As a steward of the arts, Christy has unique insight into the lives of creatives who may feel misaligned with therapists who do not possess first-hand experience or knowledge of the complexities of the entertainment business.
Christy landed her first music job at age 16 as a retail clerk at an independent record store (back when those existed). 15 years later and well into her career as an artist manager in NYC, she was plagued by a series of unfortunate events which included a break up with a toxic work environment, a near-death experience, and a revelation that led her to put a pause on her music management lifestyle to explore her inner world.
While in her own therapy, Christy realized she had been ignoring her artistic and analytical mind and that she needed a career shift to allow her to embrace these strengths. Christy is passionate about a multitude of seemingly unconnected things: psychology, creativity, neuroscience, spirituality, fitness, marine biology, indie rock to dub music, and philanthropy.
Christy loves being a therapist. She feels honored to assist her clients as they reconnect with themselves, and regain their voice -- including rediscovering their unique set of strong suits, their personality, their sense of humor, and their spirit. Christy believes that gifts and obstacles are what give clients the power to change their lives. Her approach incorporates strengths-based techniques through the lens of mindfulness, helping clients emphasize their innate talents, strengthen their self-compassion, and hone techniques that calm the body and mind.
Christy's office is located in Miracle Mile, Los Angeles, CA on Wilshire Blvd. Christy is accepting new clients for in-person sessions, walk and talk therapy, or phone sessions while COVID-19 restrictions are in place for the City of LA. Christy also provides Telehealth coaching to clients nationwide and internationally.
Therapy for creatives and artists - Understanding of highly creative minds; goal setting related to the artistic and creative process; support finding meaningful balance in one’s life
Career counseling - Support around personal and professional growth; clarifying goals and steps to building a fulfilling career and meaningful work-life balance
Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)
ADHD - Skill-building and support around organizational challenges, distracted attention, procrastination; building and maintaining healthy routines and structure
Life transitions - Coping with difficult or impactful life changes, such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, child rearing, or career changes; learning self-care to better manage resulting stress
Stress management - Strengthening effective ways of coping with the stress of life and change; managing expectations of self and others
LGBTQI+, transgender, and sexual reassignment counseling - Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges
Christy Merriner is not in-network with any insurances.
Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.
This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:
Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.
Christy can help musicians and/or those working professionally in the music industry (both on the business and creative sides) apply for and potentially obtain MusiCares grants, which can be used to pay for therapy with Christy. Applicants must have 5+ years of professional music career history, and/or 6+ credits on commercially released songs to qualify for a MusiCares Psychotherapy grant. Please contact Christy directly for more details.
Private Practice, 2018 - Present
Insight Psychotherapy Group, 2017 - 2018
Valley Community Counseling Clinic, 2016 - 2018
Artist Manager and Record Label Professional, 2000 - 2015
Antioch University, MA, Clinical Psychology, 2016
Fordham University, BA, Communication & Media Studies, 2005
California: 117143
English
"I work for a charity that provides grants for therapy to individuals in the music industry. I consistently refer our clients to Christy Merriner – she is an exceptional therapist who our clients have had a positive experience with time and time again. She is also incredibly easy to work with and a great communicator."
- Hannah Kulis, Executive Assistant, MusiCares Foundation • August 2020"Christy is acutely attuned to the needs of her clients. She has a rare ability for combining depth work with aspects of coaching, so that those she counsels can meet their treatment goals."
- Marcella Haro, MFT • June 2020We interviewed Christy Merriner and asked about their work with clients and guiding philosophies on therapy.