- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Life purpose
About Cortney
Cortney Merritt is a Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical (LCSW-C) practicing in Maryland with five years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, and life changes. Sessions focus on practical steps and clear goals rather than vague promises.
Cortney helps people talk through communication problems and feelings of guilt, shame, impulsivity, and isolation. She also addresses questions about life purpose, sexuality, post-traumatic stress, and issues commonly reported by women. Her approach is collaborative and person-centered, centering the client’s own priorities and experience.
In sessions she uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to build coping skills and reduce distress. That can include learning tools for managing strong emotions, changing unhelpful thoughts, and practicing new ways of relating to others. She explains options in plain language and works together with clients to pick what feels useful.
Cortney brings cultural humility and respect for each person’s background into the work. She aims to help clients strengthen their self-worth and increase day-to-day functioning. Conversations are straightforward and focused on what can change now.
To begin, Cortney asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. She notes that the practice uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time, and cost varies by location.
How evidence-based methods are used in online sessions
Many of the techniques Cortney draws on are evidence-based therapeutic methods that focus on real-world changes. Cognitive approaches help people notice and adjust patterns of thinking that increase anxiety or depression, which can reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. Skills-based strategies teach tools for managing stress, regulating strong emotions, and handling impulsive reactions so clients can respond more effectively in difficult moments.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Cortney treats choice of method as a collaborative decision. She discusses options with each person, considers their goals and preferences, and adjusts the plan as therapy progresses.
The therapist's biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm the available online session options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so people can meet during a break or between commitments. Licensed professionals can tailor pacing and tools in virtual sessions to match everyday life demands without promising a particular format.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Maryland
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include communication problems, guilt and shame, impulsivity, loneliness, life purpose, post-traumatic stress, sexuality, and women's issues.
How does she approach feeling stuck?
Her style is collaborative and person-centered. She uses evidence-based techniques to help people develop coping skills and clarify next steps.
What is her clinical background?
She has five years of clinical experience working with adults on mood, stress, grief, and related concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LCSW-C (Maryland) and practices in Maryland.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
Session formats are not specified in the biography. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.