Merrik Hetherington, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor (she, her)

Hi, I’m Merrik, Licensed Professional Counselor. I’m excited to share a bit about myself and my approach to help you decide if we might be a good fit. I focus on building trust, strengthening relationships, and supporting each person’s unique path toward growth and healing.

  • Work best with: Toddler, Children, Preteen, Teens, Adults, Older Adults, Families
  • Manage Medications: Provides therapy and collaborates closely with our psychiatry team for medication management, available through internal referral if needed.
Call Now: (512) 956-6463 Book an appointment

I work with children, teens, young adults, parents, and families, including those navigating separation, divorce, or blended family dynamics. Starting counseling is a big step, and I deeply respect the courage it takes to begin. I believe everyone has the capacity for meaningful, growth-oriented change, and I strive to build a trusting therapeutic relationship where we can work through life’s challenges together.

My therapy style is warm, relational, and collaborative. I balance emotional insight with practical, real-life strategies so families not only feel understood but also experience meaningful progress at home, school, and in relationships. I bring structure when it’s needed, but always with compassion, flexibility, and respect for each person’s story. While I value the power of traditional talk therapy, I also incorporate humor and engage patients through a variety of modalities such as games, art, music, and writing. These tools can be especially effective in building connection and supporting emotional expression, particularly with younger patients.

Patients often tell me they feel genuinely understood and cared for in our work together. I bring a lot of empathy and attunement to sessions, and I’m not afraid to use humor to make therapy feel comfortable, real, and approachable. I stay actively engaged and offer practical strategies with warmth and honesty, so Patients feel supported while also making meaningful progress. Families often report stronger communication, healthier emotional expression, and more confidence navigating conflict or stress. Patients leave with practical tools they can continue using long after therapy ends, along with a deeper sense of self-awareness and resilience.

Credentials

Education

Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2020

Personal Interests

Outside of therapy, I’m a big dog person and spend as much time as I can with my pup, Artie. I love hiking, traveling, and being outdoors, and I’m always up for good food—whether I’m trying a new restaurant or cooking at home. Most of all, I love spending time and connecting with my friends, family, and my husband.

In-network and Self Pay

Insurance Accepted

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Seton Health Plan
  • Employers Health Network
  • Aetna
  • Humana
  • Sana Benefits
  • UnitedHealthcare/Optum
  • Cigna/Evernorth
  • Medicare
  • Partners Direct Health

Self Pay

$180
Self-pay and out-of-pocket session costs for clients without insurance coverage for mental health services.

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialities

Behavioral Issues, Oppositional Defiance (ODD), ADHD, GAD, MDD, Parent-Child Relationship, Family Conflict, Blended Families, Self Confidence,

Expertise

  • Academic Issues
  • ADD / ADHD
  • Adoption
  • Anger Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Boundaries / Assertiveness
  • Codependency
  • Conflict with Friends
  • Depression
  • Divorce / Breakup
  • Family Conflict
  • Fear of Rejection
  • Lack of Emotional Awareness
  • Life Transitions
  • Mood Swings
  • Not Happy or Satisfied with life
  • Parenting
  • Personal Growth
  • Religious Trauma
  • Self-Harm
  • Shyness / High Sensitivity
  • Social Anxiety
  • Spiritual Growth
  • Stress / Burnout

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Christian Counseling
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Family Systems
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Multicultural
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Play Therapy
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
  • Strength-Based
  • Structural Family Therapy

Locations

Steck Office

location_on8140 N Mopac Expressway
Building 4, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78759
Directions on google map
call(512) 956-6463
eventBook an appointment

Client Focus

  • Age Groups Served: Toddler (3+), Children, Preteen, Teens, Adults, Older Adults (65+)
  • Participant Types: Individual and Family Counseling
  • Language Spoken: English

I genuinely enjoy working with children, teens, and their caregivers because it allows for stronger relationships and more effective support for the child’s goals. I focus on meeting each patient’s needs while offering guidance and collaboration to the broader family system. My goal is to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and responsive to everyone involved.