Jennifer Merva, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Jennifer is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California
More about Jennifer
- 5 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
Hello! My name is Jennifer Merva and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Long Beach, California. I have 5 years of experience providing direct therapy to children, youth and families with a variety of presenting issues including stress, anxiety and depression, low motivation and self-esteem, grief and loss and relationship and family issues.
We live in such a fast-paced society it can be difficult to prioritize our mental health. It’s easy to distract ourselves and bury our issues instead of facing them head-on. I will provide a safe, empathic space for you. I believe relationships and attachments are crucial for healing. Our connections matter. Your environment and relationships are interconnected and can have a huge impact on your thoughts and behaviors.
My therapeutic approach is strengths-based. You are already coming in with so many strengths! I am here to help you identify them and use them as skills. You will develop a more positive outlook and improve your resiliency. I am here to help you work though conflict in healthier ways. You will learn skills and strategies to manage the stressors of life. We can work on strengthening your relationships; both with yourself and others. Together we can help you find the joy and happiness of life again.
Our therapeutic relationship will be a collaborative one. I will work with you to help reach your goals. I want to thank you for taking the time to tend to your needs. I look forward to meeting you and helping you along this journey.
Education
• The University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA Master of Social Work May 2019
• The University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Department: Children, Youth & Families Minor: Child & Youth Studies May 2012
Certificates
• Understanding Male's Psychology in Community Mental Health November 2023
• Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication October 2023
• Art and Play in Therapy February 2023
• The Faraway-Nearby of Loss: How We Mourn October 2022
• Trauma Informed Strategies: Working with Individuals with ID/DD/ASD for Clinical Staff April 2022
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Guide for General Practitioners April 2021
• Providing Clinical Services to African American Men/Youth Experiencing Trauma Grief April 2021
• Providing Care for Clients who Identify as Trans, Nonbinary and/or Gender Nonconforming March 2021
• Domestic Violence in the Lives of Children March 2021
Trainings
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Problem Solving Therapy (PST)
• Compassion Focused Therapy
• Trauma-Focused CBT, Bullying
• Eating Disorders 101
• Effective Parenting Strategies
• Grief and Loss
• Suicide Risk Management and Assessment
NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Member ID: 886753466
Specialties
Treatment Approaches
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
Licenses
Jennifer Merva's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1497304539.
- LCSW · California · 109812 · Expires August 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 Jennifer Merva
Frequently asked questions
Does Jennifer Merva offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Jennifer Merva 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 Jennifer Merva speak?
Jennifer Merva speaks English.
How many years of experience does Jennifer Merva have?
Jennifer Merva has 5 years of experience.
Where is Jennifer Merva licensed to practice?
Jennifer Merva is licensed to practice in California.
Does Jennifer Merva accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Jennifer Merva 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 Jennifer Merva offer?
Jennifer Merva offers clients Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
How can I communicate with Jennifer Merva?
Jennifer Merva 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 Jennifer Merva?
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.
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.