Brainspotting, Cultural Concerns, Therapist

I believe the past often shows up in the present and I strive to create a space where we can honor your story and help you feel grounded in the here and now. Having lived in several parts of the world and experienced many different cultures, I have found what remains universal are the ways in which people tell stories and make meaning of their experiences. This is a powerful tool in the therapeutic space as well and one I make room for. By focusing on the counseling relationship, my hope is to cultivate a space that is welcoming and free of judgment.

I believe in a collaborative approach and in fostering a therapeutic alliance centered around trust. I provide Culturally-Sensitive, Trauma Informed Care and often draw from evidence-based interventions such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). As a Brainspotting practitioner, I recognize the importance of helping individuals increase both emotional as well as somatic awareness and integrate this in my work. 

I consider art in all its forms to be a powerful tool and will often utilize Expressive Art techniques involving drawing, painting, storytelling and music in my work with clients.I encourage feedback from clients and believe honest communication in the counseling space to be an essential feature of the therapeutic alliance.

I received my master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at Georgia State University.I have prior experience working in Higher Education as Academic Advisor specializing in graduation outcomes and working as a therapist at a college counseling center.I also have research experience working with individuals who have experienced domestic violence, have collaborated on research that looks at Trauma and Meaning-Making and have also served on the board for GSU’s chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (Honor Society for Counselors)  In addition to this, I have experience working at several treatment facilities across levels of care supporting individuals with Eating Disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, ARFID and Binge Eating Disorder. I am passionate about body inclusivity and challenging systemic narratives that promote diet culture. I am a Health at Every Size (HAES) informed counselor.

Areas of Interest: Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating, Self-Esteem, Shame, Trauma, Immigration, Acculturation stress, Life Transitions, Grief, Meaning Making and Spirituality

Intensively training in Brainspotting

Populations of Interest: Teens, young adults and adults; Individual & Couples/Relationship Counseling; South Asian, Gender Affirming, Queer-Allied and Body Positive

INVESTMENT TO WORK WITH Mehak merchant, ms, apc

Mehak Merchant is is an out of network provider and under the direct supervision of Joy Ssebikindu, LPC, CPCS.

Psychotherapy Intake  

The initial intake will be charged at $225 per session for individuals and $250 for couple/family depending on the tenure of provider. You can expect a typical intake to last between 50-55 minutes.   

Individual, Couples and Family Psychotherapy   

Counseling fees are based on a 50-minute counseling session. The fee for individual counseling is $200 per session after initial intake, and family counseling (two or more individuals) is $225 per session depending on the tenure of provider.  Later appointments (7:00pm or after) are subject to additional cost for individual and for family sessions (two or more individuals).   

Parenting Consultations (without adolescent)   

We do believe in maintaining a collaborative relationship with the entire family within the limits of confidentiality. There may be times where it is more appropriate to meet with one or both parents of an adolescent that we are working with. The fee for this 50-min session is $225. 

Payment  

All major credit cards, cash and/or checks are acceptable forms of payment. HSA/FSA funding is also accepted. Payment is due at the time of service.

Cancellation Policy  
The providers at Anchored Wellness & Psychotherapy have a 24-hour cancellation policy. No show/late cancel notifications are subject to the full cost of the session. In the event of an emergency, please contact the office for further feedback.