Merrill is nicknamed the “City of Parks” because of their abundance of community parks as well as natural spaces for you and your friends and family to enjoy. The town was named after S.S. Merrill, who was the general manager of the Pacific, St. Paul, Milwaukee, and Chicago Railroad. The town has had its share of troubles with flooding and damage, but it has persevered and flourished.
Whether you are struggling with an issue, you may need some extra support from someone who understands what you are going through. Whether it is financial, personal, or emotional, the mental health care experts in and around Merrill are able to help. Talk to one of the counselors or therapists today so you can get things worked out.
Dr. Denise Petrelli-Holst
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been in the helping profession for over 25 years. My journey has had many twists and turns that have been personally and professionally rewarding. My career path has been non-traditional over the years as I have been active in a variety of positions: Auto Industry, Mentor and Tutor, Educator and Art Therapist, Business Owner and Business Consultant, which have encompassed into a unique set of skills and knowledge for a Professional Counselor. My professional experiences have been in public and private business and include for-profit and not-for profit organizations. My counseling and life philosophy are open and flexible. I believe that finding methods that work for you can help with life's challenges. Life is a journey filed with opportunities, lessons to be learned, hardships to overcome, and joys to celebrate. I believe that an individual can be in control of their journey once they take ownership of the decisions they make and paths to follow. Looking forward to hearing from you, Dr. Denise Petrelli-Holst
Michael Johnnson
I have thirty five years of experience serving people with a variety of issues. I work comfortably with individuals, couples, and families of any age and ethnicity. I have advanced training experiences in Family-Systems Therapy, and Motivational Interview. When I am given the honor of serving someone, I will offer an approach that feels most comfortable, and is the most effective for that person. Your experience, history, and current issues should guide the work we do together. I can use a quick 'solutions' focus. However the depth, complexity, and confusion of your experience will guide the style and pace of our work. I am a 72 year old Christian man with the experiences of marriage, divorce, a blended and inter-racial family, non-binary family members, vocational issues, addiction recovery, and ADHD. I can counsel from a Christian perspective, if you prefer. You will be my partner in the formation and execution of your treatment plan. I ensure that you know the purpose, process, and desired outcome of each element of our work together. My effort is directed by your thoughts, feelings, and expressions. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Augustina Garba
Hello and welcome! My name is Augustina Garba. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a master’s degree in Counseling in May 2002. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I started out working with adult mental health individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. During my internship, I was exposed to working with severely abused and neglected children. This experience was what inspired me to work with children and families. I now provide individual and family therapy sessions targeting anger management for children and at-risk teenagers. My passion has always been to help bring about changes in the lives of individuals and families while partnering with them to create hope in their future. In 2009, I went into Private Practice. I now work with children, adults, and families, providing individual and family therapy sessions. I also work with adult survivors of childhood abuse. My focus is to help them heal from their trauma and overcome related issues and problems that could develop due to their abuse. These could range from depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks and stress. I work with many individuals and couples in relationship building. I counsel couples with relationship and divorce issues, anger management and domestic violence. My focus in counseling is to work with you to resolve issues that challenge you and restore self-efficacy to couples, individuals and families. I am supportive in therapy and a good listener. I will collaborate with you, using teaching skills and give you tangible assignments to help you succeed in achieving your goals of finding a long-term meaningful solution. I am consistent and believe in building a trusting and reliable client-therapist relationship. I look forward to working with you!
Nicole Jackson
Nicole has many talents. Her passion in nestled in the likes of helping others. She is currently employed Full-time with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and pool behavioral health staff with Columbia-St. Mary’s. Nicole’s other job duties include Federal Re-entry, clinical supervision, counseling (individual and group), consultation, AODA, Mental Health, and Trauma education and training, as well as administrative tasks. Nicole has diverse ability to use many counseling modalities however Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and corrective thinking techniques are primary in Nicole’s work. Most of Nicole’s work surrounds the adult population, specifically in the criminal justice system. Nicole was also trained as a Parenting/Nurturing facilitator and sex offender treatment. Nicole completed her undergraduate degree in psychology and drug counseling at Alverno College, where she joined PSI CHI, The National Honors Society in Psychology. She went on to complete her Masters degree at Mount Mary College, now known as Mount Mary University in community counseling with a focus on mental health and trauma.
