Helping People Find Hope, Healing, and Purpose
Faith-based counseling for children, teens, adults, and families in Palatine and Grayslake, IL — and across Wisconsin via telehealth.
You don't have to walk this alone.

"Luke is both a skilled clinician and a very warm and caring person. He creates a safe place for clients of all ages and has a hopeful and positive outlook that is very encouraging for those around him."
— Arielle Trantham, MA, LPC

"Luke is such a warm and bright clinician who can ease your day quickly. He provides deep empathy and tools to target your concerns. Luke is passionate about what he does and will do his best to help his clients reach their goals."
— Hanbit Lee, MA, LPC

"In the years I have known Luke, it is evident that he is a gifted counselor. I highly recommend Luke."
— Dr. Luis San Roman, LCPC
"Luke immediately established rapport with our son so that he felt comfortable sharing his grief with Luke. We also appreciated that Luke equipped us as parents to continue the conversations at home."
— Parents of an adolescent son
"Luke's ability to meet our child exactly where he is each session has been transformative. He doesn't just work with our child; he actively involves us as parents, helping us better understand our child's inner world and refine our parenting approach. Luke offers a rare balance of authentic connection with teens and practical partnership with parents. We couldn't recommend him more highly for families seeking identity and healing."
— Parents of a teenage boy
"Luke is incredible. He has a unique ability to connect with clients deeply and quickly. After just one session, our son said, 'Luke is going to be so good for me.' Since then, Luke has provided not only a safe space for our son to express his emotions, but practical tools to navigate those emotions in real time for the long term. We are incredibly grateful for Luke."
— Parent of a teenage boy
"Luke helped my son through a difficult eighth-grade year. He made my son feel truly heard and seen, while also giving me space to process my own stress as a parent. Whether we met together or separately, Luke guided us through challenges with bullying, grades, and sports—helping us shift perspective when we needed it most. My son now says he wants to be a therapist 'like Luke' someday."
— Parent of a teenage boy
"Counseling gave our son the tools he needed to succeed—both in the classroom and socially. Over two years, we watched him learn to focus his energy, handle peer pressure, and believe in himself. His higher grades and newfound confidence speak volumes. We're grateful he's now equipped to face the challenges ahead."
— Parents of a teenage boy
"Luke provided exceptional care for our two sons. His ability to connect with young people and make them feel truly heard and understood is rare. We're deeply grateful for his professional, caring approach and the positive impact he's had on both our boys."
— Parents of two sons
"We are so grateful for the care and guidance our daughter has received from Luke. He supported her through her ADHD journey, helping her learn practical tools while nurturing her confidence and sense of peace as she began medication. He has truly been a blessing to our daughter and our entire family."
— Parents of a teenage girl

A Counselor with a Pastor's Heart
Luke Merrill is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois (LCPC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin (LPC). He supports children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and emotional challenges — and is known for his calm, steady presence and his ability to help people feel truly seen and understood.
Before entering the counseling field, Luke served as a Children's Pastor at Christian Life Church in Mount Prospect, IL. As a fourth-generation minister and lifelong pastor's kid, he carries a deep love for Jesus and a passion for making mental health a normal, hopeful conversation in the local church.
He holds an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University and a B.A. in Ministerial Studies from Christian Life College. Luke currently serves as a Deacon in his church and teaches psychology and counseling courses at Christian Life College.
Luke recently expanded his practice into Wisconsin, reflecting his commitment to making quality, faith-integrated counseling accessible to more individuals and families across state lines.
M.A.
Mental Health Counseling
Trinity International University
LCPC · Illinois
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
State of Illinois
LPC · Wisconsin
Licensed Professional Counselor
State of Wisconsin
Trusted by Fellow Mental Health Professionals

"Luke is both a skilled clinician and a very warm and caring person. He creates a safe place for clients of all ages and has a hopeful and positive outlook that is very encouraging for those around him."
— Arielle Trantham, MA, LPC

"Luke is such a warm and bright clinician who can ease your day quickly. He provides deep empathy and tools to target your concerns. Luke is passionate about what he does and will do his best to help his clients reach their goals."
— Hanbit Lee, MA, LPC

"In the years I have known Luke, it is evident that he is a gifted counselor. I highly recommend Luke."
— Dr. Luis San Roman, LCPC
Counseling in Palatine, Grayslake & Wisconsin
Compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals and families — in-person at my Illinois offices or via telehealth across Illinois and Wisconsin.
Kids & Teens Counseling
Age-appropriate support for children, teenagers, and the parents who care about them.
Explore counselingAdult Counseling
Collaborative, practical support for adults navigating life’s pressures, relationships, and transitions.
Explore counselingFamily Counseling
Support for families seeking healthier communication, connection, and practical ways forward.
Explore counselingCouples Counseling
A respectful space for partners who want more clarity, connection, and understanding.
Explore counselingIssues I Address
Treatment Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Building psychological flexibility and values-based living
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Developing emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
Play & Creative Therapy
Using creativity and play to help children express and process emotions
Locations
Palatine Office
675 N North Ct, Suite 215
Palatine, IL 60067
Grayslake-area Office
34121 U.S. 45, Suite 221
Grayslake area · Gages Lake, IL 60030
Telehealth — IL & WI
Secure online sessions statewide
Fees & Insurance
$220
Per Individual Session
Insurance Accepted
BCBS of Illinois
Contact for other insurance verification
Free 15-Minute Consultation
Session Formats
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions
Family Counseling
Supporting the whole family
In-Person (Illinois)
Palatine & Grayslake offices
Telehealth (IL & WI)
Secure online sessions in both states
Grounded in Trust, Connection, and Hope
My work is grounded in trust and connection — because meaningful change happens when people feel comfortable being themselves and families feel supported. I blend evidence-based therapeutic strategies with creativity and relationship-building to help clients grow.
Whether you're a parent looking for support, a teen ready to take a step toward healing, or an adult navigating life's challenges, I'd be honored to walk with you.

