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Lynda Merritt , LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Lynda is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

4.5 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Lynda. View 54 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in California

Recent reviews

Lynda is supportive when talking to me. She is allows me to openly talk about my issues and help me to work through them.

Reviewed December 2020

Lynda is a very amazing therapist. I could go on forever about how she is thenperfect fit for me. She listens, she makes recommendations, she holds me accountable and most of all she is down to earth and genuinely cares. Aside from the fact that she knows what she is talking about and is extremely knowledgeable about everything she is an amazing, kind and genuine person.

Reviewed September 2022

More about Lynda

  • 7 years' experience
  • Female
  • LCSW

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist licensed in California. I have been working with children, families, and individuals for over 15 years. Over the past 9 years I have been providing therapy for children, families and individuals whom have challenges with mental health barriers. I have worked as a Crisis Responder in the community, hospital, and Law Enforcement settings providing training and coaching strategies on how to respond to mental health using a non-judgmental approach. My goal is to empower through therapeutic and biblical principals that instills, empowers and support our unique voice and choice as well as maintain safety and sense of wellness. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma, sexual and emotional abuse and grief and loss.

My counseling style is motivated by engaging persons in a non-judgmental manner, creating a sense of value, respectful, , compassion, and being transparent. My therapeutic approach combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focus Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy TF (CBT), Motivation Interviewing, Mindfulness, Grief and Loss, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Solution Focused Therapy. My goal is to empower those that are seeking to work in partnership to improve there levels of functioning.

My desire is to empower through acknowledgement, validating, and understanding, I believe through commitment and partnership you will be able to gain a better, safer control over your life.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Addictions Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Depression LGBT Relationship issues Grief Intimacy-related issues Eating disorders Sleeping disorders Parenting issues Anger management Self esteem Career difficulties Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes Coaching Compassion fatigue ADHD Abandonment Aging and geriatric issues Attachment issues Blended family issues Caregiver issues and stress Codependency Commitment issues Communication problems Coping with natural or human-caused disaster Dependent personality Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) Divorce and separation Domestic violence Drug and alcohol addiction Emptiness Family problems First responder issues Forgiveness Impulsivity Isolation / loneliness Midlife crisis Mood disorders Post-traumatic stress Self-harm Sexual assault and abuse Social anxiety and phobia Women's issues Workplace issues Young adult issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Attachment-Based Therapy
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy

Licenses

Lynda Merritt 's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1356527915.

  • LCSW · California · 93654 · Expires January 2026

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

Reviews for Lynda Merritt

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

4.5

54 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Listens Amazing Great Helpful Wonderful Helped Recommend Thank you The best Comfortable

Lynda is supportive when talking to me. She is allows me to openly talk about my issues and help me to work through them.

Reviewed December 2020

Lynda is a very amazing therapist. I could go on forever about how she is thenperfect fit for me. She listens, she makes recommendations, she holds me accountable and most of all she is down to earth and genuinely cares. Aside from the fact that she knows what she is talking about and is extremely knowledgeable about everything she is an amazing, kind and genuine person.

Reviewed September 2022

As always, I keep calling Lynda “Dr. Merritt”, but that’s probably cause of her professionalism. She listens and supports me. I have appreciated her insite and techniques helping with my anxiety. I had an episode a few weeks ago and she made herself available to talk me down from my attack. Sometimes serious and somber; sometimes lighthearted and jovial. I appreciate her having human emotions. I’ve had other therapists who were flat and monotone.

Reviewed September 2022

After more experience together, AND I prefer NOT to be forced to give a premature review. She is OUTSTANDING. That much is 100% clear. SEE my answers to questions.

Reviewed September 2022

Lynda was absolutely amazing! She really listened and made me feel comfortable. She definitely knows what she is doing and is easy to talk to. I am grateful to have her as my therapist.

Reviewed August 2022

Lynda has been excellent! Very helpful, kind, and positive! Helped me to see things from a better prospector

Reviewed August 2022

Thanks for being here

Reviewed July 2022

Always polite, empathetic and is helping me regain my trust for counseling.

Reviewed July 2022

Super helpful and allows me to explore deeper thoughts. Lynda also is very welcoming and welcomed me with an open heart

Reviewed April 2022

I love my weekly session with Lynda. Speaking to her on a weekly basis has help me with my anxiety and becoming a better communicator with my family.

Reviewed April 2022

Lynda is such a great therapist. She listens very well and works with you to create effective solutions. Her genuine kindness shines through and you can tell she truly cares about her work. The sessions never seem rushed and conversation always feels natural. I have seen several therapists throughout the years and Lynda has been the best one by far.

