New clients call or text at 919-647-4600 or email at Info@Wakecounseling.com to schedule an appointment.

Kayla Merkel

LCSW

ABOUT ME

Hello! My name is Kayla Merkel. I am originally from Reading, Pennsylvania, and I have called North Carolina home since 2019. I received my master’s degree in social work (MSW) from the University of South Carolina and have been practicing as a therapist since graduating in 2019. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of North Carolina. I’m so glad you found Wake Counseling & Mediation, and I look forward to meeting you.

EXPERTISE

I began my career as a clinical social worker in a non-profit working with adolescents and their families. I had a unique opportunity to meet these families in their homes to address a wide range of presenting concerns. I am skilled and experienced in working with families, couples, adults, adolescents, and children with concerns of family conflict, marital problems, communication challenges, anger management, substance use, depression, anxiety, life transitions, self-image, stress management, academic or work problems, and life transitions. I have assisted clients with diagnoses of ADD/ADHD, ODD, Conduct Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress, and many other mental health needs.

COUNSELING APPROACHES

I typically use a person-centered approach, which means I will approach therapy with empathy towards your experiences and show no judgement. We will work together to better understand your thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behavior and to guide your treatment goals and steps toward change. I use multiple theoretical frameworks including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution- Focused Therapy, and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). I believe there is healing in connection, and in the therapeutic relationship. You are not alone, and I will take this next journey with you.

INSURANCES ACCEPTED

Please note, clients are responsible for calling their insurance to verify insurance benefits for Outpatient Therapy (in-network or out-of-network benefits if Wake Counseling provider is not in-network with your insurance plan). Here are commonly accepted plans by this provider:

BCBS (Out-of-Network for Blue-Local Plans for Duke & WakeMed)
Aetna
Ambetter
Out-of-Network Insurance: We can provide a “Super Bill” invoice clients can submit to their insurance provider to claim out-of-network benefits. Client is responsible for verifying out-of-network benefits with their insurance plan.

Private/Self-pay, fee schedule is as following:

Initial Assessment/Consultation - $170

Individual 40-45-minute session - $105

Individual 46–60-minute session - $140

Family 45-minute session - $120

Family 46–60-minute session- $160

There will be $105 no-show/late cancellation fee for missed appointment unless cancel/reschedule appointment with a 24-hour notice in advance.

Blog Posts

Featured

Paving the Way for Growth Through Astrological Psychology

We live in a world that’s greatly divided and conflicted, much to the detriment of our minds and souls. This unhealthy dynamic has often manifested in the disintegration of familial relationships and the unraveling of once-held-dear friendships.

How to Handle Your Dysfunctional Family (And Let Go of Your Past)

Nearly everyone claims like they belong to a dysfunctional family. We also blame our families for our present troubles to the degree that we are not responsible for our actions. Our past interactions with dysfunctional families sometimes can affect our behavior. You can learn some more about a dysfunctional family and the ways to cope with growing up with a dysfunctional family.

Going Through Major Life Changes and Becoming Depressed: How Therapy Can Help

Stress stimulates the conflict receptors in the brain as you experience a life change, and this generates brain chaos that we call cognitive dissonance. Seek professional help to prevent falling into depression due to major life change.

Is Substance Abuse Magnifying Your Anxiety Symptoms?

Some tips from expertise to under anxiety and dysfunctional coping mechanism that can magnify the symptoms of anxiety.

How to Manage Your Stress in the Post-Political Chaos

Learn simple ways to be self-aware and change habits that are contributing toward your anxiety level due to unsettling political environment.

9 Mood-Boosting Ways to Cope With Negative Impact of Covid-19

During this global pandemic, many people are dealing with anxiety and depression. How can we care for ourselves if we are consumed by the daily news on the coronavirus crisis and its effects on our health, our jobs, our families, our communities, our country, and our global economy?

Coronavirus Pandemic: Read 8 Myths about Depression

Depression is among the most challenging issues during the coronavirus pandemic. More than 4 in 10 Americans admitted pandemic-related stress has taken a toll on their mental health. While many people are seeking depression treatment and counseling, many depression myths and misconceptions often make finding help more challenging for patients. Read more about some of the most common depression myths and the efforts to debunk them.

Millennial Depression and How Therapy Can Help

Millennials seem to suffer from depression more than any other generation. While it’s hard to quantify this statement because of the inexactitudes involved in the diagnosis and reporting of depression, it’s certainly true that the millennial generation has worked hard to break the stigma of the condition.

Child, Teen, Couple, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, ADHD & LGBTQ Therapist in Cary & Holly Springs, NC