Licensed to practice in California and accepts 28 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Self Esteem and 8 more.
Hi, I’m Shannon, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about creating a supportive, comfortable space where you can feel heard, understood, and accepted. I work with adults navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, self-esteem, and other stressors that can leave you feeling overwhelmed or stuck. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop practical tools, and create meaningful changes that feel sustainable in your everyday life.
In our first session together, clients can expect to have an open conversation where we explore their concerns, goals, and what they hope to achieve in therapy. I'll take time to understand their unique background and experiences, and begin to identify any patterns or challenges that might be affecting their well-being. My aim is to create a supportive space that sets a foundation for future growth.
I bring a warm, compassionate, and down-to-earth approach to therapy while also being active and engaged in the process. I believe therapy should be more than simply having a place to talk—I help clients recognize patterns, challenge unhelpful ways of thinking, build healthier coping and communication skills, and gain new perspectives. I tailor my approach to each individual and strive to create a space where you feel supported while also being gently challenged to make meaningful progress toward your goals.
I specialize in working with adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and struggles with self-esteem. My approach is especially suited for individuals seeking a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply looking for personal growth, I strive to meet you where you are and tailor our work to your unique needs.
Cash - $150 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
AvMed
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
IHSS Healthy Workers
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change negative thought patterns and belief systems that contribute to emotional distress. The goal is to develop healthier thinking and coping strategies. CBT is widely used to treat depression, anxiety, and stress.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a type of short-term therapy that focuses on finding solutions rather than exploring problems. Instead of dwelling on what's wrong, it encourages you to set clear goals and work towards achieving them by building on your strengths and past successes. The idea is to focus on what’s working and how to create positive change efficiently.
This approach recognizes and understands the impact of trauma on a person's mental health, behavior, and overall well-being. The focus is on creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel empowered and respected. There is an emphasis on safety and trust through this collaborative work that aims to help individuals heal and build resilience.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that helps individuals manage intense emotions and improve relationships. It teaches skills to stay calm and focused, manage tough feelings, and communicate better with others. DBT is designed to help you find a balance between accepting yourself and making positive changes in your life.
11 ratings with written reviews
January 21, 2026
Shannon is kind and asks good questions!
June 2, 2025
Shannon is an incredible listener and has a real gift of getting to the root of what is actually bothering me. She works with me to establish small doable steps that will get me to my eventual goal, which I haven't experienced much of in previous therapy. I highly recommend her!
May 29, 2025
Shannon Merritt is fantastic. I wanted to check all of the boxes that stand out about her therapy style but could only choose two! She's helped me through so much and I've noticed a massive difference in my mental headspace since working with her. Thank you Shannon!