What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
4.91
Bedside manner
5.00
“Kate has been an incredible support in my eating disorder recovery. She brings a rare combination of warmth, honesty, and deep knowledge that makes each session feel both grounding and productive. I’ve learned how to care for myself in ways that feel more sustainable, and I’ve felt truly seen and supported every step of the way.”
EGLess than 1 year ago
“Kate and her team has a gift for making you feel genuinely cared for. From the first session, I felt like I was talking to someone who actually gets it — not just another provider reading off a checklist.”
LELess than 1 year ago
About Kathryn Merkle
Focus areas
Eating Disorder
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Groups
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
EMDR
Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors
Experiential Therapy
Dialectical (DBT)
Expressive Arts
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Kathryn Merkle
Kate Merkle is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals in healing their relationships with food and body. She holds a Master of Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University, a Master of Public Health from Benedictine University, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Food Science from Colorado State University.
Kate specializes in eating disorder recovery, body image concerns, and body attunement. Her background includes work in hospital settings, all levels of care, and outpatient treatment. She believes in the power of self-nourishment to support well-being and that recovery is always possible.
Kate takes a holistic, collaborative, and strength-based approach to care, integrating evidence-based practices including Intuitive Eating, Appetite Awareness Training, Health at Every Size®, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, and psychodrama. She values the wisdom and experience that each client brings, and works closely with them to define goals, track progress, and make meaningful changes rooted in their values.
In addition to her clinical work, Kate supervises all current interns at her practice and is passionate about training the next generation of clinicians. She takes a hands-on approach to education, facilitating both individual and group supervision to ensure interns and staff are equipped to provide evidence-based, inclusive, client-led, and compassionate care.
What should a new client know about working with you?
When you work with me, you can expect a compassionate, grounded space where we focus on what matters most to you. My approach is collaborative, nonjudgmental, and rooted in the belief that healing happens in relationship—with ourselves, our bodies, and each other. I’m committed to practicing from a social justice and trauma-informed lens.
As a clinician with both personal and professional experience, I understand the importance of honoring each person’s unique story. I bring warmth, curiosity, and humor into the therapy room and strive to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to make meaningful change.
I work with all ages navigating life transitions, burnout, body image concerns, and eating disorder recovery. My work is grounded in Health at Every Size® (HAES®), weight-inclusive care, and body autonomy. Whether you're working on nourishing your body, reclaiming joy in movement, or building a more compassionate inner voice, I’m here to support you at your pace.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Kate begins by getting to know each client as a whole person—listening closely to their history, concerns, strengths, and goals. She tailors the process to meet each client where they are, building trust and safety before diving into deeper work. Together, they explore patterns around food, body image, emotions, and behaviors in a nonjudgmental space.
Kate collaborates with clients to define goals that feel meaningful and achievable. Throughout the process, she uses a range of evidence-based approaches—such as ACT, Intuitive Eating, and EMDR—based on the client’s needs and preferences. She believes in ongoing assessment, clear communication, and adjusting the plan as needed to ensure progress is grounded in the client’s values, not just symptom reduction. Whether someone is in early recovery, returning after a relapse, or doing deeper healing work, Kate is committed to offering skilled, inclusive, and compassionate care every step of the way.
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In-network insurances
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Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $275 for 55 minutes
Ongoing session: $200 for 50 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
- Charges post-reimbursement amount: This provider will only charge you for the amount you pay after you get reimbursed from your insurance plan, so you don’t need to pay the session fee upfront
More information on payments and coverage
In addition to starting with a free discovery call, we have a full-time dedicated biller on staff who handles all insurance and billing needs, so you can focus on your therapy without worrying about the administrative details. Whether you’re using insurance or paying out of pocket, we’ll work with you to ensure a smooth process. If you have any questions about payment or coverage, our billing team is here to help.
Office location
Kathryn Merkle, LDN, RDN, LCSW, MPH, MSW also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) (Commission on Dietetic Registration)
- Commission on Dietetic Registration
Education and training
- Northern Illinois University, Master's in Public Health
- Northern Illinois University, Master's in Clinical Social Work
Professional memberships
- American Psychological Association
Awards and publications
- Merit scholarship
NPI number
1285681080
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
4.91
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
33 reviews
Most relevant
Kate has been an incredible support in my eating disorder recovery. She brings a rare combination of warmth, honesty, and deep knowledge that makes each session feel both grounding and productive. I’ve learned how to care for myself in ways that feel more sustainable, and I’ve felt truly seen and supported every step of the way.
Less than 1 year agoEG
Kate and her team has a gift for making you feel genuinely cared for. From the first session, I felt like I was talking to someone who actually gets it — not just another provider reading off a checklist.
Less than 1 year agoLE
Kate just gets it. I didn’t have to explain why some things feel harder for me — she already knew how to make our sessions work for my brain. Her way of offering support feels more like collaboration than instruction, which I really appreciate. I’ve felt safe being fully myself with her, which is rare and incredibly healing.
