

Chula Vista residents with Aetna insurance can find therapy and medication support through Headway, with copays starting around $30. Our network of 8,552 providers offers availability within two weeks and free initial consultations.
You know why you struggle, but knowing has not changed how you feel. You replay conversations, say yes when you want to say no, stay attached to people who hurt you, or react like you are in danger even when you are safe. I work with adults dealing with anxiety, trauma, relationship patterns, betrayal, boundaries, and the reactions they wish they could stop.
Hello and welcome! My name is Shannon Merritt and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT). I am based in Southern California and offer telehealth services to clients across the state. My expertise includes supporting individuals through life transitions, managing depression and anxiety, coping with loss, and addressing various mental health challenges. I am also passionate about helping people recover from addiction and/or trauma.
What is your approach to therapy?I draw from various modalities and tailor my approach to each individual and their specific needs. I aim to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel at ease, can build resilience, and ultimately thrive. My communication style is straightforward, calm, and approachable. I offer clear and honest feedback in order to foster clients' wellbeing while developing hope for their future.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. Clients can expect to develop valuable insight and gain the tools needed to make meaningful changes in their lives.
I received a Masters from Sofia University and additional certifications in Psychedelic Integration, Somatic Therapy, and as a yoga teacher.
Historically, I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, community clinics, group homes, and correctional settings.
I have experience working with clients of different ages, identities, races, and diagnosis.
Current focus is on adults dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and existential concerns.
Hello, my name is Francisca, I have experience working with community mental health, with undeserved communities and individuals from all walks of life. I've gained a lot of experience helping clients heal from traumatic experiences, process grief, and facilitated their empowerment to take on the reins of their healing journey.
I am a proud Mexican American woman who believes that we all possess inherit gifts and capacity to heal and when identified and fostered this can be our catalyst for change. I am interested in learning each person's story and offering ongoing evolving support through the alliance that we will cultivate.
I am well versed in a myriad of modalities that are trauma informed as well as psychodynamic, somatic treatment frameworks. Overall, I am an ongoing student. Aside from my professional trainings, I have learned via my individual healing journey, and from the individuals I have helped. I am passionate about helping each individual realize their path to healing.
I’m a licensed therapist in California with 7 years of professional experience, supporting clients through life’s challenges, including anxiety, stress, depression, relationship issues, and major life transitions.
Whether you’re navigating change, building confidence, or seeking support, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and strength. Taking the first step can be hard, and I’m proud of you for starting.
Hi! I'm Olivia. I've been in therapy practice for six years, and am grateful for the opportunity to get to know you! As a queer and neurodivergent person, my career as a therapist has always moved in tandem with my commitment to social and economic justice. My work has taken me to settings with folks experiencing homelessness in South Los Angeles; with justice-involved adults in treatment court diversion programs in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood; in young adult shelters for art therapy groups; with low-income immigrant parents of young children; and with teens and young adults with significant trauma histories.
Through all my roles I always commit to centering community and individual strengths that help arm my clients with the tools necessary to repel various types of systemic violence and oppression. I believe that therapy is inherently political because being human is political.



Headway makes it easy to get affordable in-network mental health care with Aetna — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to booking your first session.
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