LaVerne Merritt-Morrison , LMHC

LaVerne Merritt-Morrison is a licensed mental health professional in New York with three decades of experience supporting people through addiction, trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, and life transitions. She holds a B.S. in Human Services and Counseling and a master’s degree in clinical counseling with a major in Addiction Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University. LaVerne was granted New York state licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in 2006 and later earned a Master Addiction Counselor designation from the National Certification Commission for Addiction Counselors in 2016.

Her clinical work includes extensive experience in substance use treatment, dual diagnosis care, and transitional housing for individuals with chronic medical conditions. LaVerne also holds credentials as an alcoholism and substance abuse counselor and completed a 60-hour Compulsive Gambling training through the Narco Freedom Institute, receiving a Specialty in Gambling designation. She combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to help clients gain insight, build coping strategies, and move toward healthier patterns.

LaVerne’s approach centers on meeting clients where they are - using client-centered methods supported by motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques. This blend helps clients explore motivations, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and set realistic goals for change. She is accepting new clients, including international clients, and works with adults facing a broad range of issues from addictions and codependency to relationship and parenting concerns. LaVerne is guided by the belief reflected in Maya Angelou’s words - that how people are made to feel can have a lasting impact.

Collaborative Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

LaVerne Merritt-Morrison uses client-centered therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where the person’s own goals and values guide the work. This approach helps people feel heard and empowers them to identify solutions that fit their life circumstances.

She also employs cognitive behavioral therapy, a practical method that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is useful for managing anxiety, depression, stress, and patterns that contribute to substance use and relationship problems.

Motivational interviewing is another key tool in her practice - a collaborative, goal-oriented style that helps people explore their readiness for change and strengthen personal motivation. It is especially helpful for issues like addiction, ambivalence about recovery, and building commitment to new habits.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. LaVerne works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies as progress is made.

Online therapy with LaVerne offers practical flexibility - sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to access consistent care around work, family, or travel, and support ongoing progress through a variety of convenient formats.