I have earned my B.S. in Human Services/Counseling. I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University, with my master’s degree in clinical counseling with a major in Addiction Counseling, May 2004. In September 2006 I was grandfather in as a New York State, License Mental Health Counselor. On 3/31/16, I was grandfather in as a Master Addiction Counselor from the National Certification Commission for Addiction Counselor. I have 20 years’ experience of substances use therapy, 15 years’ experience with individuals with dual diagnosis, 5 years’ experience working in transitional housing with individuals with chronic medical conditions.
I am a Credential Alcoholism Substance Abuse Counselor. I attended Narco Freedom Institute for my 60-hour Compulsive Gambling Training, and I received my Specialty in Gambling Designation. I have obtained not only a theoretical base to go along with my practical knowledge of human behavior, but also, I have developed the skills necessary to help others to empower themselves. My approach to therapy is motivational interviewing along with cognitive behavioral therapy, most importantly I use a client-centered approach to meet the client where they are.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou
Additional areas of focus:Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Career difficulties, Depression, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Drug and alcohol addiction, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Midlife crisis, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-love, Sex addiction, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for LaVerne Merritt-Morrison. 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.
Empathetic, wise, caring, great listener, racially sensitive, lgbt ally, and is able to joke and kick back with you. She feels like a mentor, motherly figure, and is a loving black woman that you don’t get from typical clinical settings. I’ve stayed with her the longest than other practioners here.
Written on May 16, 2026 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She’s real and respects me and listens.
Written on Apr 30, 2026 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and bipolar disorder
Very knowledgeable, she listens to you and is very patient and kind
Written on Apr 24, 2026 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
LaVarne is an amazing counselor, and is very real and down to earth. She’s very understanding and also not afraid to tell it like it is. I always look forward to my sessions with her.
Written on Mar 18, 2026 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Fist time session and pleased with progress
Written on Jan 23, 2026 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
She’s a great therapist who listens to, discerns and advises patients accordingly.
Written on Jan 04, 2026 after therapy with LaVerne for 10 months on issues concerning trauma and abuse, self esteem, and career difficulties
Very perceptive, professional and was quite helpful
Written on Dec 22, 2025 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
I like LaVerne very much and I think her way of helping will be beneficial to me!
Written on Oct 16, 2025 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
LaVerne is kind, calm, and supportive. I appreciate the homework she's given me to work on in between appointments. LaVerne is helping me learn more about myself, and to heal from past traumas.
Written on Sep 10, 2025 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and bipolar disorder
Very helpful in helping me understand myself.
Written on Sep 05, 2025 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and parenting issues
LaVerne is easy to talk to and so friendly. It felt like just having a conversation with a friend rather than being grilled by a doctor.
Written on Sep 03, 2025 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
LaVerne is an exceptional and compassionate active listener who provides wisdom and gentle reassurance and guidance, I am very happy to have her as my therapist on BetterHelp
Written on Jun 20, 2025 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
She make me feel comfortable and open to talk about things. She gives homework that align with my needs.
Written on Jun 07, 2025 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, anger management, and coping with life changes
Wonderful therapist so far. Listens, and gives good advice. Assigns little things for me to report back with the next week, which usually helps me far more than I realize.
Written on Feb 25, 2025 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She’s straight forward to get the job done. I appreciate her!
Written on Feb 25, 2025 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions
She is ever helpful and supportive of me . Let’s me open up so I can be honest with her and myself
Written on Feb 12, 2025 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
I enjoy having her as a therapist as of now. I feel I can grow.
Written on Jan 18, 2025 after therapy with LaVerne for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Laverne giving me exceptional support for what I need. Thank you!
Written on Nov 15, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne for 8 months on issues concerning depression, and addictions
Laverne is very knowledgeable, supporting, as well as challenging!
Written on Nov 14, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adh
Great therapist. Highly recommend.
Written on Sep 12, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and anger management
LaVerne is great! She's really helping me get back on track!!
Written on Sep 07, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne 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, coping with life changes, and compassion
Compassionate, understanding, and able to give clients the tools they need to live a happier and healthier life
Written on Sep 01, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
No matter what, LaVerne DOES care. She is one of the BEST therapists on Better Help.
Written on Jul 29, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, 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
Absolutely wonderful! Was an amazing listener and really helped me through some of my concerns. Attentive, authentic, and effective. Would recommend to anyone and everyone!
