LaVerne Merritt-Morrison, LMHC

LaVerne Merritt-Morrison brings a strong educational foundation and specialized training to her clinical work, holding a B.S. in Human Services/Counseling and a master's degree in clinical counseling with a major in Addiction Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University, earned in May 2004. She was grandfathered in as a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in September 2006 and later received a Master Addiction Counselor credential from the National Certification Commission for Addiction Counselors on March 31, 2016.

Her practice draws on decades of hands-on experience addressing substance use and related challenges. She reports extensive work specifically in substance use therapy, years supporting people with co-occurring or dual diagnoses, and time assisting residents in transitional housing programs who live with chronic medical conditions. Additional professional qualifications include a Credential Alcoholism Substance Abuse Counselor designation and a Specialty in Gambling acquired after completing a 60-hour Compulsive Gambling training at the Narco Freedom Institute.

Clinically she weaves motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy together within a client-centered framework, aiming to meet clients where they are and build on their strengths. That collaborative, empathic stance is central to her approach, along with practical skills to address addiction, trauma-related concerns, relationship and family issues, mood and anxiety symptoms, and other life transitions. She often reflects on Maya Angelou's words - people may forget what you said or did but will never forget how you made them feel - as a guide for the therapeutic connection she strives to create.

Therapeutic Approaches for Virtual Support

LaVerne Merritt-Morrison uses client-centered therapy to prioritize each person's goals and perspectives, creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where people guide the focus of work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can be helpful for anxiety, depression, and many everyday stressors. Motivational Interviewing supports readiness for change by exploring ambivalence and strengthening personal motivation, often useful in addiction and behavior change work.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and she works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative stance helps tailor sessions so they feel relevant and achievable.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to fit care into busy schedules, accommodate mobility or geographic constraints, and maintain continuity of support. These options allow licensed professionals and therapists to provide consistent, accessible care while adapting pace and format to each client's life.