What Families Say
Real stories of healing and hope from those I've had the privilege to serve.
Luke immediately established rapport with our son so that he felt comfortable sharing his grief with Luke. We also appreciated that Luke equipped us as parents to continue the conversations at home.
— Parents of an adolescent son
Luke's ability to meet our child exactly where he is each session has been transformative. He doesn't just work with our child; he actively involves us as parents, helping us better understand our child's inner world and refine our parenting approach. Luke offers a rare balance of authentic connection with teens and practical partnership with parents. We couldn't recommend him more highly for families seeking identity and healing.
— Parents of a teenage boy
Luke is incredible. He has a unique ability to connect with clients deeply and quickly. After just one session, our son said, 'Luke is going to be so good for me.' Since then, Luke has provided not only a safe space for our son to express his emotions, but practical tools to navigate those emotions in real time for the long term. We are incredibly grateful for Luke.
— Parent of a teenage boy
Luke helped my son through a difficult eighth-grade year. He made my son feel truly heard and seen, while also giving me space to process my own stress as a parent. Whether we met together or separately, Luke guided us through challenges with bullying, grades, and sports—helping us shift perspective when we needed it most. My son now says he wants to be a therapist 'like Luke' someday.
— Parent of a teenage boy
Counseling gave our son the tools he needed to succeed—both in the classroom and socially. Over two years, we watched him learn to focus his energy, handle peer pressure, and believe in himself. His higher grades and newfound confidence speak volumes. We're grateful he's now equipped to face the challenges ahead.
— Parents of a teenage boy
Luke provided exceptional care for our two sons. His ability to connect with young people and make them feel truly heard and understood is rare. We're deeply grateful for his professional, caring approach and the positive impact he's had on both our boys.
— Parents of two sons
We are so grateful for the care and guidance our daughter has received from Luke. He supported her through her ADHD journey, helping her learn practical tools while nurturing her confidence and sense of peace as she began medication. He has truly been a blessing to our daughter and our entire family.
— Parents of a teenage girl
Mental Health Monday Podcast
Every Monday, I share real talk, practical tools, and encouragement for your mental health journey. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or just trying to find balance, this podcast is for you.
Hope starts here.
Listen to the PodcastNew episodes every Monday
Beyond the Counseling Room
Explore additional resources to support your mental health journey.
You Are Not Alone
A resource for navigating mental health challenges with faith, hope, and practical guidance.
Get the BookBlog & Articles
Articles, tips, and resources for mental health, parenting, and personal growth.
Read BlogFree Consultation
Not sure if counseling is right for you? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs.
What to Expect
Starting counseling can feel like a big step. My goal is to make the process simple, supportive, and comfortable from the very first contact.
How to Get Started
Reaching out is easy. Fill out the contact form or request a consultation, and I'll personally follow up to answer questions, discuss your needs, and schedule your first session. No pressure — just a conversation to see if we're a good fit.
Your First Session
In our first meeting, we'll take time to get to know each other. I'll ask about what brings you in, your goals for counseling, and any background that helps me understand your story. Together, we'll create a plan that fits your needs.
Ongoing Sessions
Counseling sessions are collaborative and practical. I integrate evidence-based strategies, emotional skills, and faith-based support to help you or your family grow, heal, and move forward with confidence.
Teletherapy — Illinois & Wisconsin
I offer in-person sessions at my Palatine and Grayslake offices in Illinois, as well as secure telehealth sessions for clients throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. Telehealth sessions are conducted through a private, HIPAA-compliant video platform.
Insurance & Payment
I accept private pay and BCBS of Illinois. I can also provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement if requested. I'm happy to answer any questions about fees or payment options during your consultation.
Professional Endorsements
Trusted by fellow mental health professionals.

Luke is both a skilled clinician and a very warm and caring person. He creates a safe place for clients of all ages and has a hopeful and positive outlook that is very encouraging for those around him.
— Arielle Trantham
MA, LPC

Luke is such a warm and bright clinician who can ease your day quickly. He provides deep empathy and tools to target your concerns. Luke is passionate about what he does and will do his best to help his clients reach their goals.
— Hanbit Lee
MA, LPC

In the years I have known Luke, it is evident that he is a gifted counselor. I highly recommend Luke.
— Dr. Luis San Roman
LCPC
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're looking for a counselor near Palatine or Grayslake, IL — or a Wisconsin telehealth counselor — I'd love to connect. Let's begin together.
Taking the first step is often the hardest. I'm here to make it easier.
Contact Information
Phone
(847) 790-4474
lmerrill@whitestoneresources.com
Locations
Palatine & Grayslake, IL (in-person)
Wisconsin (telehealth)
Palatine Office
675 N North Ct, Suite 215
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 790-4474
Grayslake-area Office
34121 U.S. 45, Suite 221
Gages Lake, IL 60030
(847) 790-4474
Wisconsin — Telehealth
Serving clients statewide in Wisconsin via secure online sessions.
(847) 790-4474

