(SHE/HER/HERS)
I have a wide array of experiences working with TAY and adult populations in community based mental health organizations, home-based settings, outpatient and residential treatment facilities. I have completed a sexual assault training and served as a victim advocate at Community Service Programs, Inc (Way Makers OC) in order to facilitate CA statewide presentations educating agencies on victim/survivor centered models, to more effectively promote outreach and advocacy for mental health services in under privileged areas. In addition to my work with KCW PSYCH SERVICES, I currently work at a for profit telehealth agency, providing individual therapy for diverse adult populations.
Throughout my personal and clinical experiences as an underserved African American woman, working with marginalized populations, I have developed a passion to change the mental health stigma among minority communities and underrepresented groups, who often experience inferior and differential counseling services. My mission throughout my clinical experience has been about providing quality and all-inclusive treatment that provides more emphasis on intersectionality, social injustices and other systemic problems that often have an impact on my client's family dynamics, career development, transitional changes, life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, etc. I strive to meet them where they are and give access where others have lacked the capacity to do so. I utilize a holistic treatment approach, filled with creative and integrative techniques, such as Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Solution Focused Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and I utilize emotion focused, creative techniques (i.e. writing, videos, role playing, music, visual aids, etc.,), and can incorporate the clients Spiritual/Religious practices (per request if warranted) to help clients achieve their goals in mind, body and spirit. I also aim to honor and encourage individuality, authenticity and self-determination.
When I am not facilitating therapy, I am often experimenting with different ways to engage in self-care. I enjoy cooking a variety of relatively healthy meals; however, my guilty pleasure is driving across LA to find the best tacos, pastas, brunch spots and desserts. No doubt, I am a foodie! When I am not cooking, I like to go on walks, to vibe out and journal with some neo-soul music in the background, binge watch tv shows, and spend time with family and friends, because this is what makes my heart happy.
"Being able to be your true self is one of the strongest components of good mental health."
- Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy
I am committed to helping clients delve in introspective and self-reflective pathways to understand themselves fully, make authentic choices, create meaningful relationships and find balance and fulfillment.
I currently provide therapy to clients who identify as members of BIPOC, (e.g. Black, African American, Hispanic, Latinx, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander...etc), POC, LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized underrepresented communities in the mental health space who reside in the state of California. I also work with individuals who do not identify within the aforementioned communities, but who identify as being allies to individuals in those communities as well.
I currently provide therapy to clients who reside in the following cities and towns in the state of California.
Los Angeles | Carson | Torrance | Redondo Beach | Hawthorne | Gardena | Long Beach | Compton | Inglewood | Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw | View Park-Windsor Hills | Ladera Heights | Culver City | Santa Monica | Marina Del Rey | Westchester | Burbank | East Los Angeles | Lancaster | Riverside | Moreno Valley | Palmdale | San Bernardino | San Diego | Fresno | Oakland | San Jose | Sacramento | East Bay Area | Haywood | Vallejo | Palo Alto | Davis | Stanford | Stockton | Menlo Park | San Francisco | Elk Grove | Brentwood | San Mateo | Santa Cruz | Berkeley | Chico.
I look forward to servicing clients in other towns, cities, and counties within the state of California as well.