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Sometimes in the journey of life we could all benefit from someone to journey with us during the difficult times.
My name is Merissa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over eight years experience in individual counseling as well as advocacy, and mental and emotional health. I specialize in empowering individuals that may be struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, or relationship issues. My main therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as I believe there is so much power in learning how thoughts influence behavior and emotion and then changing those negative patterns. I also incorporate holistic counseling and solution based therapy among other treatment approaches and tailor my approach to your needs. I am empathetic, non-judgmental, and very passionate about the work I do. I enjoy being able to help others heal, grow and achieve their goals.
I am excited about beginning this journey with you!
Professional experience
8yrs in practice
Family conflictsSelf esteem, MotivationCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional areas of focus:Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship issues, Grief, Parenting issues, Coaching, ADHD, Abandonment, Body image, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Money and financial issues, Multicultural concerns, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-love, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Services offered
Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging
License information
AL LICSW 5091C
TX LCSW 104407
VA LCSW 0904013134
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Merissa Pryor. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She is the absolute best. She shares the truth humbly only after providing a safe emotional space for one to share their truth. I am forever indebted to her for this! :o)
Written on Aug 11, 2023 after therapy with Merissa for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coa
Merissa has been my therapist for about 3 years now and I’m truly grateful for her advice and support! She has coached me through some difficult situations and has helped me navigate some challenging relationships. Not to mention how important representation is to me which is why I was elated to be paired with her! She has also helped me see myself in the most gracious way which has helped increase my confidence and self esteem! 10 stars for Merissa and I definitely would recommend her to family, friends, or colleagues ⭐️⭐️⭐️!
Written on Dec 27, 2022 after therapy with Merissa for 3 years and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Accountability is superb
Written on Aug 15, 2022 after therapy with Merissa for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coaching, and compassion fatigue
I want to keep my therapy for a lifetime
Written on Jun 19, 2022 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life change
Merissa is a great therapist. She is attentive and supportive. I feel as though she really cares and is genuinely there to help me through any issues. It has been a pleasure to have her as my therapist.
Written on Sep 20, 2021 after therapy with Merissa for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Merissa has such a calming sense about her. She makes me feel at ease to talk abut my issues. Her advise is common sense, but at the same time, just what I need to hear. I feel like I'm making progress in such a short time. Thanks Merissa!
Written on Sep 03, 2021 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
I’ve had such a positive experience with Merissa. She listens without judgement and advises me with kindness. I feel she truly cares and I’m thankful to have her to talk through what I’m experiencing in my life and relationships.
Written on Aug 29, 2021 after therapy with Merissa for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
She is amazing!
Written on Aug 23, 2021 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, sleeping disorders, coping with life changes, and adhd
Merissa makes me feel safe to talk about anything I need to during our sessions. She is a great listener and always asks meaningful questions. Whether it's setting personal goals or unpacking past experiences, Merissa is flexible and always offers insightful ways to help me move forward.
Written on Aug 18, 2021 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
She’s wonderful - thank you for your help and time.
Written on Aug 15, 2021 after therapy with Merissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
I love her. She’s helped me overcome a lot of things. She’s so professional and has great advice.
Written on Aug 06, 2021 after therapy with Merissa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and compassion fatigue
Merrisa is a wonderful therapist, she listens and pays attention to details. She is always straight forward and offers many different ways for coping. She offers a space where I feel safe to open up. I am very grateful for Merrisa and having this platform to connect with her!
Written on Aug 04, 2021 after therapy with Merissa for 1 year and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
She is amazing human being. She made an impact in my life. I am grateful.
Written on Apr 27, 2021 after therapy with Merissa for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and anger management
My counselor really helps me get through these hard times. I appreciate the advice, understanding, and support she gives me!
Written on Apr 18, 2021 after therapy with Merissa for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I would not have been able to be as confident as I am growing without her.
Written on Mar 26, 2021 after therapy with Merissa for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue
Merissa is always ready to listen and is super flexible with the different modalities of communication. She is very understanding and offers concrete solutions to problems.
Written on Jan 19, 2021 after therapy with Merissa for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Merissa, is very helpful. I believe my potential will blossom under her expertise.
Written on Dec 24, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks
Although our time is short and often while I'm at work She gives Me Hope and Faith and talks to Me with awesome encouragement
Written on Nov 30, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I just began working with Merissa and she has already helped me a great deal in a short span of time. She is very prompt with returning messages and I feel very comfortable having her as my counselor. I appreciate her help so much. I am very grateful.
Written on Nov 04, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks
Merrissa is very attentive, patient,respectful and kind!
Written on Oct 18, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, anger management, and career difficulties
Merissa is a great listener. She is thorough as well. I feel comfortable sharing myself as I know I won't be judged but rather encouraged to find my best answers. It's been very wonderful having this service
Written on Oct 15, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Merissa is an excellent therapist. She listens and offers great suggestions and has helped me dramatically improve my understanding of my own behaviors.
Written on Oct 01, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 10 months
I have very limited experience with counseling because in the past it never felt easy to open up. But Merissa has provided a very supportive and kind space where it feels natural to express everything on my mind. I feel lucky to receive her counsel and already feel like my limitations are being chipped away at.
Written on Sep 22, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Merissa is an amazing counselor. It has been such a pleasure having her guide me through all the tough times or to reach out to for a shoulder to lean on. She is the perfect listener and gives solid advice with just the right gentle guidance. She is a soothing light in my life and I value all of our conversations together. I cannot recommend her enough for her professionalism, support and understanding.
Written on Sep 12, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
Marissa is Amazing! I was afraid to start counseling, afraid to open up. Marrissa makes me so comfortable and I never feel judged. I’m excited about continuing my healing journey with her :-)
Written on Jul 23, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
Merissa is a great counselor. She’s very good at what she does I always get solutions to my questions & she responds in a timely manner.
Written on Jun 29, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Merissa is warm and understanding. I immediately felt comfortable with her as she never pushed me if I was not ready to speak on certain topics. I am excited to continue working with her to address my mental health. She has been a valuable asset in my overall growth within difficult situations.
Written on May 12, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
Merissa has been a wonderful listener. Her tips and strategies are helpful, and have gotten me out of a deep place of despair. She is compassionate and non-judgmental. I am very happy working with her.
Written on May 05, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and grief
I've been working with Merissa for a few weeks now. She is warm, kind, friendly, and asks good questions. She doesn't want to assume and helps me put my experience into words. I've had several realizations and am working to put my new knowledge into practice. She has put effort into making sure we have a trusting relationship, and I feel I have a compassionate person with whom I can share my perspective. In addition, she is highly responsive to messages and prompt to her meetings. I highly recommend her.
Written on Apr 27, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Merissa is a wonderful counsellor that brings a variety of great expertise to the table. She’s been a great listener to me personally, addressing the many (and complex) issues I have, which are in different ares from day to day life to mental wellness. I find our sessions to be well structured and constructive, she guides me through my thoughts and emotions without overwhelming me, while leave me feeling a little better than before. I have been to therapy before but by far Merissa has proven to be the best out there with obvious results. Thank you for your hard work, brilliant mind, and kind heart :)
Written on Apr 20, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I like her honestly and straightforwardness.
Written on Apr 17, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
It's been 8+ months since starting with Merissa, I'm really glad she was matched with me. She has been a rock for me through a tough time. Her input has helped shape my thinking and understanding of myself and situations. She is very considerate and non-judgmental which I have really appreciated. She is a person who regularly makes contact just to see how you are going. Thank you for being the person to support me through this stage of my journey.
Written on Apr 17, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 11 months on issues concerning depression, and relationship issues
Has a strong ability to listen and respond. She sometimes hears and responds before I even get a chance to say. She is excellent!!!
Written on Apr 07, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 months
Merissa is really nice and easy to talk to. Straightforward but in a comforting way. I’ve never been to a therapist and I had my own perceptions about it. And feared it would like talking to someone cold and unapproachable. I was so pleased that, that wasn’t the case at all! I don’t know how I would’ve managed without her and she’s truly changed my outlook on things even in the short time of our sessions.
Thank you so much.
Written on Mar 25, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Merissa is a great listener and had useful suggestions for my issues. I would definitely recommend her to others looking for someone to talk to.
Written on Mar 04, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues
Merissa helped me through one of the hardest times in my life. I am so grateful for everything you did for me. You listened to me and the intricacies and specifics in my needs and that's exactly what I needed. Your realness and honesty helped me to realize how far I had come already and where I could go eventually. Thank you a million times over.
Written on Feb 25, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 1 year on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I love having Merissa as a counselor. She understands my needs and always knows what to say to have you really think in the moment about what is going on. She is keeping me ‘on track’ with my life and it really has helped my mental health. Whether it’s an anxiety issue, or that I just simply need to vent, Merissa is always there and answers in a timely manner. Being so busy, this is a great way for me to deal with my mental health, rather than having to schedule another appointment. Thanks, Merissa!
Written on Feb 24, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
Merissa has been very kind and supportive. In a very short time she has been able to guide me to valuable insights that helped immensely.
Written on Feb 14, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Melissa is very understanding and helpful and I enjoy my sessions with her and feel like she really listens and understands me
Written on Feb 13, 2020 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and grief
I always feel better after taking to Merissa because she has a kind demeanour and makes it easy to talk and get things off my chest.
Written on Nov 26, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 5 months on issues concerning self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
I have had a few different counseling sessions with different councillors and found that I have by far made the most progress with Merissa.
Written on Nov 11, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and relationship issues
Merissa has been an amazing therapist! I highly recommend her!
Written on Nov 04, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
Merissa has offered me support, understanding and patience in some of the darkest points of my life. She was kind when I was anxious, calm in my anger, and stern when I needed it. She answered my millions of questions and endless messages. I strongly recommend Merissa to anyone. I am forever grateful for the life lessons learned from her.
Written on Oct 04, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Merissa is understanding and firm when it comes to offering helpful suggestions to improve my thinking. I appreciate her kindness and professionalism so much.
Written on Sep 06, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
Merissa is a very thoughtful, kind, calming and compassionate person. Sessions with her allow me to come out with insights and clarity that I lacked before. Thank you for the amazing work that you are doing!
