Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Port Orange, FL covered by United Healthcare

Welcome to Harbor Hope Psych Care. I have taken care of clients for over 25 years. I am a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner in family and psychiatry. I am dedicated to helping individuals improve their mental health and overall well-being. With a strong foundation in both psychiatry and family practice, I bring a perspective to care recognizing that mind and body are deeply connected. I have experience in adolescent psychiatry. I provide medication management and brief psychotherapy.

Hi there! I’m so glad you found your way here, I’m Merlyn. What drew me to therapy wasn’t theory, but the quiet moment when someone feels safe enough to exhale, speak their truth, and realize they were never too much to be understood. Healing isn’t about fixing yourself; it’s about understanding the parts of you that had to fight, protect, and survive.

I also provide Christian-integrated counseling for women who share this faith, helping you explore your struggles through both science and Scripture, where psychology and God’s truth work together beautifully. This blend honors both emotional and spiritual healing, creating space for restoration that feels whole and grounded.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida and the founder of Merlyn Asencio Psychotherapy & Wellness, LLC. I specialize in working with high-functioning women, the ones who appear composed, capable, and self-aware, yet feel anxious, disconnected, or exhausted on the inside. As the creator of The Merlyn MethodTM, I combine attachment-based EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and narrative therapy to help you reconnect with your voice, rebuild confidence, and experience peace that lasts beyond the session.

I received both my Bachelors and Masters degrees from Central Michigan University. I have worked in hospital settings as well as private practice. I have had great success with the virtual format and am thankful for such ease for my clients to have sessions without the trouble of travel. I work primarily with teens and women, working to build skills to manage a variety of snuggles.

With over 15 years of experience, I have helped countless individuals navigate the challenges they face and find peace within themselves. Together, we can work towards culminating a healthier and more fulfilling future.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my dogs, hiking with friends, cooking, and making flower arrangements. I also enjoy spending time doing artsy activities or attending local events.

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS – SAME DAY TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, unfocused, or mentally exhausted?

You're not alone. I specialize in helping adults manage ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression, and mood disorders through personalized, evidence-based psychiatric care.

As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I work with adults who struggle with difficulty focusing, racing thoughts, executive dysfunction, persistent worry, emotional overwhelm, and mood instability. Many of my patients are busy professionals, college students, healthcare workers, and adults seeking answers after years of feeling misunderstood.

Together, we'll develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals using medication management, education, and practical strategies that support lasting improvement in your work, relationships, and everyday life.

Great to meet you!

I'm a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in the mental health psychiatric field ranging from child and adult outpatient care to substance abuse treatment. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Ohio University and Master of Science in Psychiatry from St, Thomas University in Miami, FL.

I specialize in working with men who struggle with issues related to self-esteem, people-pleasing, communication and relationships.