ADHD therapists and psychiatrists in Whittier, CA

Hello! My name is Mercedes, I am a first-generation Latina Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Hablo Ingles y Español.

I have worked with children for over 15 years and in the mental health field for the past 5 years, supporting children, teens, adults, and foster youth through a variety of emotional, relational, and life challenges. Throughout my career, I have provided individual and family therapy in community mental health settings, which has provided me the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

I currently work primarily with adults navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

My work is grounded in behavioral therapy, and a firm belief that people can change. I prefer a flexible and collaborative approach that evolves as we work together. Though the foundation of my work is behavioral, I develop integrated treatment plans for each new client, drawing on other evidence-based modalities and new research.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, or major life transitions, I strive to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Together, we will identify your strengths, explore barriers to your well-being, and work toward achieving your personal goals at a pace that feels right for you.

I believe that healing begins with feeling heard, understood, and supported. My goal is to provide a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients can safely explore life's challenges while building the skills and confidence to create meaningful change.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families using an integrative, client-centered approach tailored to each individual's unique needs, strengths, and goals. Drawing from evidence-based therapeutic modalities, I help clients navigate a wide range of emotional and mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, family conflict, relationship challenges, self-esteem, life transitions, and everyday stressors.

I am committed to empowering clients by recognizing their resilience and helping them build on their existing strengths. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, I strive to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship that fosters growth, healing, and lasting positive change. It is a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they work toward greater emotional well-being and a more fulfilling life.

As a youth, I recall many instances when I experienced intense anxiety, depression, even suicidal thoughts – but I did so in isolation, without adequate support. Mental health services were not available and not commonly accessed in my community. As a young woman I used dance and movement, and other forms of creative expression (such as writing and singing), as my means to manage emotions. I became a psychotherapist to ensure that I could be supportive to those in similar situations – to help support people in not feeling alone with the difficult aspects of life and relationships. No one should have to fight their mental health battles alone. The integration of somatic (body-focused) psychotherapy has allowed me to support others while giving them the gift that I have discovered through a life of movement – the gift of understanding the role of the body in allowing for healing. Through the use of the body in psychotherapy clients can learn how to find balance in their mind while finding peace in their emotional landscape.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward meaningful, lasting change. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I strive to create a safe space where individuals feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported.