Hi, I'm Dr. Mercedes. Whether you're figuring out who you are or building a life with someone else, if something isn't working, that's where I come in.
220+
families helped
3
languages
(English, Spanish, Portuguese)
12+
years of experience
Virtual individual & couples therapy in CA and NY
In person in West Los Angeles
Whether you're figuring out who you are, building a life with someone else, or navigating the world between cultures, the hard stages are easier with the right support. That's where I come in.
My Specialties:
Teens figuring out who they are.
Young adults figuring out what comes next.
Couples figuring out how to stay connected.
Expats, TCKs, and international families figuring out how to do life between cultures.
Featured in:
What Clients Are Saying
“We were able to find clarity and confidence that we weren't able to find elsewhere on the internet.”
Dr. Mercedes helped us navigate the wild world of parenting teenagers. It was something that I was really afraid of. Not only did she give us tactical advice that met our unique needs, but she helped my husband and I to continue to work as a team throughout the entire process. In working with Dr. Mercedes, we were able to find clarity and confidence that we weren't able to find elsewhere on the internet. I'm relieved and grateful.
“Your connection and guidance has been life changing for our family!”
Thank you so much! Your connection and guidance has been life changing for her and our family! We feel so blessed we found you!
“I’m grateful everyday that he had time to develop his relationship with you before this crisis.”
You have had such a positive effect on him over the years. We are so, so lucky that you are treating him ethically and professionally. I’m grateful everyday that he had time to develop his relationship with you before this crisis.
“She saw his gifts and taught me how to reconnect with him.”
Dr. Mercedes has a gift. When she worked with me and my son I often felt contained in such a safe way that she made difficult times easier. Instead of dreading the weekly family sessions and feeling as though I were doing something wrong, I actually looked forward to meeting each week despite driving across town during rush hour. I was getting instant benefits from her sessions. For a while there were so many stressors that I didn’t realize who he was. She saw his gifts and taught me how to reconnect with him. I learned to engage with my son without controlling him. I appreciated how she helped me reflect on my parents' style of childrearing, letting go of patterns that weren’t serving me and passing on the positive ones to my son.
What it's actually like to work with me
Every session has a point
You bring what's on your mind and I follow your lead. But I always make sure you leave with something. A new perspective, a realization, a next step. Something you can actually use.
I don't work in isolation
Whether it's a teen and their parents, a couple, or a family navigating a big transition, the people around you are part of the story. Bringing them into the work when it makes sense is often what makes the difference.
The goal is to work myself out of a job
Therapy should have an endpoint. I work toward real, lasting change, not indefinite support. Most clients leave with a clear sense of what shifted and what to do if they ever need to come back.
Experience beyond the therapy room
Working with me means working with someone who has seen a lot, in a lot of different contexts. I've taught, I've built, I've led, I've lived between cultures. That breadth means I bring more than clinical training to the room. Whatever you bring in, I've likely seen something like it before.
Direct, warm, and a little funny
I'm not the therapist who nods and reflects everything back at you. I'm engaged, direct, and I'll call something out if I see it, warmly, but honestly. Humor, when it fits, is part of how real connection happens.
Specialties
Teens
Something has shifted and every attempt to help either gets shut down or turns into a fight. That's usually where I come in.
Young Adults
The structure that used to carry them is gone and they're not sure who they are without it. Or they know exactly what's wrong, they just don't know what to do about it yet.
Couples
Most couples don't come in because everything is falling apart. They come because they're tired, and the same fight keeps happening with nothing ever getting resolved.
Expat, International & TCK
Growing up between cultures gives you a lot. Navigating that is its own kind of work. This is a world I know from the inside.
You can tell something isn't working. Let's do something about it together.
Get in touch.
Whether you're reaching out for yourself, your relationship, or your kid, the first step is a free welcome call.
Reach out by email or phone and we'll find a time to connect. It's a short conversation, no paperwork, no commitment, just a chance to see if this feels right.
contact@mercedesoromendiaphd.com
(818) 860-2864