Cortney Merritt

I’m a licensed clinical Social Worker who is passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, cope with stressors and build skills that help them feel grounded and confident. My background includes experience in school-based counseling, wellness programming, and community mental health, which allows me to meet clients where they are with care. I specialize in stress management, emotional regulation, and helping people strengthen daily routines and relationships.

My approach is grounded in trauma-informed, whole-person care rooted in the core values of social work, including dignity, respect, and the belief that every person has strengths worth building on. I work collaboratively, taking time to understand your emotional, social, academic, and daily life experiences so we can explore patterns and create meaningful change together. I draw from evidence-based practices such as CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused strategies, while keeping sessions warm, supportive, and culturally responsive. My goal is to honor the full context of your life while helping you strengthen resilience, develop practical coping skills, and move toward a more balanced and grounded sense of self.

In our first session, you can expect a calm, supportive space where we focus on getting to know you as a whole person. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you hope to change or strengthen, and any immediate needs you want to address. I’ll explain my approach, answer questions, and work with you to set clear, realistic goals so you leave feeling understood and supported from day one.