Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro, PhD, LCSW, EVANSTON, IL

What patients are saying

Overall rating

5.00

Average wait time

5.00

Bedside manner

5.00

About Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)

Individuals

Adults (25-64)

Seniors (65+)

Identity

Gender

Female

Ethnicity

Hispanic or Latinx

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Getting to know Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro

I am a psychodynamic, relational, and feminist psychotherapist trained in integrating a trauma- and body-sensitive perspective in my therapeutic work. I hold a PhD in Social Work from the Institute for Clinical Social Work (ICSW) and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Puerto Rico Humacao. I am bilingual and bring cultural sensitivity to the work I do, considering life social location in the therapeutic relationship. My experience encompasses trauma-related issues such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, divorce and separation, relationship conflicts, grieving, parenting, as well as the physical outcomes of chronic stress.

What should a new client know about working with you?

I believe that with guidance and support, everyone can heal from past difficult life experiences. You can gracefully and courageously overcome your deepest fears through acknowledgment and perseverance. This journey of healing will take time and effort, but with guidance, I can help you live a more authentic and gratifying life. This healing path of perseverance amidst life difficulties is how I have come to understand as the “healing journey.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

As a psychotherapist, I will make use of my ten years of clinical experience, training, and consultation to best support your healing journey. My approach to the work I do is psychodynamic, attachment based and relational. By this I mean, I will pay attention to the way your past relationships and experiences have shaped your understanding of life and the decisions you have made or make in the present. I will also pay attention to the therapeutic relationship we develop, as it will nourish the work we do together.

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In-network insurances

Aetna

BlueCross BlueShield

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200+ more in-network plans

Out-of-pocket fees and assistance

Initial session: $200 for 55 minutes

Ongoing session: $200 for 55 minutes

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

Popular visit reasons

Anxiety

Depression

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Psychotherapy

Sleep Problems

Therapy

Women's Mental Health Issues

Young Adult Issues

Anxiety

Depression

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Psychotherapy

Office location

Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro, PhD, LCSW also offers online video visits for patients

The Healing Journey Psychotherapy PLLC

1603 ORRINGTON AVE, SUITE 600, EVANSTON, IL 60201

Get directions

Education and background

Practice names

The Healing Journey Psychotherapy PLLC

Education and training

Institute for Clinical Social Work (ICSW), PhD in Social Work
University of Puerto Rico Humacao, Master's in Social Work

Professional memberships

National Association of Social Workers

NPI number

1972893162

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.

Overall rating

5.00

Wait time

5.00

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

2 reviews

Most relevant

Very insightful and encouraging! Very easy to talk too.

November 10, 2025Margelene D.Verified patientVideo visit

More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit

Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro?

Generally, Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Fernandez Castro's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro accepting new patients?

Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Fernandez Castro's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Fernandez Castro is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Fernandez Castro using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro work with?

Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro works with The Healing Journey Psychotherapy PLLC.

Where is Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro's office located?

Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro has 2 office locations, including in EVANSTON and Evanston, view full addresses on Dr. Fernandez Castro's profile.

What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro?

Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Depression, Psychotherapy, Sleep Problems, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro on their profile.

What languages does Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro speak?

Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro speaks English and Spanish.

How do patients rate Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro in reviews?

2 patients have reviewed Dr. Merari Fernandez Castro. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.