Mercedes Dericho, LMHC

Availability: Currently accepting new clients virtually.

I am a military veteran and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings both lived experience and clinical expertise to my work with individuals and couples. My experience in the military has given me a unique understanding of the culture of service, resilience, sacrifice, and the challenges that can come with asking for support.

I work with adults, veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and couples who may be navigating trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship challenges, substance use, or major life transitions. I am particularly passionate about helping couples strengthen their communication, navigate conflict, rebuild connection, and better understand how past experiences and individual struggles can impact their relationship.

Whether you are working through emotional disconnection, trust issues, difficulty communicating, or the effects of trauma within your relationship, therapy can provide a safe space to slow down, understand one another, and develop healthier patterns together.

My goal is not to take sides or place blame, but to help each person feel heard while creating space for greater understanding, accountability, and meaningful change. I believe healthy relationships are built through intentional communication, emotional awareness, vulnerability, and a willingness to grow together.

My therapeutic approach

My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and individualized. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop insight, strengthen emotional regulation, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build healthier ways of coping.

In couples therapy, I focus on helping partners understand their relationship patterns, improve communication, navigate conflict more effectively, and create a stronger sense of emotional connection and partnership.

I believe meaningful healing happens when we look beyond symptoms and consider the whole person—their experiences, relationships, strengths, challenges, and personal story. My goal is to create a therapeutic environment where you feel safe, supported, respected, and empowered to move toward the life and relationships you desire.

Areas of focus

  • Childhood Trauma

  • Relationship Issues

  • Mood Disorders

  • Personality Disorders

  • Substance Use

  • Alcohol Addiction

Education

  • Bachelors of Science in Sociology from Florida International University.

  • Masters in Criminology from Florida Atlantic University.

  • Masters in Clinical Social Work from Baylor University.

Are you ready to start your healing journey?

Email shay@yourroadtohealing.com if you have any questions.