Sylvester Merritt (He/Him)

M.S., LPC, CADC
Accepting Clients

Awareness is the key. There is so much power in learning how our thoughts and emotions center our mental health.

Therapist in Chicago, IL
Supervised by Deanna Burgess

About My Clients

My emphases are addressing mental health of marginalized groups, and understanding how culture should be respected and acknowledged in the therapeutic space. As I continue to work on obtaining my doctorate in psychology, my interventions and approach to treatment informs me how to customize the therapeutic space for each client and praise our differences while promoting inner healing. Creating emotional space and showing the power of it helps my clients narrate their lives once more.

My Background and Approach

Even Trees Need to Lean.” In a society that emphasizes our unique differences, seeking out help and support continues to be stigmatized. Just as a tree cannot weather every storm that comes its way, neither can we, or should we, face life’s challenges on our own. As a Black, gay man from the South I’ve always been driven to help people learn how support informs us about our potential to access and achieve our goals. Awareness is the key. There is so much power in learning how our thoughts and emotions center not only our mental health, but through awareness we can learn about how our mental state affects our life in many ways. When we are cognizant of our emotions, we develop a deeper sense of self, and those perceptions of self can lead to growth in all aspects of life. Throughout my years of education and working in mental health, I've adapted a holistic therapeutic approach that affords me the ability to utilize multiple therapeutic theories and interventions.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

My belief is everyone has the ability to address and maintain their mental health through awareness and belief. I’ve mentored Black LGBTQIA youth on the side side since moving to Chicago and it has enriched my perspective to the needs of BIPOC clients. Systemic oppression greatly effects our mental health and discussing this in the therapeutic space facilitates individual and collectivistic healing.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Buddhism

At A Glance

  • Experience: 5 years of practice
  • Languages: English

Info

3125907049 Email Sylvester
3139 N Lincoln Ave
Suite 209
Chicago, IL 60657

Reach out to Sylvester