Susan Williams
Hello everyone! I am Susan Williams, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have almost 15 years experience working with individuals, couples and families focusing on Addictions, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Mood Disorders, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem Issues and Trauma. I have a Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University-Chicago. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. My goal is to assist you in developing goals to become empowered and move forward towards a positive change within your life. Through therapy we will work towards self-discovery and becoming more self-aware while challenging negative cognitions that prevent you from moving forward with healing. I look forward to working with you!
Holly Gardenier
Troubled times can create anxious thoughts and choices. Whether wanting the sadness to end, or [re]discovering purposefulness, or wrestling with uncomfortable thoughts, targeted therapy can help. I believe that the answers lay within each of us. My training has focused on mitigating trauma, resolving grief, and tolerating uncertainty. I am EMDR certified, utilize mindfulness and cognitive therapy models, and have advanced training in working with addictions and other troubling behavior issues. Adding meditation as a daily ritual can be clarifying and fruitful in making everyday decisions. My encouragement will be to go beyond the surface of your life to explore the depth within. Fear, loss, joy and awareness are contained in the cells of our being. We carry every experience of and response to our lives deep inside. I believe each of us has the answers to our life's puzzles, and my job is to provide a compassionate and safe space for that journey. I look forward to working alongside you.
Tiffany Wilhelm
I am a board certified, licensed professional counselor, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a total of 14 years of professional work experience in the mental health field. I worked in a variety of non-profit roles, including responding to mental health crisis situations for youth within the Milwaukee community and facilitated psycho-education groups ranging from sex education, anger management, sexual exploitation prevention to cognitive behavioral groups for depression. I have held leadership positions within non-profits, training and supervising programs for crisis response, commercial sexual exploitation of children mentoring and crisis prevention, and protective placements for adults who are vulnerable due to their disabilities. I work administratively in residential treatment, supervising and utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I have years of experience doing counseling out of outpatient clinics and within I have 8 years of professional counseling experience. My experiences in helping individuals ranges with trauma, substance use, co-occurring disorders, stress and anxiety, anger management, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I became interested in counseling because I believe in the power of healing through engaging relationships and the importance of having feedback from someone else who is skillful to help support and guide one's path for a healthier, happier life. I incorporate these beliefs in my work with my individuals to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I utilize, teach and support mindfulness practice to be present with individuals, empathize in their suffering and guide them through difficult experiences. I believe you are the expert on you, and empowering you to be assertive. It's my role to help you meet the goals you have set for yourself. Therapy is an incredibly rewarding experience, and yet it is very difficult. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! When you are ready, its a journey we can experience together.
Christine Vollmer
As a licensed therapist in Wisconsin, I bring over 16 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and self-esteem. I specialize in supporting individuals through significant life transitions, focusing on personal growth, healing, and empowerment. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and holistic, addressing a wide range of concerns including social anxiety, relationship dynamics, workplace stress, and personal identity challenges. I'm particularly committed to supporting older adults, women, and individuals experiencing midlife transitions, helping them rediscover purpose, strengthen self-love, and develop resilient coping strategies. I believe in creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. My goal is to walk alongside you, offering guidance and support as you navigate your unique journey toward emotional wellness and self-understanding.
heather lukach
As a licensed therapist in Wisconsin, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging transitions. My practice centers on helping clients navigate complex emotional landscapes, with specialized expertise in depression, anxiety, grief, and mood disorders. I offer a deeply empathetic approach to addressing personal challenges such as social anxiety, isolation, workplace stress, and life transitions. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering individuals to cultivate self-love, develop resilient coping strategies, and heal from traumatic experiences. My professional background includes extensive work supporting women's mental health, caregivers, and individuals confronting significant life changes—from divorce and midlife transitions to serious health diagnoses. I am committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, build inner strength, and develop meaningful pathways toward personal growth and emotional wellness.
