Alison Marie Mertz (she/they)

ACSW #88725

Alison Marie Mertz is an Associate Clinical Social Worker (CA #88725) who specializes in working with LGBTQIA teens, adults, and seniors.

Associate Clinical Social Worker in California
Supervised by Suzanne Vargas, LCSW #79703

About My Clients

I love listening to, supporting, and working with people who are interested in their own growth and identities. Some of my clients are finding ways to live well with depression or anxiety; others are wrestling with the complexities of being a person living within oppressive systems. Still others are discovering who and how they want to be in the world, especially as it relates to their sexuality and gender. All are welcome to come and chat in a spirit of connection and authenticity.

My Background and Approach

I seek to provide warm, inviting, collaborative therapy within an intentionally anti-oppressive context. I use humor, body-centered (somatic) techniques, and the strength of our client-therapist relationship to explore and invoke personal and collective change. I am a graduate of UC Berkeley’s Master of Social Welfare program and a student in Widener University’s Advanced Training in Affirmative Therapy with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Communities.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

Some core beliefs that inform my work include: I believe that people evolve, with their own unique qualities and resiliencies, in relationship with the systems around them. I believe that healing must include meeting basic needs for health, housing, nutrition, and community. I believe in health at every size. I believe that the effects of colonization and systemic oppression are felt deeply- mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally – by all of us, but especially by those most impacted. I believe healing and change are possible and attainable. Let’s work towards that healing and change, together.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Cigna
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Buddhism
  • Christianity
  • Judaism
  • Interfaith

At A Glance

  • Experience: 6 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $130/session

Reach out to Alison Marie