Merrisa Dawn Santos (she/her/hers)

MA, LPC, NCC, CTMHP, CCTP
Accepting Clients

I sincerely believe that each of us is born into this world deserving of happiness, safety, and love.

Licensed Professional Counselor in , IL

About My Clients

Adept at working with patients from various cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations. My holistic approach focuses on the mind, body, and spirit to promote mental health and well-being. I believe in working within a multicultural lens and am committed to providing compassionate, collaborative counseling services and therapeutic approaches across the entire human landscape. I'm a critical thinker who utilizes mind-mapping techniques to help people achieve healthier and more balanced life.

My Background and Approach

Specializing in solution-based, strength-based, person-centered, and narrative methodologies derived through a neurocounseling and trauma-sensitive multiculturally competent viewpoint. Merrisa is a conscientious and dedicated practitioner in the field of behavioral/mental healthcare and the study of neuroscience. Throughout my career, I've helped numerous individuals, couples, and families treat various forms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, bereavement, family conflict, self-regulation, trauma, PTSD, and more. Both highly empathetic and flexible, I strive to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for my patients and enjoy exploring new approaches to counseling that can better meet their needs. Among my many qualifications, I am an expert in Psychoanalytic Techniques, MBCT, REBT, CBT, and DBT, incorporating various Art Therapy techniques as well as crisis and trauma intervention services.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

For some of us, the road to emotional wellness can be impacted by forces and experiences beyond our control. At times, we can lose sight of the beauty life has to offer us due to potential trauma, family history, or hardships we’ve experienced. My goal is to help you uncover, rediscover, and reclaim the joy and purpose in your life through compassionate, welcoming, and conversational counseling services. Using a holistic approach focused on connecting the mind, body, and spirit, I will help you connect with your higher purpose and experience life free from emotional pain. I offer compassionate, collaborative services that help you live a happier, more rewarding life filled with joy and purpose. Emotional stress and setbacks are a normal part of our human existence; however, these challenges can have a tremendous impact on how we view ourselves and our lives. My goal: to help you explore, understand, & overcome your obstacles & start living a life filled of promise, hope, and possibly.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Optum
  • TRICARE
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • United Healthcare
  • UMR
  • Evernorth
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Atheism
  • Buddhism
  • Christianity
  • Hinduism
  • Islam
  • Judaism
  • Multifaith

At A Glance

  • Experience: 9 years of practice
  • Languages: English, Español
  • Rate: $105 - 150/session

Reach out to Merrisa Dawn