Katie Ross-McGinnis
As a licensed therapist in Wisconsin, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My clinical approach centers on helping clients address challenges like social anxiety, trauma recovery, attachment issues, and life transitions. I'm deeply committed to creating a compassionate, affirming space where individuals can explore their experiences and develop meaningful coping strategies. My therapeutic work focuses on understanding the unique intersections of personal experience, including struggles with isolation, obsessive patterns, and the impacts of past trauma. I draw from evidence-based practices to support clients dealing with diverse challenges, from addiction recovery to processing experiences of abuse and exploring identity. I believe in a collaborative approach that honors each person's individual journey. My goal is to provide supportive, non-judgmental guidance that empowers clients to build resilience, enhance self-understanding, and create positive change in their lives.
Janet Van Natta
As a licensed therapist in Wisconsin, I bring over two decades of compassionate counseling experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice specializes in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, grief, and significant life transitions with empathy and professional expertise. I focus on supporting individuals struggling with self-esteem, communication difficulties, social anxiety, and emotional healing. My approach is particularly attuned to women's issues, midlife transitions, and the unique emotional landscapes of aging and personal growth. My therapeutic style centers on creating a supportive, understanding environment where clients can explore their inner experiences, develop healthier coping strategies, and rediscover their sense of purpose and self-worth. Whether you're dealing with isolation, relationship challenges, or seeking personal transformation, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional guidance.
Tabitha Garton
As a licensed therapist with over a decade of clinical experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional focus centers on helping clients work through trauma, body image challenges, anxiety, depression, and relationship dynamics. I bring a compassionate and evidence-based approach to therapy, understanding that healing is a deeply personal journey. My work is rooted in creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My expertise spans critical areas including posttraumatic stress, self-harm recovery, eating-related concerns, and emotional wellness. I am committed to walking alongside my clients, offering skilled guidance and unconditional support as they move toward greater emotional balance and self-understanding.
Kitra Thomas
As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My professional background centers on addressing workplace dynamics, stress management, and trauma recovery. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy, particularly committed to serving diverse communities and creating affirming spaces for healing. My practice is deeply rooted in understanding the intersections of professional development, personal growth, and emotional well-being. I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients develop resilient strategies for managing anxiety, workplace challenges, and past traumatic experiences. With a person-centered approach, I aim to empower clients by honoring their unique experiences and strengths. Whether you're seeking support through career transitions, processing personal challenges, or developing more effective coping mechanisms, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional expertise.
Angela Kalsbeek
Angela describes her counseling style as meeting the client where they are at using compassion, connection, and kindness. She identifies as an eclectic counselor, meaning she seeks to discover and implement the most effective treatment for each child and family she works with. She utilizes a variety of art and play therapy methods when working with children and believes in unconditional acceptance, and fostering a safe place to share. Angela understands we all learn differently so she caters therapy to each child’s needs by utilizing a strength-based approach which includes cognitive behavioral therapy strategies, mindfulness interventions, and psychoeducation to teach the child how their body is regulated and what impact their life experiences have in response to their emotions. This helps the child understand how their brain and body are connected and they learn ways to rewire their thinking. Outside of work, Angela enjoys walking her dog, Ruby, gardening, spending time with family, doing DIY seasonal projects, listening to music, and going to concerts. Specialties: Adjustment Disorders, Attachment Concerns, Anger, Anxiety, Boundaries, Bullying, Conflict Resolution, Depression, Emotional Processing, Foster care, Grief & Loss, Life Transitions, Neurodivergent, Parenting Shame & Guilt, Sensitive Children, Self-Esteem, Self-Identity, Self-Harm, Separation Issues, Stress Management, Student Issues, Trauma, Relationship Issues Population: Children, Youth, Teens, Young Adults, Parents, & Families Modalities: Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping), Sand Tray Therapy, Therapeutic Play through connection
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Merrill, Wisconsin
Finding a therapist near you in Merrill, Wisconsin starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Wisconsin is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Wisconsin, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Wisconsin, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Wisconsin
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Wisconsin, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Wisconsin
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Wisconsin
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Wisconsin through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Wisconsin
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Wisconsin, including residents in Merrill.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Wisconsin do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Merrill, Wisconsin
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Merrill and the surrounding WI area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.