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Hi, my name is Rudy Mercado and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) from Southern California. I just started my telehealth journey to see clients throughout the state of California. I work well with adolescents and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma using a variety of therapy models such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
My approach
My approach does vary, it depends on the client I am working with. I often start by meeting the client where they are, actively listening to their story, and collaborating as a team to determine what type of therapy modality would be most useful to address their needs. I empathize with my patients, attempt to understand, to identify their emotions and perspectives on their difficulties. I gently challenge my clients to help overcome apprehensiveness with expressing and communicating how they feel.
My focus
I feel my style and approach are most beneficial for young adults and adults who deal with challenging circumstances. The conditions that I feel I am most comfortable and skilled in treating are anxiety, depression, and trauma. The goal of treatment is to help develop helpful ways of thinking and healthy skills to assist in that regard.
My communication style
I believe my communication style is genuinely warm, personable, and accommodating. Communication styles can vary but my goal is to make them feel comfortable with sharing their story so that we can process their challenges. I pride myself in being an active listener as to let them know their story is important.
My journey to mental healthcare
I chose to pursue a master's in social work due to the diversity that the degree offers. I was most interested in direct practice as I was fascinated by psychology during my undergraduate degree. I take pride in helping others, seeing progress and positive outcomes as that is the most rewarding experience as your therapist.
My goals for you
The goal of treatment will be a team effort, a collaboration between the client and myself. I typically establish therapy goals by the second or third session after rapport and trust have been established. The elements of trust and honesty are critical if we want to achieve our therapy goal. Progress towards that goal will be measured during certain points in treatment.
My first session with you
What you can expect from our session is to discuss the purpose of seeking treatment, listen to your story, identify existing and troubling emotions and their onset. I want to explore your childhood, experience in relationships, and hardships you have encountered in life so that I can get a good understanding of how these thoughts and perhaps beliefs have developed. I will ask you several questions to gather information for an accurate diagnosis that will help in developing an appropriate treatment plan.
