Skip to main content

Tara Merchant, LMHC

Staff Therapist
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
Talk Therapy

Education and training

  • Long Island University Master of Science (MS)

Get to know

Tara Merchant, LMHC

Tara Merchant is a person-centered, nonjudgmental, relationship-based LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) who recognizes the intrinsic value of all people and holds positive regard for all her clients. Tara views counseling as a collaborative effort that provides psychoeducation and coping skills for the obstacles with which clients may be struggling, and clients provide insights as experts on themselves. She believes that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and have valid underlying factors. Tara seeks to help clients connect the dots, from both past and present, to have a greater understanding of themselves and their environments. She also fosters a safe space for clients to identify and embrace their feelings toward emotional catharsis. Tara received her Bachelor's Degree from Purchase College, State University of NY, and her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. She has an eclectic style that utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic modality. Tara aims to uphold cultural humility for ongoing learning and awareness that supports racial and social equity. She is experienced in working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and child development. Tara is a big proponent of self-care and encourages you to find whatever it is that fills your cup. She, for example, loves to watch TV and sing in her spare time.

Get matched with a clinician like this one

Ready to book your first appointment? Take our 10-minute assessment. We’ll match you with a clinician who meets your needs, has availability, and takes your insurance.

Get started
More Clinicians

Joni Courtney, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Joni Courtney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who provides compassionate, individualized therapy to clients of all ages. Originally from Arizona, she holds a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University and relocated to Texas three years ago. Her background includes experience as a clinical therapist and working with students experiencing homelessness in the school system. Joni creates a safe, supportive space for clients to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that foster healing and growth.

Joni believes therapy is a collaborative relationship rooted in trust, self-awareness, and growth. She values active listening, thoughtful questioning, and believes clients are the experts of their own lives. She partners with individuals to develop personalized treatment goals that align with their experiences and values, blending grace and accountability throughout the therapeutic process.

During the first session, Joni starts with brief introductions and explores the challenges the client is facing. Together, they develop goals and a treatment plan, which they continue to refine in follow-up sessions. Joni tailors her approach using techniques from multiple therapeutic models to best support each client’s unique journey.

Melinda Morris, LCSW

Staff Therapist

Melinda Morris is a dedicated and compassionate LCSW with over 6 years of experience in the field of mental health. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and has been a practicing counselor since 2018. Melinda specializes in helping individuals navigate life's challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, transitional periods, and relationship issues. Her approach isclient-centered and integrative, combining techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and solution-focused therapy to tailor treatment plans to each client's unique needs and identifying their personal strengths to enhance theirprogress in becoming and feeling the best version of themselves in any new chapter they maybe experiencing. Throughout her career, Melinda has worked primarily in nonprofit and private practice settings. She is known for her empathetic listening, non-judgmental attitude, and ability to build rapport and trust to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients so they can find their voice and be truly heard and understood. Melinda is committed to ongoing professional development and regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay current with the latest advancements in mental health treatment. She is also an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). When she's not working, Melinda enjoys traveling, hiking, painting/drawing, and spending time with her awesome kiddo and fur babies.

Maria Conklin, LPC

Therapist

Maria Conklin, a licensed professional counselor, graduated with a master's degree in counseling from Seton Hall University in 2006. With 15 years of experience in community mental health, Maria now specializes in Telehealth, offering compassionate care for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and grief. Drawing from her background as a registered nurse, she addresses both mental and physical issues, integrating CBT and DBT into her supportive psychotherapy practice. Maria is also NCC certified, ensuring quality care for her clients.

Rebecca Jarrell, LPC

Staff Therapist

Rebecca Jarrell is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California and New Mexico. She has been in the mental health field for over 24 years in a variety of clinical settings. Early in her career, she worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital on the child and adolescent unit. Most recently, Rebecca has spent over a decade in the private practice setting working with adults and specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief and loss issues. While she provides a holistic, individualized treatment approach, she has a strong background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Grief Educator. She feels strongly about treating each client as a unique individual and meeting them wherever they are on their mental health journey. Rebecca is committed to creating a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. Clients looking for a therapist will find Rebecca to be compassionate and direct, encouraging clients to challenge and reframe distorted thoughts while reinforcing positive adaptive behaviors.

Taylor Cortez, LPC

Staff Therapist

Taylor Cortez is a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience in treating diverse populations and diagnoses. She earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Georgia. Taylor has served as a primary therapist and assessor at Willowbrooke at Tanner inpatient facility, a primary therapist at the University of West Georgia Counseling Center, and as a primary virtual therapist at Connected Minds in Atlanta, Georgia. Using a warm and humanistic approach, Taylor creates a safe and empathetic space for clients to explore and process difficult emotions and traumas. She employs an interdisciplinary theoretical approach, customizing therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. Taylor is dedicated to providing unwavering support to clients as they navigate life's challenges. Taylor is trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches. She specializes in working with clients diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and body dysmorphia. Committed to offering the best counseling experience possible, Taylor helps her clients heal from past experiences and flourish in the present. She approaches each client with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to their overall well-being and growth.

Renee Johnson, LPC

Staff Therapist

Renee is a licensed therapist in the states of Texas and Florida. She earned a Master’s degree in Counseling from Sam Houston State University. Renee brings 15 years of experience in the mental health field supporting adults, adolescents, and children across a diverse range of therapeutic needs in the private practice and school setting.

Renee is dedicated to helping clients navigate life's complexities with confidence and resilience. Renee provides a safe, empathetic space where clients can explore their challenges and discover their inner strength.

Drawing from evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Renee partners with clients to develop practical coping strategies, foster self-awareness, and build emotional resilience. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or life transitions, Renee is here to support your journey toward wellness. She believes in building on your existing strengths while developing new tools to help you thrive, not just survive.

Ready to get matched?

Start our short assessment
Specialties
Talk Therapy
States
New York
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
years experience