Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Encino, CA

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.

Most of my clients would describe me as an empath who is warm, caring, and non-judgmental. I often hear, that speaking with me is like speaking with a best friend. I utilize my education, experience, training and education to support you, and the situations/issues you face. I have an ecumenical spiritual belief system, which can be brought into session at your request. As a member of the LGBT+ community, being sober, and over coming clinical depression have only contributed to my therapeutic approach. I look forward to getting to know you, and working with you for the best possible outcome. Please contact me should you have issue with finding an available time to accommodate your schedule. I will do what I can to help you find a mutually agreed appointment.

It's not easy starting therapy and investing time in yourself, but you've already done the first step! My experience has primarily been focused in clients with eating disorders and co-occurring diagnoses. With that said, I also have extensive experience working with relationship challenges, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidality. I generally like to pull from my knowledge of various therapy modalities such as DBT, CBT, FBT and EFFT. I also really enjoy self-compassion work. Your goals are always my top priority, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

Outside of work, I enjoy live music, spending time with friends, and hanging out with my dogs, Nala and Toni. These personal interests help me stay grounded and bring balance to my life, which I believe is crucial for overall well-being.

If you're ready to take the next step, I'm here to help you navigate your journey towards healing and growth. Let's work together to achieve your goals!

I'm passionate about how therapy has changed my life, and I hope it can do the same for you. My approach is person-centered and collaborative to create a safe space where you can express your thoughts and feelings free of judgment. Life is difficult at times, and change can feel overwhelming. I look forward to walking with you on this journey.

Most of us aren't born knowing how to navigate relationships, understand our emotions, or process trauma. Many things influence how we react and behave, but that doesn't mean we can't grow. My goal is to help you build confidence through discovering your self-worth and practicing self-compassion. My priority is creating a safe, judgment-free environment where you feel comfortable. I show up as my authentic self to build trust with you. I'm an empathetic listener and communicate in a calm, gentle, respectful way. My job isn't to tell you what to do, but to help you process and explore topics to build self-awareness and confidence.

Demetric “Dee” Marsh, LCSW, JD, is a dedicated behavioral health professional with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. She is a multistate licensed Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law School in New York. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Adelphi University, with a specialization in mental health and addictions, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University in Sociology with a minor in Political Science and French Language/Culture.

Dee has extensive experience working in a variety of roles, including psychotherapist, program director, clinical supervisor, adjunct professor, and consultant. She also provides LCSW clinical supervision. Her practice includes working with individuals, families, couples, and groups.

She specializes in a wide range of areas, including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress management, addictions, grief and loss, workplace and employment issues, women’s issues, diversity and cultural concerns, spirituality, and court-related assessments and recommendations, as well as foster care and adoption-related services.

Dee believes in meeting each client where they are and tailoring treatment to their unique needs. She is committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment that fosters trust, healing, growth, and a strong therapeutic alliance.

Great to meet you! I work with adults and seniors navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, past hurts, and major life transitions. I especially support people who feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in patterns shaped by difficult experiences. Whether you’re coping with loss, adjusting to a new season of life, or healing from the past, my goal is to offer a warm, welcoming space where you feel heard and understood as we work toward greater peace, confidence, and connection.