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Center for Authentic Living

Counselor · Morton Grove, IL · reviewed since 2018

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%62+39.4Reliability 28%44+12.4Replies to reviews 8%38+3.1Experts Score= 55Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.55SCORE
CGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#36 of 40 marriage counselorsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 10%
4.6 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · 10 photos
90%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
10%1–2★, last 20 reviewsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
34%reviews answered by the owner
Nov 2025latest review

Center for Authentic Living at a glance

Google reviewers rate Center for Authentic Living 4.6 out of 5 based on 29 reviews. Clients frequently praise the practice for its holistic approach, which includes talk therapy, somatic work, and the presence of therapy dogs. Many describe the environment as calming and note that staff members are attentive and responsive to client needs. However, low-star reviews highlight scheduling difficulties, citing instances of last-minute cancellations and unresponsive communication during the appointment booking process.

  • Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 29 reviews (90% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 29 Google reviews (26 with written comments, 1 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 34% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: November 9, 2025.
  • Service: Marriage Counselor serving Morton Grove, Illinois.

Data from Google, last updated October 31, 2026.

Score profile vs other marriage counselors

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction62Reliability44Craft & service–Value–Momentum100Replies to reviews38Satisfaction: 62 (median 81)Reliability: 44 (median 75)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 38 (median 91)
Center for Authentic LivingMarriage Counselors median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Center for Authentic Living: 62/100 on this factor. Category median: 81.B
62
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Center for Authentic Living: 44/100 on this factor. Category median: 75.C
44
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 97.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 95.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Center for Authentic Living: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Center for Authentic Living: 38/100 on this factor. Category median: 91.D
38

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

29 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars2690%
  • 4 stars00%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star310%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 26 written reviews

  • Praise3094%
  • Complaints26%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude1238%
  • Would recommend1031%
  • Honesty & trust516%
  • Communication39%
  • Quality & results13%
  • Speed & response13%

What customers talk about

We read 26 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “I would highly recommend Meghann to anyone looking for an experienced and kind counselor that makes therapy a light and meaningful experience.”
  • “I would highly recommend The Center for Authentic Living to everyone!”
  • “If you’re looking for a therapist who genuinely cares and makes a real difference, I highly recommend Meghann Richko and the Center for Authentic Living.”
  • “Mari, just like Neela, has a very calming Aura that made me feel cared for and listened to.”
  • “When I’m having hard time, she always does a great job helping me understand better what I’m going through or why I may be feeling that way.”
  • “They were very attentive and responsive to my needs.”

People customers mention

  • Mari 12 reviews
  • Meghann 4 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

Tammy2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 11 months ago★★★★★

Having Julia as a therapist has been such a gift and pleasure. Julia has helped me through so many personal challenges. I couldn’t ask for a better support system.

Megan4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

I have been receiving counseling from Meghann Richko for 5 years now. Meghann has helped me in countless ways. She really listens to my needs and helps me target what areas I need/want to work on. Meghann has helped me through periods of deep grief and confusion. She has provided a safe space for me to feel heard…

Renee3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Dr Mari’s practice offers such a unique and supportive environment for their patients. You can feel the warmth and commitment from the whole team- these providers are passionate about the work they do and go out of their way to provide integrative support. The combination of offering many modalities and the very…

Mary5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

I would highly recommend The Center for Authentic Living to everyone! Dr. Mari helped me work through years of unhealed trauma, depression and PTSD. There is no judement just compassion in dealing with complex and everyday issues! And Nehla the great dane who I swear is an angel with four legs!! The atmosphere is…

AndiLocal Guide · 21 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Mari, Sam & Mirela have all helped my daughter and I with several different types of therapy. Talking through things with Mari has been so helpful and enlightening. On our wellness journey, their expertise, experience and caring has proved invaluable so far! We enjoy the sessions and walk away with new information…

Claudia8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

I cannot say enough good things about Meghann Richko and the Center for Authentic Living. Meghann is an incredible therapist—compassionate, understanding, and truly dedicated to helping her clients grow and heal. She creates a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard and supported every step of the way. Her…

Photos

Customer reviews

4.6 ★★★★★ 29 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Tammy Neri2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Tammy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Having Julia as a therapist has been such a gift and pleasure. Julia has helped me through so many personal challenges. I couldn’t ask for a better support system.