Written on Sep 04, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
She came at the perfect time in my life. I was in a tough place but most importantly I didn’t know what my issues were or how to address them. But the insight and compassion and kindness that Merissa gave me was so powerful:) I will live everyday thinking of what she taught me about myself and my anxiety. Thank you, Merissa!
Written on Aug 25, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Merissa has been my counselor for the past five months and she has been absolutely amazing. She has really helped me to value the importance of seeking another perspective in situations. Her advice and counsel has been imperative in my growth and I am better for it. Thank you for all that you’ve done!
Written on Aug 21, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 4 months
Merissa is great! I have learned a lot and look forward to our sessions. She is honest and keeps me grounded.
Written on Aug 06, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
She's very attentive, respectful, takes great notes, and I feel like she genuinely cares about me as a person.
Written on Jul 01, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I would highly recommend Merissa to others. In the short time that I have been in contact with her, she has been very attentive and asks great questions. Her advice is very helpful and she really shows that she cares.
Written on Jun 28, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Merissa is patient and helped me to tear apart the issues that were causing me stress. She asked good questions that helped me get to the root of the issue.
Written on Jun 20, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and career difficulties
I would strongly recommend Merissa to others. I am totally confident with her expertise and her wisdom as a counselor. She let me felt completely understood that even most people who are close to me don't. Her advice is very helpful and is a very caring person.
Written on Jun 10, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Merissa is friendly, compassionate and empathetic. She helps me find my own solutions and she listens very well!
Written on Jun 07, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 4 months
Merissa Pryor is an excellent counselor. She asks questions to make you think and before she gives her advice/opinion, she asks you first what you want to do? She is very good at summing up what you have said, and she gives the right terms for whatever you have gone through, which gives you the overview of your situation. She seems experienced and gives good advice. I would recommend Merissa Pryor to anyone who wants to talk to and receive understanding. In short, she is pretty good at her job.
Written on Jun 04, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 months
She is very understanding, supportive, and really listens even if you are only chatting. She replies in a timely manner and before we started talking, she told me when she is available and when not so that I didn't think she was ignoring me in anyway.
Written on Jun 01, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd
Merissa is a great counselor. She makes you feel comfortable talking about everything and she is always ready to help. Despite the time difference she always tries to reply quickly and she gives me a lot of advices to face my daily problems. I’m really grateful to her.
Written on May 31, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Marissa is a wonderful counsellor. I looked forward to writing and hearing from her and she really helps me bring my problems to the surface. I always feel better and feel I am able to make more sense of what I’m going through with the help of Merissa.
Written on May 14, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I'm very much at the beginning of my journey with Merissa, but in a short time, she has made a very positive impact on my feelings. Her approach is friendly, professional and non-judgemental. This is my first time having counseling and frankly, it is such a healthy, positive experience that I would recommend to anyone who feels that they have lost their way, in life or otherwise. I can't thank you enough.
Written on May 13, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks
Merissa is a very kind and empathetic person. She has been a great help to me thus far and I feel she is quite knowledgeable. She responds to me daily in a timely fashion and always very professional.
Written on Apr 28, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, and coping with life changes
Merissa is lovely. She is very helpful with her advice and I can tell she is always thinking about my needs and feelings when she replies. She is also very patient and let’s me process things in my own time.
Written on Apr 23, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning self esteem
Merissa is very professional and understanding. She takes them to ask for clarifications when needed and frames questions in a thought provoking manner. Merissa is sensitive to cultural differences and takes the time to understand them before offering suggestions. All in all, Merissa was very helpful in organizing my thoughts to manage my anxiety and depression.
Written on Mar 18, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, and anger management
Merissa has helped me to feel very validated and to think about new ways to support myself. I really appreciate her help so far! I'm looking forward to continuing my work with her!
Written on Mar 13, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and lgbt
Merissa is respectful and caring. She understands what my concerns are and is great in asking the right questions -- and answering them provides a deep relief. My quality of life increased sufficiently, thanks Merissa!
Written on Jan 02, 2019 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Merissa has been an amazing counselor to me during this part of my life. I wasn't sure how to completely open up about my situation and felt embarrassed about some aspects of how I was feeling but Merissa was so supportive and understanding of everything. She has been so incredibly helpful whenever I need advice or a change of perspective and has been very honest with helping me overcome my challenges. Thank you Merissa for everything!
Written on Oct 26, 2018 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far with Merissa, she understands my situation very well, and is always there to help untangle my web.
Written on Sep 23, 2018 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and self esteem
She helped me understand the path that I have to take, she didn't just feed me the answers to my problems we figured them out together. Amazing person!
Written on Sep 21, 2018 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
I personally struggle with social anxiety and general anxiety and also low self esteem. I really like my counselor, she gave me some really great advices i am thankful for. She responds quickly and I would recommend her.
Written on Sep 11, 2018 after therapy with Merissa for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
It’s never comfortable talking to a complete stranger about your problems but Merissa made it easy. She’s nice, understanding and caring. I am thankful that I got matched with her.
Written on Sep 06, 2018 after therapy with Merissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship, and self esteem
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