiety, depression, cultural identity, or the complexities of being caught between different worlds. I especially enjoy working with individuals who want to better understand themselves, reconnect with their bodies, and explore healing beyond traditional talk therapy.

My Background and Approach

I’ve worked in mental health for 8 years and am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with specialized training in trauma, domestic violence, and evidence-based approaches. My training includes a 40-hour Domestic Violence certificate, a year-long advanced trauma program, DBT certification, and Level 1 training in the Gottman Method, which informs my work with couples and relationships. My approach is integrative, person-centered, and culturally responsive, combining talk therapy with CBT, DBT, solution-focused, somatic, and trauma-informed practices. Studying abroad in Spain and teaching English there deepened my appreciation for language and culture and strengthened my connection to the Latine community. I’m fluent in Spanish and value helping clients bring their full identities into the healing process.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe wellness should be inclusive, culturally responsive, and holistic, and that there is no single definition of health or healing. I value authenticity, creativity, cultural connection, community, self-expression, body neutrality, and creating spaces where people feel safe to be fully themselves. I believe in challenging fatphobia and the idea that a person’s body size determines their health, worth, or value. I’m passionate about creating wellness spaces that are body-inclusive and free from shame, judgment, and unrealistic expectations. I believe our mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being are deeply interconnected. I’m committed to creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to connect, heal, express themselves, and care for themselves in ways that feel authentic.

Client Focus

Age
Teens (14–18), Adults, Elders (65+)
Participants
Individuals, Couples
Languages
English, Español, Hindi, Urdu

Qualifications

License
LCPC, State of Illinois · #178.016913
Education
MA of Counseling Psychology
Supervision
Provides supervision to apprentice therapists · currently accepting supervisees
Years in practice
7 years
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Optum
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna PPO
  • Carelon Behavioral Health
  • Optum Health
  • UnitedHealthcare life insurance
  • United Healthcare Optum
  • Ascension
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Agnosticism
  • Baha'i
  • Christianity
  • Hinduism
  • Islam
  • Jainism
  • Interfaith
  • Multifaith

Hours & Availability

Monday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FridayClosed
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
New clients welcome
Currently accepting new clients
Telehealth
Available

Location

Primary Location

Chicago, IL 60613
8479869064
Open in Google Maps ↗ · GPS: 41.9577761°, -87.6556468°

Nearby Areas

Cities and Zips
Lincolnwood
Illinois
60712
Chicago
Illinois
60604
Skokie
Illinois
60203
Elmwood Park
Illinois
60707
Norridge
Illinois
60706
Morton Grove
Illinois
60053
River Grove
Illinois
60171
Cicero
Illinois
60804
Wilmette
Illinois
60091
Niles
Illinois
60714
Park Ridge
Illinois
60068
Schiller Park
Illinois
60176
Berwyn
Illinois
60402
Melrose Park
Illinois
60163
Stickney
Illinois
60804
North Riverside
Illinois
60546
Franklin Park
Illinois
60160
Stone Park
Illinois
60165
Broadview
Illinois
60155
Bellwood
Illinois
60104
Northlake
Illinois
60164
Glenview
Illinois
60062
Des Plaines
Illinois
60018
Hillside
Illinois
60162
Westchester
Illinois
60154
Summit
Illinois
60501
Bensenville
Illinois
60131
Bedford Park
Illinois
60638
Elmhurst
Illinois
60163
Mount Prospect
Illinois
60056
Hometown
Illinois
60456
Wood Dale
Illinois
60191
Countryside
Illinois
60525
Evergreen Park
Illinois
60805
Hodgkins
Illinois
60525
Bridgeview
Illinois
60501
Justice
Illinois
60501
Prospect Heights
Illinois
60090
Highland Park
Illinois
60035
Itasca
Illinois
60191
Oak Lawn
Illinois
60803
Wheeling
Illinois
60090
Hickory Hills
Illinois
60457
Chicago Ridge
Illinois
60415
Burr Ridge
Illinois
60527
Westmont
Illinois
60559
Willowbrook
Illinois
60527
Palos Hills
Illinois
60465
Worth
Illinois
60482

At A Glance

  • Experience: 7 years of practice
  • Languages: English, Español, Hindi, Urdu
  • Rate: $120 - 175/session

Reach out to Afsha