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Christy Merriner(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
CaliforniaNew York
Therapy for creatives and artists-Career counseling-Anxiety-ADHD-Life transitions-Stress management-LGBTQI+, transgender, and sexual reassignment counseling-

See Christy's Details for:

Many health insurance plans reimburse 50-80% of session fees with out-of-network therapists. Learn if your plan qualifies.

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & FeesTestimonialsPublications

Professional statement

Christy works with creatives, artists, entrepreneurs struggling with ADHD, depression, OCD, overwhelm, perfectionism, life transitions, & chronic illness. You may just be getting started, building your career, or considering a complete career shift, but struggle with self-doubt & indecision. Regardless of where you are, the future unknowns can be unsettling. Bravely following your vision while supporting yourself and others can be equally exhilarating & challenging. Christy works with individuals in arts & entertainment, music, tech, AI, film/TV, theater, gaming, dance, design, poetry, screenwriting, fine arts, production, and more.

In her former career as an artist & producer manager, Christy had the honor of guiding musicians, producers, engineers, and other creatives through self employment challenges. Christy understands the tenacity it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur and will work collaboratively with you to investigate, discuss, and deconstruct the complexities of your circumstances in a solution-focused way.

Christy's approach is engaging, empathetic, client-centered & goal-orientated. Together, you'll discuss the outcomes you desire for your life in order to develop and implement systems that utilize practical, structured, actionable steps to regain your voice and vision, as well as a sense of self-worth, calm, and freedom while trusting yourself and the unknowns.

Christy landed her first music gig at 16, working at a local record store while playing in local bands. She later went on to work for major record labels and music management firms. While in her own therapy, Christy realized she craved a career pivot that would allow her to more deeply utilize her artistic and analytic mind. Christy is passionate about a multitude of seemingly unconnected things: psychology, creativity, neurobiology, quantum physics, spirituality, health + fitness, marine biology, indie rock to dub music, and philanthropy.

If you work in the music and/or entertainment industries, ask Christy about applying for psychotherapy grants.


Message to clients

When working with my clients, I’ve found that the best approach often includes a blend of therapy and coaching. Therapy focuses on unpacking and understanding issues and barriers, while coaching focusing on finding solutions to help with a specific personal or professional goal through education, guidance, and actionable steps. With therapy, we’ll investigate what makes you tick, how you see the world and the beliefs and conflicts that are nestled deep in your unconscious mind. Benefits to therapy include, increased self-awareness and self-esteem, better use of your skills and strengths, and an improved capacity for developing and maintaining more satisfying relationships. Coaching supports you with the clarity to make decisions about your career development and trajectory, as well as offer various tools to meet your personal and professional goals to lead to a more fulfilling life.


Work and Education

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

Licensure

California: 117143

Languages

English

Specialties

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




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Teenagers (13-18)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna (in-network in CA)

Out-of-pocket fees

Get reimbursed for sessions with Christy Merriner

Many health insurance plans reimburse 50-80% of session fees with out-of-network therapists. Learn if your health insurance plan qualifies.

  • Individual sessions:$210 (60min)
  • Initial session:$210 (50min)
  • Group sessions:$350 (75min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

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:

  • Super billing
  • Direct billing
Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • IvyPay
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Monthly
  • Every other week
  • Every other month
  • Multiple times a week
  • As needed
Therapist's note

Christy can help those working in the music & film industries + other entertainment professions (both on the business and creative sides) obtain therapy grants, which can be used toward sessions with Christy. Please contact Christy directly for more details.


Professional endorsements

"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 FoundationAugust 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, MFTJune 2020

Client testimonials

"Christy is a staple in my life. Life is simply better with her than without. She’s attentive, she’s caring, and I trust her on so many levels. She provides a very comfortable and safe space to open up. I couldn’t recommend her enough."
- Longtime client June 2020

Publications