Reviewed March 2022

Lynda is caring person that loves her job. She is a professional and wants you to succeed. Lynda gives you different ways to handle certain situations. I was not completely comfortable with therapy, but Lynda made me feel at ease to discuss my issues. I’m glad I was paired with her. She’s the best.

Reviewed March 2022

She's great! She is empathetic and listens well. Everything i have always looked for in a therapist.

Reviewed March 2022

I like my therapist veryuch ,the short time she has helped me alot

Reviewed March 2022

Always want more time it goes by fast

Reviewed March 2022

Lynda is wonderful. She is thoughtful and thought provoking (in a good way). Lynda gives praise where/when it is needed and offers suggestions when I’m at a crossroads or an impasse. I’m glad I found her on the BetterHelp app and will likely keep her when I start my new job (& get new insurance).

Reviewed February 2022

I struggled with counselors and their methods before finding Betterhelp. Within Betterhelp, I found Lynda. She is caring, compassionate and truly cares for her patients. I have never been this confident in counseling before. Thank you Lynda!

Reviewed February 2022

My first experience with Better Help has been amazing being paired with therapist Lynda Merritt. She really respects my boundaries and recognizes my needs for each session. The best part of our sessions is that it feels like I’m sitting down with a girlfriend for a chat and not having an awkward conversation with a stranger.

Reviewed February 2022

Lynda is so kind. She listens and helps me to understand the how’s what’s and why’s. She knows where I’m coming from and I thank God that she is came into my life and is here to help me find my way

Reviewed January 2022

Linda helped me feel comfortable in our first session together. She is listens very well and is very motivating.

Reviewed December 2021

Love her! She has been the biggest blessing in my life! I’m very thankful

Reviewed December 2021

My first session with Lynda was very warm and safe. She made me feel heard and respected. I'm looking forward to more sessions :)

Reviewed November 2021

Shes a wonderful therapist and person and it's always a pleasure talking to her. I love the breakdown of the why we do what we do, the methods explained for overcoming these things and sharing experiences in our life. It really feels like they're a friend that I go way back with.

Reviewed November 2021

Lynda is awesome. Thank you

Reviewed November 2021

Lynda is great and very knowledgeable. I would strongly recommend her and her expertise.

Reviewed November 2021

I love better help. I was having a bad day and decided to sign up, I thought it was very dramatic of me but after talking with my therapist I realized everyone needs a therapist. You’re not crazy for going to therapy, sometimes we need a non judgmental stranger to listen

Reviewed November 2021

Keep up the good work ✌️

Reviewed November 2021

Lynda has been wonderful. They connected very well with me. I never felt judged or ashamed, they make you feel very safe when you’re talking with them. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking help!

Reviewed November 2021

My counselor, Lynda, is very professional and understands my needs. She listens well and provides suggestions for me. She has a calming voice and with her expertise, it makes the experience worthwhile.

Reviewed September 2021

I’m only on my second meeting with Lynda but she gets me, I don’t know how an app matched me with this Angel of a person but I’m so glad they did! She is helpful, wise, and understanding. I appreciate everything she’s done in just a few sessions.

Reviewed August 2021

Absolutely wonderful. Great communicator and always a relief to talk to.

Reviewed August 2021

She’s amazing, a great listener and responder.

Reviewed August 2021

Lynda, has been such a joy to find. She has truly added such a relief. I appreciate how genuine and helpful she has been through out the process.

Reviewed July 2021

I am so blessed and grateful to have crossed paths with Miss Lynda at a time in my life where I was feeling a little lost and needed extra support. Lynda is kind and compassionate, and most of all, she made me feel seen and heard. She helped me through a difficult transition period in my life and gave me the tools I needed to overcome my anxiety when I needed it the most. Lynda truly cares about the well-being of her clients, and every session felt like I was talking to a good friend over coffee. Thank you, Lynda, for everything -- the laughs and the meaningful conversations will always hold a special place in my heart! You're the best!

Reviewed June 2021

Lynda is compassionate, funny and very insightful. So far she has helped me view myself and my life situations in a more gentle, positive way. I'm very grateful for Lynda's support and professional expertise!

Reviewed May 2021

So lucky to have connected with Lynda. Through my struggles, she has listened to me and is there to provide lots of love and support. I'm thankful to have met her. Lynda is a wonderful counselor who will not only ask you questions but will have meaningful conversations with you.

Reviewed April 2021

I have only been working with Lynda for a short time but her positive attitude makes my week better! She listens to me without judgement and is extremely understanding and supportive. She has provided me with many resources to deal with my struggles and actionable solutions.