Megan Grealy4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Megan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I have been receiving counseling from Meghann Richko for 5 years now. Meghann has helped me in countless ways. She really listens to my needs and helps me target what areas I need/want to work on. Meghann has helped me through periods of deep grief and confusion. She has provided a safe space for me to feel heard without bias. I would highly recommend Meghann to anyone looking for an experienced and kind counselor that makes therapy a light and meaningful experience.

Renee Bach3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Renee has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Dr Mari’s practice offers such a unique and supportive environment for their patients. You can feel the warmth and commitment from the whole team- these providers are passionate about the work they do and go out of their way to provide integrative support. The combination of offering many modalities and the very human approach to caring for their clients makes this practice such a special place.

Mary M5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Mary has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I would highly recommend The Center for Authentic Living to everyone! Dr. Mari helped me work through years of unhealed trauma, depression and PTSD. There is no judement just compassion in dealing with complex and everyday issues! And Nehla the great dane who I swear is an angel with four legs!! The atmosphere is comfortable, peaceful and a loving space to deal and resolve painful issues.

Andi TagliaLocal Guide · 21 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Andi has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Mari, Sam & Mirela have all helped my daughter and I with several different types of therapy. Talking through things with Mari has been so helpful and enlightening. On our wellness journey, their expertise, experience and caring has proved invaluable so far! We enjoy the sessions and walk away with new information each time. Thank you Dr. Mari & team for your guidance and help 🩵 ! We are so grateful

Claudia Khochaba8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Claudia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I cannot say enough good things about Meghann Richko and the Center for Authentic Living. Meghann is an incredible therapist—compassionate, understanding, and truly dedicated to helping her clients grow and heal. She creates a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard and supported every step of the way. Her insight and approach are life-changing, and I am so grateful for the guidance and clarity she provides. If you’re looking for a therapist who genuinely cares and makes a real difference, I highly recommend Meghann Richko and the Center for Authentic Living.

Christine Shaurette6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Christine has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The center has a great staff they offer a wide range of services. They were very attentive and responsive to my needs. Meghan helped me tremendously and I am so thankful for her and her amazing staff. I highly recommend Meghan and I would confidently recommend this place to my family and friends.

Alyssa PLocal Guide · 9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Alyssa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I have been seeing Meghann for 15 years. I am super have to have been connected with her in my teen years which most would say are the hardest years of one’s life. She has gone above and beyond for me throughout the years, especially most recently. I’m a truly grateful to have her help me navigate through life. I would recommend this practice to anyone.

yogini510854 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews yogini51085 has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Very competent staff! Love their approach, offer a wide variety of unique and holistic interventions, in addition to Talk Therapy.

Stephanie5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Stephanie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I can’t speak highly enough about my experience with Meghann and the entire team at Center for Authentic Living. From the moment I reached out, I felt welcomed and supported. The office is professional, calming, and thoughtfully run—everything about the environment makes you feel like you’re in good hands. One of the truly special parts of this practice is the presence of the amazing therapy dogs. They bring such a comforting, grounding energy to the space, and their gentle, friendly presence has made a meaningful difference in my sessions. Whether they’re quietly curled up nearby or offering a soft nudge of support, they’re a unique and beautiful part of the healing process here. What sets this practice apart is the genuine care and compassion that’s felt in every interaction. Their approach is not only insightful and evidence-based, but also deeply human. I’ve grown so much—emotionally, mentally, and in my everyday life—since starting here. I would wholeheartedly recommend Center for Authentic Living to anyone seeking meaningful, high-quality mental health support. It’s been a genuinely life-changing experience.

Center for Authentic Living on Google Maps →

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