Written on Jul 15, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Clear understanding
Written on Jun 29, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She’s an amazing person and great at what she do
Written on Apr 10, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
I have met with Laverne 3 times so far and I have found her to be useful and I can easily open up to her I am grateful for her to help me through my journey
Written on Mar 31, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
Amazing person! Amazing therapist!
Written on Feb 29, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning lgbt, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
LaVerne is very attentive and knowledgable. She provides me with a good analysis of my feelings and emotions, as well as practical advise that I have been able to apply to my daily life. Would definitely recommend her!
Written on Feb 09, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne for 4 weeks on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
So sweet. A great person to talk to, she really cares and has interesting and relevant suggestions and things to discuss.
Written on Jan 11, 2024 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning lgbt, self esteem, and coping with life changes
My therapist gets me. That’s most important.
Written on Dec 26, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, family conflicts, grief, and self esteem
She’s a straight shooter. Something I require and appreciate very much
Written on Dec 12, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and self esteem
LaVerne is an amazing therapist and great listener. I love the advice she provides and she's a great person to talk to.
Written on Oct 23, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Very professional and helpful! Thank you, LaVerne!
Written on Oct 20, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes
LaVerne has been so wonderful in helping me draw healthy boundaries with my family. I hope to have a better relationship with my mom in the future, and LaVerne is giving me tools to protect myself emotionally so that that can happen.
Written on Sep 26, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, parenting issues, and bipolar disorder
Ms.LavVerne always gives me the tough love that you need. She honest and uplifting. She tells you what you need to hear and not want to hear. And that has help me a lot
Written on Sep 05, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She helped me through so many problems I didn’t even know I have. Always takes her time with me and makes sure I’m okay. I’m so greatful that I got her as my therapist.
Written on Aug 19, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, and compassion fatigue
LaVerne has helped me find solutions to overcome issues surrounding addiction. She help identifies issues of what create urges and target ways to prevent it.
Written on May 08, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 3 weeks on issues concerning addictions, and relationship issues
LaVerne is highly compassionate therapist. She's supportive and asks questions that help me to reflect on my perspective. Thank you LaVerne!
Written on May 06, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd
LaVerne is relatable and easy to talk to . She is great with her recommendations and observations and is mindful to keep reminding me that I get to make decisions for myself in this. She is fun and funny and I find I can share openly in a very safe and carefree way. I do love how sharp she is with her assessment of situations I describe and to try to navigate them in a different way in the future so that I feel better about them. She is super empowering.
Written on Mar 30, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
La Verne is a calm, cool, collected presence in my life. She helps to navigate my trauma by asking the right questions at the right time. she is currently laying out a road map of recovery for me with work i can do internally to finally find a sense of peace within myself. Big thanks to La Verne for helping me find security in my relationship with myself and others.
Written on Mar 05, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 3 weeks on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
LaVerne has been nothing but a wonderful, caring, joyful and extremely charismatic person. A few months with LaVerne has really let me grow emotionally in such a tremendous way. She listens and communicates clearly, making the healing/growth process very tailored to you while also giving you the tools that she knows will help you long term. She also challenges your way of thinking, so that you can analyze your patterns and learn from situations that you've often found yourself in. I think that's a great sign of someone who knows how to help, rather than a therapist that is trying to see growth as fast as possible. For anyone that is looking for help and isn't quite sure where to start, LaVerne will make you feel comfortable and welcome. I can't thank her enough for how much she's helped me.
Written on Jan 29, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
LaVerne is a great therapist, she is a professional with whom you feel open and safe. She offered me support and valuable techniques on how to deal with my OCD. She is LGBT+ friendly, which is a plus!
Written on Jan 26, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Laverne was the best therapist I’ve had to help me deal with addiction. She has tons of resources and is experienced. She always remembers what we talked about in the prior session. Definitely would recommend if you have any addictions in your life.
Written on Jan 03, 2023 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 months on issues concerning depression, addictions, relationship issues, and self esteem
Laverne makes you feel heard and comfortable, absolutely the best therapist i’ve had. Thank you LaVerne
Written on Dec 27, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Fantastic therapist
Written on Nov 27, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 year on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, sleeping disorders, and eating disorders
She is a wonderful person and a very competent therapist.
