Jennifer Merva, LCSW

Jennifer Merva is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Long Beach, California. As an LCSW she is trained and licensed to provide clinical mental health services, and she brings five years of direct experience working with children, youth, and families facing a range of concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, low motivation and self-esteem, grief and loss, and relationship or family conflicts.

Jennifer centers her work on the importance of relationships and attachment, believing that connections with others and one’s environment shape thoughts and behaviors. She uses a strengths-based orientation to help clients recognize and build on the abilities they already possess, turning existing strengths into practical skills for coping and resilience. Clients can expect to learn concrete strategies to manage life’s stressors, address conflict more effectively, and foster healthier relationships with themselves and others.

Her practice includes support for issues related to abandonment and attachment, autism and Asperger syndrome, body image, caregiver stress, communication problems, divorce and separation, emptiness, family difficulties, guilt and shame, isolation and loneliness, life purpose, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress. Jennifer also works with grief and bereavement and offers interventions for trauma-related symptoms.

Jennifer completed a Master of Social Work at the University of Southern California in 2019 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of San Francisco, where she focused on children, youth, and families. She has pursued additional training and certificates in areas such as Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused CBT, grief and loss, autism spectrum disorder, art and play in therapy, and strategies for working with diverse populations. Her approach is collaborative - she partners with clients to set goals and tailor treatment to their needs, helping them move toward greater well-being and renewed enjoyment in life.

Attachment-Informed and Evidence-Based Care Online

Jennifer integrates attachment-based therapy, client-centered therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address emotional and relational concerns. Attachment-based therapy examines how early and current relationships influence feelings and behavior, helping clients heal patterns of connection and trust. Client-centered therapy focuses on the person’s strengths and priorities, offering a nonjudgmental space where the therapist follows the client’s lead to foster insight and self-compassion. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps identify unhelpful thoughts and teaches practical skills to change behaviors and reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and panic.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Jennifer works collaboratively with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and she tailors interventions so therapy fits the client rather than forcing a single method. This collaborative stance helps clients feel heard and more invested in change.

Online sessions offer flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone appointments, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to receive consistent support around work, school, family obligations, or mobility limitations, while still allowing licensed professionals to provide focused, goal-oriented treatment that aligns with each client’s life.