My Story
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
I have worked with many different cultural backgrounds, as well as those with differing spiritual beliefs. I strive to use my experience, as well as my honest and open style of communication to act as a positive support to help clients fulfill therapeutic and life goals. My primary focus is helping clients enhance positive traits and feelings as well as strengthening their existing skills. I strive to utilize the client's reality and values within the work we foster together.
Since attaining my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I have pursued many therapeutic techniques to help my clients. My clinical interests include treating trauma for adults as a Certified Complex Trauma Professional Level 2, professional, neuroaffirming care (non-pathological care for neurodiverse individuals) as well as providing LGBTQIA+ affirmative psychotherapy.
Luís Merced, MS, LMHC, NCC, CCTP-II
Certified Complex Trauma Professional Level II
What is trauma?
Sometimes, people unfairly compare their experiences to others. In their mind, they may sense that others are experiencing more horrific traumas, while minimizing our own. Often times, we may have the automatic desire to downplay the impact of what happened to us. Unfortunately, the nervous system may react regardless of how we may box things up. I like to think of trauma as those negative experiences that still impact us from time to time. Whether it is in our dreams, the way we shape our relationships or remain guarded, and even the way we think of ourselves, these boxed up feelings leak out from time to time. Even traumas sustained generations ago, may still impact individuals in their current lives. This is called intergenerational trauma. Please click on the link below for more information about intergenerational trauma.
Services
Trauma Therapy
The Process of Healing
Now that we discussed trauma, you may ask how can I help. Well, we start by understanding your past and present, concurrently. We then create a team of resources for you to utilize during your first few sessions. This helps ease into your traumas at your pace.
My disciplines of treatment include, EMDR and Attachment-Focused-EMDR in treating trauma-related issues by assisting individuals to overcome distress, trauma, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms. I'm also trained in Biofeedback, Ego State/Dissociation (Parts Work), the Flash Technique, and Intergenerational Trauma to help clients discover relief.
Psychotherapy
Give Yourself Another Chance
Although I specialize in trauma, I use an integrated approach when working with all of my clients and utilized Cognitive Behavioral strategies, namely DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) while working with those not specifically seeking trauma-informed care. I strive to use my experience, as well as my honest and open style of communication to act as a positive support to help clients fulfill therapeutic and life goals.
Whether you are struggling with our ability to connect with others, a poor self image or striving towards digital wellness, I met the clients where they are. Although not every therapist is a good fit for everyone, I encourage every client to discuss any concerns they may have or if they need to work with someone another professional. Everyone deserves respect and to be treated like their needs matter.
In my practice, I celebrate neruodiversity and provide neuroaffirming care. I do not pathologize brains that present within the neurodiverse umbrella (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, ect.). My goal is to provide a safe space for folks to explore and work on their concerns and not feel othered. As a neurodiverse individual, myself, I understand the need for folks to be understood and seen.
Cost of Services
Telephone Consultation (15 minutes) Free
Intake $180
Ongoing Individual Session: $160
I soley take United Insurance, at this time. All others are out of network
**Out of Network**(What does this mean?)
Payment is due at the time of service
Good Faith Estimate
Good Faith Estimate
Under the No Surprises Act
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
• Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical services including psychotherapy.
• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your appointment. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
For a good faith estimate: the amount you would owe if you were to attend therapy for 52 sessions in a year (weekly, without skipping any weeks for holidays, break, vacation, unplanned events/sickness, etc.). The "Good Faith Estimate" requires practitioners to provide an exact estimate and not a range. Out of an abundance of caution and transparency, we will only quote weekly appointments.
Therefore, a sample GFE estimate will indicate, for example, that if you receive weekly 55-minute psychotherapy for the duration of one year, you will be billed for a total of $8320 (52 x $160). Most clients have one visit per week.
“The natural healing force in each one of us is the greatest force in getting well”
Hippocrates
About
Servicing Washington, Oregon, as well as Colorado State. Currently, exclusively utilizing video sessions. Note: I am able to see anyone in the previous states via video sessions. I see clients of various sexual orientations, gender identity, and gender expressions ages 18 and up.
Specialties
Individual Counseling
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Anxiety
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Attachment Disorders
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Behavioral Issues
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Coping Skills
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Depression
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Divorce
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Dual Diagnosis
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Emotional Disturbance
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Grief
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Infidelity
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Intimacy Disorders
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Life Transitions
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Relationship Issues
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Self Esteem
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Trauma and PTSD
Outside My Scope of Practice
Under the following conditions we refer to a specializing clinician.
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Court Evaluations
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Parenting Evaluations
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Expert Witness
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Forensic Evaluations
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Parenting or Custody Evaluations
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Sex Offender Work unless in conjunction with an established treatment provider. Decided on a case by case basis.
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Anger Management
