Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Claremont, CA covered by Aetna

As a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist in California, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My journey deeply enriches my perspective: I immigrated to the USA more than 25 years ago and have since had the privilege of working with diverse communities across Ecuador, Guatemala, and the USA.

My early professional life focused on economic justice in Ecuador and microfinance with Indigenous women in Guatemala. For the last 15 years, I've served in the child welfare system as a Child Protective Social Worker, where I've had the honor of collaborating with clients to support better changes for children, families, and communities.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I provide a welcoming environment that is safe, nurturing, and judgment-free.

Hello and Welcome

With 30 years of experience as a licensed marriage, family therapist, my journey began at Sacramento California, where I first received my license and found my calling serving families within the community. Over time I found my way into private practice where my reach into the community grew and a deep passion for working with adults at various stages of their life emerged and one that has become central to my calling as a therapist.

Throughout my career, I have remained deeply committed to learning and growing alongside the field pursuing, continued education and certifications.

My clients often want to know a little about the person behind this practice. I am someone who loves to travel and spends time outdoors . Camping and water adventures are always my happy place and those who know me best will tell you with a knowing grin that I have never met an animal I didn’t love

I believe wholeheartedly that it is vital for me to live a congruent life, to bring my heart and desires into a living presence My passion to live with purpose, curiosity and joy is core to who I am and this is how I show up for my clients every single day.

From your very first visit, you will be received warmly with quiet encouragement and assurance that this is a safe relaxed welcoming space just for you.

I have over 30 years of clinical, counseling and administrative experience working with individuals and couples, addressing the unique issues related to their unique life experiences. I have extensive professional and personal experience with military families and veterans. I understand first-hand the struggles of grief and medical conditions that impact all aspects of life. I have supported chronically and terminally ill patients, individuals living with cancer or chronic medical diagnoses, as well as parents experiencing infertility, peripartum, and postpartum depression. Whether dealing with life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, or divorce, or simply seeking to express yourself and feel more confident, I am here to walk with you, provide insights, and support you toward lasting change.

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!

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.

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.

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’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care in a supportive and judgment-free environment. I work with adolescents and adults experiencing a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, and other psychiatric conditions.

I believe that every individual deserves to feel heard, respected, and understood. My goal is to partner with each client to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with their unique needs, values, and goals. Whether you’re seeking medication management, diagnostic clarification, or support through a difficult season of life, I strive to provide care that is collaborative, thoughtful, and centered around your overall well-being.

I recognize that reaching out for mental health support can be difficult, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients in their journey toward healing, resilience, and lasting wellness.