Recently started my therapy journey and I am happy with Marikay. I find myself opening up to her easily and feel that she is genuinely interested in helping. I'm looking forward on navigating what's been on my mind and how to help myself.
Marikay Gazda, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Marikay is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 4.8 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Marikay. View 22 reviews
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Illinois
Recent reviews
One of best of the best. She listens thoughtfully and is so easy to talk to.
More about Marikay
- 35 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois, with over three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth. My practice centers on helping clients address depression, anxiety, grief, and the unique challenges of aging and caregiving.
I bring deep compassion to working with older adults, individuals facing chronic health conditions, and those experiencing significant life changes. My approach focuses on building self-love, improving communication, addressing isolation, and helping clients rediscover their sense of purpose and meaning.
My therapeutic work spans a wide range of sensitive areas, including panic disorder, attachment issues, caregiver stress, and end-of-life counseling. I'm committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, heal from past experiences, and develop resilient coping strategies.
Through a compassionate and person-centered approach, I aim to support individuals in transforming feelings of emptiness, guilt, and shame into opportunities for personal growth and healing. My goal is to walk alongside you as you navigate life's most challenging moments with strength and dignity.
Specialties
Treatment Approaches
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Marikay Gazda's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1023558582.
- LCSW · Illinois · 149.004372 · Renews November 2025
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 allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Reviews for Marikay Gazda
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
Recently started my therapy journey and I am happy with Marikay. I find myself opening up to her easily and feel that she is genuinely interested in helping. I'm looking forward on navigating what's been on my mind and how to help myself.
One of best of the best. She listens thoughtfully and is so easy to talk to.
She is so personable and just a beautiful soul
Marikay is always positive, reinforcing, and helpful. I never feel judged. I had a therapist once who said something to me in a session and I felt judged. Marikay is l experienced in her field and does a great job.
This experience was needed to see other people are struggling similarly to me. It’s a weight off my chest. Marikay is amazing and is always willing to provide feedback regardless of what is happening in my life. I’m blessed to have her in my journey to health.
She is amazing I don’t know how to describe it but it’s like I can talk to her about anything and know she’s not judging me but understanding me and my mind and then she gives me tools and things to help me! I couldn’t have asked for anyone better!
Marikay Gazda is truly a kind soul that is an active listener with true clinical knowledge of when to nudge you into expanding feelings or challenging thoughts. This person alone is why I would recommend or return to the Betterhelp.
Marikay is respectful and offers great support! She was very helpful during a difficult transition in my life.
Marikay is such a thoughtful listener. She is supportive, encouraging and offers helpful suggestions. I came to therapy overwhelmed by motherhood and my many life responsibilities. I feel Marikay understands me and also give me suggestions to make life more joyful!
Marikay was wonderful and really helped me navigate my grief after losing my husband. She was very caring, supportive and I was very comfortable talking to her.
Yes very nice and kind and i really love hearing from her
Marikay is a gem to see. She always helps me talk through my concerns and address ways to get through them and cope. She has such a lovely warm personality.
She is so sweet, thankful to have her.
She is the best therapist I’ve had so far!
Marikay is very kind and understanding and is easy to connect with. A pleasure to have treatment and sessions from.
She’s very easy to talk to and listens.
Marikay is a great listener. Is very kind and has been a great help to me.
Marikay is the best of both worlds when it comes to therapy - she is endlessly understanding and empathetic, but also knows how to structure therapy so that your conversations are productive. She utilizes evidence-based practice, provides extra resources, and puts the things into words that I can't. She also checks in once a week at least - even if I don't reach out to her. She is a well-rounded, reliable person to have in your corner. I cannot recommend her enough.
Life saving
Marikay has been super supportive and helpful throughout my journey. She listens to what I have to say and does not try to pressure me into doing something that I am not ready/comfortable for yet. She has helped guide me to being ready to take some plunges that make me nervous/anxious.
Marikay not only has the framework that you expect from a therapist such as listening skills, perspective thinking, and understanding of cognitive psychology/behaviorism...but also is willing to be flexible and make the time to work around your schedule to be available.
Marikay Garda is a god send! She has one of the most influential and helpful people in my life.
Frequently asked questions
Does Marikay Gazda offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Marikay Gazda 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 Marikay Gazda speak?
Marikay Gazda speaks English.
How many years of experience does Marikay Gazda have?
Marikay Gazda has 35 years of experience.
Where is Marikay Gazda licensed to practice?
Marikay Gazda is licensed to practice in Illinois.
Does Marikay Gazda accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Marikay Gazda does not accept 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 Marikay Gazda offer?
Marikay Gazda offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Marikay Gazda?
Marikay Gazda 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 Marikay Gazda?
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. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
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. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.