More than 1 year agoLG
Kate helped me realize how much of my anxiety was tied up in how I was (or wasn’t) eating. Her approach is kind but direct — she doesn’t sugarcoat things, but she also never shames you. Working with someone who’s both a therapist and dietitian is rare, and it’s made all the difference for me. I feel more regulated, more nourished, and more like myself.
More than 1 year agoLW
I’ve lived with disordered eating for most of my life, and I never imagined I’d be doing this kind of work in my 60s — but Kate has made it possible. She’s incredibly warm, sharp, and deeply respectful. She understands the long road of healing and somehow brings both hope and realism into every session. She also had made the pacing of this work feel doable.
More than 1 year agoMN
I came to Kate during a really messy time in my life — I was in the middle of a divorce, struggling to take care of myself, and barely eating. She helped me reconnect with my body and my needs in a way that felt manageable. She’s down-to-earth, smart, and truly invested. I left every session feeling steadier.
More than 1 year agoJR
My college-age daughter has been working with Kate for the past year, and the difference in her confidence and stability has been remarkable. Kate has a way of balancing clinical insight with genuine connection. I’ve appreciated how she keeps the process focused but still flexible — it feels like true partnership, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
More than 1 year agoKL
I didn’t think starting this kind of work later in life would be possible, but Kate has helped me approach food and aging in a whole new way. She brings a lot of experience and listens carefully without making assumptions. Our sessions are thoughtful and real — I finally feel like someone is helping me make peace with things I’ve carried for decades.
More than 1 year agoDD
Kate has been a huge part of my daughter’s recovery from an eating disorder. As a parent, I’ve always wanted to support my child but didn’t always know how. Kate doesn’t just work with the individual — she helps the whole system understand, heal, and communicate better. I’ve seen my daughter grow more confident, more open, and more self-compassionate since working with her.
More than 1 year agoKL
Kate has helped me reframe how I take care of myself in this phase of life. I’ve dealt with chronic health issues and a lot of body shame over the years, and she’s helped me untangle those things without ever making me feel like I had to be someone I’m not. Her approach is honest, respectful, and realistic. I feel lighter after our sessions—not physically, but mentally and emotionally.
More than 1 year agoLW
As someone in my 70s, I wasn’t sure how helpful working with a dietitian would be—but Kate changed that. She helped me look at my health through a much more compassionate lens. It wasn’t about numbers or weight—it was about feeling better, managing my energy, and caring for myself in ways that fit my life. I always leave our sessions feeling more grounded.
More than 1 year agoAM
Kate is easy to talk to and has a very calming presence. I’ve worked with other professionals before, but she stands out because she really listens and doesn’t rush. She helped me make sense of a lot of confusing messages I’d heard about food and aging. I feel supported in a way that makes me feel respected and in control of my choices.
More than 1 year agoEW
I’ve spent most of my life being told my body was a problem. Doctors, trainers, even past dietitians—everyone seemed to focus on my weight, no matter what I was actually coming in for. Working with Kate was the first time I felt like someone saw me, not just my body size. She never made weight part of the conversation unless I brought it up, and even then, she met it with so much care and respect.
Kate helped me untangle years of shame around food and movement. She never pushed goals that didn’t feel right for me—just encouraged me to listen to my body and start trusting it again. It’s been such a relief to work with someone who truly practices what it means to be weight-inclusive. I leave our sessions feeling more human, not less.
More than 1 year agoBE
Working with Kate was the first time I felt like a dietitian actually heard me. No meal plans, no weighing in, no shame—just real conversations about how food fits into my life. She helped me let go of so many old food rules I didn’t even realize were still running the show. I’m eating more freely now, and honestly, I feel so much lighter—not physically, just mentally.
More than 1 year agoTU
I was so tired of the diet cycle and constantly thinking about food. Kate helped me understand where that was coming from and how to start tuning into what my body actually needs. Her approach is really thoughtful and respectful. I never felt judged or like I had to perform. Just supported. It’s been such a relief to work with someone who doesn’t talk about weight and instead focuses on what really matters.
More than 1 year agoKJ
I’ve spent years bouncing between restrictive eating and giving up altogether. Kate helped me find a middle ground I didn’t think existed. She’s calm, patient, and never made me feel bad about where I was starting from. I finally feel like I can feed myself without drama, and that’s something I didn’t think I’d ever be able to say.
More than 1 year agoCB
Kate’s non-diet approach was exactly what I needed, even though I didn’t know that at first. I came in hoping for some “healthy eating tips” and ended up realizing I had a lot of stress and guilt around food. She helped me unpack all of that. Now I’m eating in a way that feels way more intuitive and way less chaotic. It’s honestly changed my relationship with food—and with myself.
More than 1 year agoCT
Kate really gets that recovery happens in real life—not just in therapy. She’s helped me find ways to care for myself around food, emotions, relationships, and stress that actually make sense for me. No generic advice, no shame. Just support, curiosity, and smart strategies. She’s the real deal.
