Laura  Merritt
Zencare Vetted

Laura Merritt

She/Her/Hers

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW
Washington, Texas, California Accepting Online
Westlake Not Accepting In-person

Currently offering televideo therapy only

Updated February 4, 2023

Specialties & Expertise

  • Trauma
  • Anxiety
  • Ketamine or Psychedelic Preparation and Integration
  • Sex therapy
  • Mindfulness
  • Couples counseling

Professional statement

Laura Merritt, LICSW provides psychotherapy services with a specialization in Anxiety and Trauma Recovery, Relationships, Sex and Intimacy and Psychedelic Preparation and Integration* to residents of California, Washington and Texas. She sees adults across the lifespan, focusing on adult individuals and couples.

Laura offers a holistic approach to therapy, addressing the whole person. This approach involves exploring, untangling and reworking patterns of thinking, developing and nurturing mind-body connection and developing awareness and connection to the nervous system while using time tested techniques like mindfulness, meditation, ritual and breath work. These practices can help you become more aware of signs of stress and learn how to rework conditioned and unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

Laura also focuses on helping clients build resilience and find meaning and a purpose in their life. For clients who have chosen to explore emerging treatments like ketamine or psychedelic medicines, Laura offers a safe, confidential and informed space for the preparation, processing and integration of these experiences.

Laura offers a safe space for clients to begin their journey towards healing in addition to helping them become more empowered and ready to create a more meaningful and pleasure-filled life. Services are via online televideo, offering the ease of access to care for all people.

Laura strives to create an open space to discuss all identities - such as but not limited to - race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, sexual practices, disability, size, citizenship, religion and age.


Message to clients

Are you looking for a holistic approach to your healing journey? Many of the folks I work with are interested in personal growth and healing, many have already participated in traditional talk therapy and they’re looking for something different, more than just talking about problems. They appreciate a holistic approach to healing and are curious about research-based, current/modern theory as well as those informed by nature-based healing techniques. With nearly 20 years of experience in mental health, I specialized in treating PTSD, anxiety, intimacy and relationship problems. An avid student, I've studied effective treatments and offer an eclectic and holistic approach to therapy, utilizing a combination of science-based interventions and time-tested skills.

My presence is kind and caring, providing a safe space for the processing and exploration of one’s narrative and lived experience. Sessions often include education and information, specific tools to use related to emotion regulation or grounding and my style is supportive, empathic and direct.

I believe all people can heal and live a joyful, meaningful, connected, pleasureful and purpose-filled life, free from overwhelming worry, isolation and shame. Healing is multi-faceted and there’s no “one size fits all” treatment and yet the most important factor is working with a therapist whose approach aligns with yours. I look forward to hearing from you.


Specialties

Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse. Healing from ancestral or multi generation trauma lineage.

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Ketamine or Psychedelic Preparation and Integration - Preparation and integration therapy involves supporting a person working with this medicine by offering education/information and practical tools and skills to prepare and then the process of interpretation and meaning making after the experience.

Sex therapy - Addressing emotional, physical, and biological concerns related to sexual intimacy and functioning; education and skill building around topics such as erectile dysfunction, orgasms, low libido, shame, and history of abuse; improving communication to realize a fulfilling sex life

Mindfulness - Practices to encourage a state of active, open attention on the present

Couples counseling - Addressing relationship challenges and life transitions; strengthening communication and feelings of security, desire, connection, and love




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Couples
  • Young adults (18-24)

Insurance

  • Modern Health Insurance

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $200 (53min)
  • Couples sessions: $250 (53min)

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
Payment options
  • Cash
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Venmo
Session frequency

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

  • Weekly
  • Every other week

Location(s)

Westlake practice
1700 Westlake Avenue North, #200, Seattle, Washington 98109
Not accepting new clients in-person
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 9:00am-3:00pm
  • Tue 9:00am-3:00pm
  • Wed 9:00am-3:00pm
  • Thu 9:00am-3:00pm
  • Fri 10:00am-3:00pm
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (Washington)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 9:00am-2:00pm
  • Tue 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Wed 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Thu 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Fri 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (Texas)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 11:00-4
  • Tue 11:00-5
  • Wed 11:00-5
  • Thu 11:00-5
  • Fri 11:00-3
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (California)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 9-3
  • Tue 9-3
  • Wed 9-3
  • Thu 9-3
  • Fri 9-3
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Work and Education

Years of Experience: 19 years

Private Practice, 2016 - Present
Department of Veterans Affairs PTSD Clinic, 2008 - 2018
La Frontera Community Mental Health Clinic, 2005 - 2008
Sierra Tucson, 2004 - 2005
COPE Community Mental Health Clinic, 2000 - 2005

Arizona State University, MSW, 2004
University of Arizona, BS in Psychology, 2000


Licensure

Washington: LW60798290

Texas: 105260

California: 109623


Languages

English