Written on Nov 01, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Fantastic therapist, really listens to you and offers get advice.
Written on Oct 28, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, and relationship issues
She is very patient and kind when listening to me. She is also very supportive and helps provide strategies to implement into my daily life to help me
Written on Oct 21, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Took her time to get to know me and listen to my troubles, without judgments and while reassuring me I had a safe outlet. Great direction and prompts to help me make decisions that continues to result in growth and great progress! Thank you Mrs. LaVerne
Written on Oct 04, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She’s wonderful
Written on Sep 26, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
Laverne makes you feel comfortable and provides a safe environment for you to share your thoughts. She uses the right tools to help you cope with anxiety and stress. Loved her approach.
Written on Sep 03, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
My first session with LaVerne was really good, but the second one was amazing. I feel so blessed to be able to speak to her every week. Thank you LaVerne.
Written on Sep 02, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 week on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
LaVerne is a wise therapist and I greatly appreciate her help!
Written on Aug 31, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, and career difficulties
I've only had one session with LaVerne so far, but she makes me feel wonderfully comfortable, and I very much am looking forward to my second appointment
Written on Jul 27, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, and self esteem
LaVerne has helped me through so much. She offers direct, gentle guidance and helps me talk through my feelings. Talking with her feels like talking with a close confidant and friend who is also an unbiased expert in her field. I cannot image where I’d be right now without her help.
Written on Jun 07, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 3 months
Laverne is nonjudgmental and I feel like I can be completely honest with her.
Written on May 06, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
LaVerne takes her time listening to my concerns. I feel safe and heard when speaking to her.
Written on May 03, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and parenting issues
Very good person to talk to and work with.
Written on Apr 30, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
She is very kind, understanding, and knowledgeable. She pushes me and encourages me so much I appreciate everything she does!
Written on Mar 18, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
LaVerne is amazing, I love her- and I think she’s an amazing therapist.
Written on Mar 10, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, trauma and abuse, and eating disorders
I’ve only had 3 sessions with LaVerne and I already see such a shift in my life. I’m able to see where chaos comes from and notice when I’m participating in it or allowing it to take up space. I’ve been exercising my boundaries without having to be forceful. I’m more calm and clear in my interactions with others. I couldn’t have chosen a better therapist!
Written on Mar 04, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, and coping with life changes
Within moments of our first session, Laverne was warm, welcoming and gave me the assurance that she is a person who can help. She is real and intuitive and knew exactly what support I sought and what I needed to hear. She provides a healthy balance of listening, advice and resources.
Written on Jan 26, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne 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, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compa
I love doing therapy with Laverne! She is very kind, understanding, patient, and she has really helped me ever since starting therapy.
Written on Jan 14, 2022 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem, and anger management
LaVerne has helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life! She helped me find hope and see the light at the end of the tunnel. She motivated me to keep fighting and to not give up all while being warm and easy to talk to. It has been a pleasure working with LaVerne she is truly talented and she is doing what she was put on this earth to do! I wish I can thank her in person.
Written on Dec 31, 2021 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
I will be forever grateful for LaVerne. I was anxious about asking for help but she is so easy to talk to and has this incredible ability to keep things light and positive that I appreciate.
Written on Dec 20, 2021 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, coping with life changes, and grief
LaVerne is witty and kind. She understands my concerns and helps guides me to figure out what my deep fears and feelings really mean. She has real world experience and I appreciate and trust her knowledge.
Written on Dec 12, 2021 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, adhd, anger management, sleeping disorders, addictions, parenting issues, and compassion fatigue
LaVerne was responsive to my needs and let me explain upfront what I wanted to achieve through therapy. She is a good listener and very friendly. LaVerne gave me exercises to complete between sessions which allowed me to apply cognitive based therapy in my own experiences.
Written on Dec 06, 2021 after therapy with LaVerne for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
She is really good listener and offer constructive feedback for your issues
Written on Dec 01, 2021 after therapy with LaVerne for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with life changes, trauma and abuse, adhd, anger management, intimacy-related issues, career difficulties, sleeping disorders, and addictions
Empathetic and positive.
Written on Nov 25, 2021 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem
She is very attentive and listens well and has resources in terms of panic attacks
Written on Nov 09, 2021 after therapy with LaVerne for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
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