More than 1 year agoCC
What I love most about Kate is how real and human she is. Eating disorder recovery can feel so isolating, but Kate makes you feel like you’re not alone. She meets you where you are and helps you move forward, even when it feels impossible. I’ve learned how to be kinder to myself—and that’s something I never thought I’d say.
More than 1 year agoRD
I’ve seen a lot of providers over the years, and working with Kate has been different—in the best way. She doesn’t make it about numbers or control. It’s more about connection, trust, and learning how to be in your body again. Recovery with her doesn’t feel like a checklist—it feels like coming back to yourself, slowly and with support.
More than 1 year agoJV
Recovery can feel exhausting and messy, and Kate never makes me feel like that’s something to be ashamed of. She meets me where I’m at and helps me figure out the next small step, even when I feel stuck. Some days we talk about food, some days we talk about life—but it all connects. I leave our sessions feeling a little more human and a little more hopeful.
More than 1 year agoEP
Kate’s approach is incredibly validating and refreshing. She truly practices what it means to be weight-inclusive and HAES-aligned. I’ve never once felt pressured to change my body—instead, we focus on what actually supports my well-being. She helped me untangle years of shame around food and my body and guided me toward a more peaceful, connected relationship with both.
More than 1 year agoEG
Kate is one of the most thoughtful, grounded therapists I’ve worked with. She listens deeply and reflects back things in a way that feels both kind and clear. I’ve come to her during a really difficult season, and her support has been steady and real. I always leave sessions feeling more anchored.
More than 1 year agoLL
Kate helped me move away from obsessing about food and my body to actually living my life. She brings deep knowledge, but also so much heart. She never made me feel like a diagnosis—she saw the whole me. If you’re in recovery and want someone who truly gets it, Kate’s the one you want in your corner.
More than 1 year agoQP
I was really hesitant to start working on recovery again, but Kate made it feel manageable. She doesn’t pressure or push—she just listens, asks good questions, and helps you figure out what actually works for you. Our sessions feel like a mix of relief, hard stuff, and small wins. I never feel like I’m doing it “wrong,” which is something I’ve felt with other providers. I’ve started to trust myself again.
More than 1 year agoNM
Kate helped me through a really stuck point in my recovery. I was going through the motions but still obsessing about food all the time. She helped me actually pause and start to look at what was underneath everything—without making me feel ashamed or like I needed to be fixed. She’s smart, kind, and has a really grounded way of showing up. I'm finally starting to feel more present in my life.
More than 1 year agoAU
Working with Kate has been great! I came to her completely stuck in my eating disorder, and from day one, she made me feel seen and safe She gets the complexity of it all—food, emotions, control, body image—and helps make sense of it in a way that feels doable. Her calm, grounded approach has helped me build more trust in myself than I ever thought possible.
More than 1 year agoKN
Kate holds space with so much care. I came in carrying a lot of trauma, and she never rushed the process or tried to “fix” me. She’s incredibly attuned and creates a space where I feel safe to show up just as I am. Her ability to weave in body awareness and practical tools has helped me feel more in control of my healing.
More than 1 year agoCJ
I’ve attended one of Kate’s support groups, and it was one of the few spaces where I felt truly understood. Her ability to bring people together in a way that feels safe and supportive is rare. She brings warmth, humor, and so much wisdom to her work—whether one-on-one or group.
More than 1 year agoGL
Kate doesn’t just focus on food—she helps you understand the “why” underneath it. Her work is deeply compassionate and trauma-informed. I came in feeling broken and stuck in all-or-nothing thinking around food and my body. She helped me feel safe enough to start challenging that. Her support has been life-giving.
More than 1 year agoTG
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
May 7, 2025Alexis J.Verified patientVideo visit
April 23, 2025Michelle P.Verified patientVideo visit
How soon can I make an appointment with Kathryn Merkle?
Generally, Kathryn Merkle has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Kathryn Merkle's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Kathryn Merkle accepting new patients?
Kathryn Merkle generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Kathryn Merkle's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Kathryn Merkle accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Kathryn Merkle is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Kathryn Merkle online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Kathryn Merkle using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Kathryn Merkle work with?
Kathryn Merkle works with Nourishment Works.
Where is Kathryn Merkle's office located?
Kathryn Merkle has 2 office locations in Chicago, view full addresses on Kathryn Merkle's profile.
Which board certifications does Kathryn Merkle have?
Kathryn Merkle is certified by Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) (Commission on Dietetic Registration) and Commission on Dietetic Registration.
What are common reasons for patients to see Kathryn Merkle?
Kathryn Merkle frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Kathryn Merkle on their profile.
What languages does Kathryn Merkle speak?
Kathryn Merkle speaks English.
How do patients rate Kathryn Merkle in reviews?
33 patients have reviewed Kathryn Merkle. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.91/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.