Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you work with?
I'm Katherine Merritt, LMFT (#131829), a therapist in Encino, CA, specializing in grief, loss, and relationship issues. I also work with adults experiencing anxiety and depression. I see clients in person at my Ventura Blvd office and by telehealth throughout California.
What is the cost?
My fee is $250 per 50-minute session. I have a limited number of sliding scale spots, so please get in touch to discuss your needs.
Do you take insurance?
I don't take health insurance directly, but as an out-of-network provider, I can give you a monthly superbill to submit to your PPO plan. You pay out of pocket for sessions, and depending on your plan, you may be reimbursed a percentage of the cost.
How often do we meet?
We meet once a week. Meeting less often makes it hard to build momentum, and sometimes we decide together that more frequent sessions would help.
Do we meet in person or online?
I offer both. My office is at 16055 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91436, and many clients come from Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Studio City, and Calabasas. For people who can't make it to the office, I offer telehealth sessions through HIPAA-compliant video for California residents.
How long does therapy take?
Sessions are 50 minutes, held at the same time each week. Some people have a specific goal and reach it within a couple of months. Others find the ongoing relationship valuable and choose longer-term support. Either way, this is something we can discuss throughout, so you can get the support you need.
What is your approach?
I work from a relational psychodynamic approach, which means we pay attention to your history, your relationships, and what happens between us in the room. Whatever you're coming in with, the goal is to understand what's underneath what you're feeling so that change can last.
What types of loss do you work with?
I work with all kinds of loss, including:
The death of a parent, partner, child, sibling, or friend
Sudden or traumatic loss
Pregnancy loss and infertility
Loss of a pet
Anticipatory grief when someone you love is ill
A difficult medical diagnosis
Divorce, estrangement, and the end of important relationships
Losses that don't involve death, such as identity, a career, or a future you expected
If you're not sure whether your experience "counts," we can discuss. Learn more about grief and loss therapy.
Do I have to be grieving to work with you?
No. Many of my clients come to me for relationship issues, anxiety, or depression, with no loss involved at all. Whatever brings you in, we'll explore it together.
Can you help with relationship problems?
Yes. If you keep running into the same issues in your relationships, feel disconnected, or find yourself wondering "is it me?", therapy can help you understand the patterns shaping your connections with partners, family, friends, and colleagues. Learn more about therapy for relationship issues.
Can therapy help with anxiety and depression?
Yes. Worry, hopelessness, and numbness can feel inescapable, especially when life looks fine on paper, and your feelings don't make sense. Together we can explore what's driving those feelings, notice the patterns that keep repeating, and build more self-compassion. Learn more about therapy for anxiety and depression.
Is it too soon, or too late, to start grief therapy?
There's no right time. Some people come in within weeks of a loss, and others come years later when grief resurfaces, or they realize they never had space to feel it. Both are common, and both are welcome.
How do I prepare for a video session?
Find a private space where no one else is in the room, use a device with a strong internet connection, and silence your notifications. Treat it as you would an in-person session.
How do I get started?
Email me at katherinemerrittlmft[at]gmail.com, or text/call at (323) 301-3577, and we'll schedule a free 20-minute consultation. I'll ask what's bringing you to therapy now, share how I work, and answer any questions about my background. If we're not a good fit, I'll refer you to trusted colleagues. I do my best to return all inquiries within 24 hours.