Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 34 ratings

Sandy Merino

PMHNP, 18 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Virtual
Next available on

About me

I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 1.5 years of experience and 17 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. I have a master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Management and a Post Master’s in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have seventeen years of experience as a nurse and seven years of experience in long-term care. As a nurse, I have worked in emergency settings, medical-surgical settings, hospices, and skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes).

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, the clients will recognize the complexity of treating their mental health disorders. My goals for my clients are to facilitate understanding of how their lives can thrive while integrating effective strategies for managing their mental health, which will help me create an individualized plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my strengths lie in empathy, compassion, and attentive listening, enabling me to build strong connections with individuals. I assist them in expressing emotions and thoughts while providing valuable guidance. I am committed to continuous learning and recognizing mental health as an evolving field.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

General, integrative, and functional psychiatry with medication and non-medication healing recommendations for anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

Anger ManagementBipolar DisorderGriefPost Partum

I identify as

Serves ages

Children (6 to 12)Teenagers (13 to 17)

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I specialize in general, integrative, and functional psychiatry with medication and non-medication healing recommendations for anxiety, depression, trauma, and much more. Client-centered care is my top priority. I believe in a holistic view and collaborative approach to mental healthcare. Every client is approached thoroughly to determine the best care. I value integrative and complementary therapies and will offer these options alongside medication when needed or desired by the client.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Accepts

Cash - $200 per sessionAetnaAetna - MedicareAetna - WebTPAAll SaversAnthemAvMedBlue CrossBlue Shield (MHSA) MagellanCarelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)CignaEvernorthGold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)Golden RuleHarvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcareHealth Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-CalHumana - MedicareHumana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)L.A. Care CoveredL.A. Care Covered DirectL.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)L.A. Care PASC-SEIUOptumOptumHealth Complex Medical ConditionsOscarOxfordPartnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-CalScripps Health PlanSharp Health PlanSurest (formerly Bind)Tufts Health/CignaUnited Medical ResourcesUnitedHealthcare Life InsuranceUnitedHealthcare Shared ServicesUnitedHealthcare StudentResourcesUnitedHealthcare/OptumUnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 34 ratings

6 ratings with written reviews

May 29, 2025

Sandy is amazing! Was able to connect with her immediately and was able to get effective treatment for my symptoms. Sandy listens to my concerns and was always makes time to ask if I have any questions.

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 5 with Sandy

April 12, 2025

Nice person

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Sandy

March 22, 2025

I felt like she really understood me. So much compassion.

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 1 with Sandy