Afsha Merchant, LCPC
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Afsha is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- FSA/HSA accepted
- Great news, Afsha is accepting new clients!
- She is normally fully-booked.
- Speaks English, Spanish, Hindi, and Urdu
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Illinois
More about Afsha
- 7 years' experience
- Female
- LCPC
I'm a therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals through a wide range of life challenges. My work centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space where you can explore your concerns without judgment.
I specialize in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, and trauma. I'm particularly skilled at addressing self-esteem concerns, communication patterns, social anxiety, relationship conflict, and attachment issues. Whether you're working through grief, body image struggles, workplace stress, or the complexities of identity and belonging, I'm here to support you.
I bring cultural awareness and responsiveness to my practice, recognizing that your unique background, experiences, and identity shape your journey. I'm committed to honoring your whole self—including your values, relationships, and lived experiences—as we work together.
My approach is collaborative and grounded in evidence-based practices including Somatic Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Gottman Method. I believe in meeting you where you are, listening with genuine curiosity, and walking alongside you as you build insight and move toward meaningful change. Starting therapy takes courage, and I'm honored to be part of your healing journey.
Specialties
Insurance Accepted
- Cigna
Treatment Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Gottman Method
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Somatic Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
Licenses
Afsha Merchant's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1558936153.
- LCPC · Illinois · 180.018689 · Renews March 2027
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.
Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.
Reviews for Afsha Merchant
Frequently asked questions
Does Afsha Merchant offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Afsha Merchant works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Afsha Merchant speak?
Afsha Merchant speaks English, Spanish, Hindi, and Urdu.
How many years of experience does Afsha Merchant have?
Afsha Merchant has 7 years of experience.
Where is Afsha Merchant licensed to practice?
Afsha Merchant is licensed to practice in Illinois.
Does Afsha Merchant accept FSA/HSA?
Yes, Afsha Merchant accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.
Does Afsha Merchant accept insurance?
Yes, Afsha Merchant accepts Cigna.
Does Afsha Merchant accept clients outside of the United States?
Yes, Afsha Merchant accepts clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Afsha Merchant offer?
Afsha Merchant offers clients Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
How can I communicate with Afsha Merchant?
Afsha Merchant can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Afsha Merchant?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.