

Access affordable mental healthcare in Westlake Village through Aetna with Headway's extensive provider network. Copays typically around $30, and our platform handles insurance coordination so you can focus on your wellbeing without worrying about costs.
I subscribe to cognitive behavioral therapy, emphasizing the rational behavioral therapy modality. I hold a doctorate (EdD) in counseling and educational psychology from the University of San Francisco, where I also earned my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I earned a Master's in Divinity from the Franciscan School of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union. I have been practicing since 1987 and am a seasoned therapist.
As a Christian therapist, I walk with clients to strengthen and support them in learning self compassion, understanding their worth, finding insight and living wisely. I have studied psychology and marriage and family therapy for over 13 years and have been in practice as a therapist for 7 of those years. I have intentionally learned and applied principles and practices which help clients sustain growth from hurts, unprocessed feelings and lack of direction toward more energy, enjoyment and purposefulness in life again.
I look forward to consulting with you to see if our therapeutic work would fit with you!
I offer a warm, supportive space to pause, reflect, and grow. My approach is integrative and collaborative, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy to meet your needs. If you choose, we can incorporate Christian values, scripture, and prayer into your healing process.
I predominantly work with Christian females and also see males and non-faith-based clients. We'll create a space where both your emotional and spiritual life are honored. Whether you want to process difficult emotions, build healthier coping strategies, or reconnect with your identity and purpose, I'll meet you with empathy and evidence-based tools.
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.



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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