LaVerne Merritt-Morrison, LMHC
Experienced LMHC specializing in addiction and trauma
- Addictions and trauma
- Motivational interviewing
- Accepts international clients
About LaVerne Merritt-Morrison
LaVerne Merritt-Morrison is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York with three decades of professional experience. She holds a B.S. in Human Services and Counseling and completed a master’s degree in clinical counseling with a major in Addiction Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2004. She was grandfathered in as a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor in September 2006 and later recognized as a Master Addiction Counselor by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Counselors on March 31, 2016.
Her clinical background includes long-term work in substance use treatment, with 20 years focused on substance use therapy, 15 years treating individuals with dual diagnosis, and five years supporting residents in transitional housing who have chronic medical conditions. She also holds credentialing as an Alcoholism Substance Abuse Counselor and completed a 60-hour compulsive gambling training through the Narco Freedom Institute, receiving a Specialty in Gambling designation.
Merritt-Morrison integrates motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy within a client-centered framework, meeting people where they are and helping them build skills for empowerment and change. Her areas of focus include addictions, trauma and abuse, LGBT issues, anger, self-esteem, stress and anxiety, relationship and family concerns, parenting and career challenges, depression, and coping with life transitions, along with additional focus on issues such as abandonment, attachment difficulties, codependency, and personality-related concerns.
She offers therapy in English and accepts both local and international clients. Her approach emphasizes practical strategies and collaborative support to help clients address symptoms, improve functioning, and pursue meaningful goals. She concludes with a guiding sentiment from Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Her clinical background includes long-term work in substance use treatment, with 20 years focused on substance use therapy, 15 years treating individuals with dual diagnosis, and five years supporting residents in transitional housing who have chronic medical conditions. She also holds credentialing as an Alcoholism Substance Abuse Counselor and completed a 60-hour compulsive gambling training through the Narco Freedom Institute, receiving a Specialty in Gambling designation.
Merritt-Morrison integrates motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy within a client-centered framework, meeting people where they are and helping them build skills for empowerment and change. Her areas of focus include addictions, trauma and abuse, LGBT issues, anger, self-esteem, stress and anxiety, relationship and family concerns, parenting and career challenges, depression, and coping with life transitions, along with additional focus on issues such as abandonment, attachment difficulties, codependency, and personality-related concerns.
She offers therapy in English and accepts both local and international clients. Her approach emphasizes practical strategies and collaborative support to help clients address symptoms, improve functioning, and pursue meaningful goals. She concludes with a guiding sentiment from Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesCo-morbidityCodependencyDrug and alcohol addictionGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessMidlife crisisNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSex addictionSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does LaVerne Merritt-Morrison have?
LaVerne Merritt-Morrison has 30 years of experience.
Is LaVerne Merritt-Morrison a licensed therapist?
Yes, she holds the credential LMHC. License details: NY LMHC 003287-1.
In which languages does LaVerne Merritt-Morrison provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is LaVerne Merritt-Morrison located?
She is located in New York.
How can I work with LaVerne Merritt-Morrison as my therapist?
You can work with LaVerne Merritt-Morrison through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does LaVerne Merritt-Morrison work with international clients?
Yes, LaVerne Merritt-Morrison works with international clients.
How much does therapy with LaVerne Merritt-Morrison cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Remote Therapy Be a Good Fit for You?
Online therapy can be an effective option for many people facing common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. For these types of issues, online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions for many clients.One major benefit is the flexibility it offers. Clients can connect with therapists in the format that works best for them - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging - which can make it easier to fit care into busy schedules and maintain continuity during life changes.
Licensed professionals provide the clinical care, and clients have the option to change therapists if they need a different fit. For people seeking consistent, accessible support, online therapy presents a practical and well-established alternative to in-person treatment.
Ready to start therapy with LaVerne Merritt-Morrison?
Take the first step toward a better you.