Reviewed April 2021

I am so pleased and satisfied with how far Lynda and I got in our first session!! It is extremely difficult to touch basis on so many things that are affecting a person's life but Lynda was able to pick out what was truly underneath the roots of MY personal issues and experiences. I am more than thankful for her. I do not know how to express my gratitude for her. At the end of our session, she let me know right away what she had available next and I re-scheduled. Her listening, provided resources, and engagement speaks for itself! I felt like she was someone I have known for a long time because she could RELATE to what I was saying and she gave honest, genuine feedback! I hope I can keep her for as ling as I need. Thank you Better Help for sending me Lynda Merrit. Every counselor will not be for every person, I understand but I feel like Lynda is for ME!

Reviewed April 2021

Lynda doesn't judge no matter the circumstances and does an incredible job helping me feel comfortable to talk about things that are so hard to talk about otherwise. She is patient, doesn't rush and is so relatable. She will empathize with my struggles and even share stories about herself to help me open up better. She provides a safe space to say what I want without feeling awkward about it. To put it simply, she loves what shes doing and doesn't let the distinction between therapist and client from getting in the way; in fact, she prefers to refer to us as her partners and that we're on this journey together, which just makes everything that much easier to deal with.

Reviewed April 2021

Lynda listens to my concerns and provides tools to help.

Reviewed April 2021

I am so blessed that I was paired with Lynda. Lynda is a therapist that truly wants to help those she comes in contact with. She is very warm and kind as well as easy to talk to. I look forward touch our sessions and I have already seen so much progress dealing with my situation.

Reviewed March 2021

Lynda has provided such an open line of communication. She gave me such grounded feedback about where some of my insecurities were coming from and validated how I was feeling about my life while making sure I uplifted myself.

Reviewed March 2021

Lynda is an amazing listener and is very warm and kind. I look forward to meeting with her when we have a session scheduled

Reviewed February 2021

Lynda is a very patient and responsive therapist. She is the first therapist in years that makes me feel like she truly wants to help me. I am actually looking forward to seeing how we will do as a team to tackle the things that are keeping me from being my best self. I would highly recommend taking the time to try betterhelp.com and/or Lynda herself.

Reviewed January 2021

Lynda is fantastic! She is really nice, helpful and knows her stuff! I’m very happy I got paired with her

Reviewed January 2021

Lynda is a very kind and understanding individual. When I was in a place of uncertainty, she was there to guide me to a better state of mind. She understood my needs and allowed me to talk about everything that was happening in my life. I am grateful for a person like her to be a sign of hope for the people struggling. Thanks so much!

Reviewed January 2021

Lynda is an enlightening and incredibly experienced counselor. Within my first two appointments I felt more energetic and generally happier in my everyday life. I couldn't have done it without her help.

Reviewed January 2021

Lynda is a great counselor and we made a lot of progress within even our first session. I would highly recommend her for those suffering with relationship problems.

Reviewed December 2020

First time I actually felt better after speaking to someone. Lynda is an angel doing the work she is clearly intended to do. She is an inspiration and proof that you can make the world a better place by knowing and loving yourself.

Reviewed December 2020

Lynda is super down to earth and easy to talk to. She’s upbeat and positive and has a great smile.

Reviewed December 2020

LYNDA IS THE BEST!

Reviewed December 2020

Linda is absolutely wonderful. This is my first therapy experience, and I came in extremely skeptical. Linda listened to me and understood all of my concerns. She was vary caring and listened to everything I had to say, then offered me goals and suggestions that I could work on. I never thought less than a month later, I’d feel like there was a giant weight lifted from me. I will always carry these issues, but I feel I am so much better equipped and have so much more confidence to deal with them moving forward. I would recommend Lynda to everyone I know who feels like they need some help. Thank you so much, Lynda. I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.

Reviewed December 2020

From the get go, Lynda was able to give me support and confidence in her ability to help me. Her approach is exactly what I've been looking for.

Reviewed December 2020

She's amazing and very supportive. Very good at listening and makes therapy feel like we are just talking over coffee. Lynda provides many resources other than herself and that is also helpful. Keep up the good work. :)

Reviewed December 2020

How was your experience with Lynda?

Frequently asked questions

Does Lynda Merritt offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Lynda Merritt works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Lynda Merritt speak?

Lynda Merritt speaks English.

How many years of experience does Lynda Merritt have?

Lynda Merritt has 7 years of experience.

Where is Lynda Merritt licensed to practice?

Lynda Merritt is licensed to practice in California.

Does Lynda Merritt accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Lynda Merritt does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Lynda Merritt offer?

Lynda Merritt offers clients Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

How can I communicate with Lynda Merritt ?

Lynda Merritt can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Lynda Merritt ?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.