Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Dre Merkey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
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Dre Merkey

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT (they, them)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
3 Endorsed
Call Me
Let's Connect (916) 269-5053
Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Available both in-person and online
2224 J st Suite 214 Sacramento, CA 95816
Welcome! My name is Dre and I use they/them pronouns. I engage with the world through compassion and a strong wonderment, striving to understand and connect meaningfully. In my practice, I show up with authenticity, humility, and with a deep commitment to your well-being. I recognize life can sometimes challenge the hope and curiosity we are born with, leaving us feeling lost or uncertain. You are the expert of your own life, and I’m here to walk with you as you connect with your inner strength and rediscover your path forward. I have had the honor to be part of many diverse journeys working towards healing and self-discovery.
During my 5 years of experience, I’ve learned that we all share a universal desire: to feel seen, valued, and loved. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. Together, we can explore the insights, tools, and guidance that will empower you to move through this moment with resilience and confidence.
I draw from a range of approaches, including Narrative Therapy, Queer and Feminist theory, compassion-based practices, and Psychodynamic perspectives. As a Queer, Neurodivergent, Highly Sensitive Person, I understand the importance of creating a safe, nurturing space where all of your emotions are met with care, acceptance, and understanding.
Call or Dre Merkey now for a free 15 minute consultation - (916) 269-5053

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Tender Heart Therapy

2224 J st

Suite 214

Sacramento, CA 95816 map

(916) 269-5053
My website
At Tender Heart Therapy, I see folks in person at my office location as well as virtually! For Life Coaching, I meet virtually.
I specialize in Anxiety, Grief and LGBTQ+ 
$180 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Let's Connect (916) 269-5053
Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Tender Heart Therapy

2224 J st

Suite 214

Sacramento, CA 95816 map

(916) 269-5053
My website
At Tender Heart Therapy, I see folks in person at my office location as well as virtually! For Life Coaching, I meet virtually.
I specialize in Anxiety, Grief and LGBTQ+ 
$180 Per Session, I accept insurance 

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $180
  • Couple Sessions $180
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Carelon Behavioral Health
  • Providence
  • Out of Network
"
Out-of-network: I charge $180 per session and use Simple Practice as my platform. I offer sliding scale, which is currently available by waitlist. For insurance: I accept Aetna using Headway as the platform for navigating scheduling and payments.
Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Dre Merkey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (916) 269-5053
"
Out-of-network: I charge $180 per session and use Simple Practice as my platform. I offer sliding scale, which is currently available by waitlist. For insurance: I accept Aetna using Headway as the platform for navigating scheduling and payments.
Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Dre Merkey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (916) 269-5053

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / 145327 Dre Merkey
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • Attended University of San Francisco , Clinical Psychology
"
I am currently working on obtaining my Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS). I now am accepting clients for life coaching virtually.
Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Dre Merkey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (916) 269-5053
"
I am currently working on obtaining my Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS). I now am accepting clients for life coaching virtually.
Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Dre Merkey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (916) 269-5053

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • Grief
  • LGBTQ+

Expertise

  • ADHD
  • Autism
  • Body Image
  • Codependency
  • Coping Skills
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Family Conflict
  • Internet Addiction
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Life Coaching
  • Life Transitions
  • Polyamory & ENM
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Sex-Positive & Kink Friendly
  • Spirituality
  • Stress
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Transgender
  • Trauma and PTSD
"
I have extensive training and lived experience working with Highly Sensitive People (HSP), queer/trans folks, and neurodivergent individuals. I create structures that are individually focused on the unique stories people bring in, while holding the container for the collective understanding many folks with these experiences share.
Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Dre Merkey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (916) 269-5053
"
I have extensive training and lived experience working with Highly Sensitive People (HSP), queer/trans folks, and neurodivergent individuals. I create structures that are individually focused on the unique stories people bring in, while holding the container for the collective understanding many folks with these experiences share.
Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Dre Merkey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (916) 269-5053

3 Endorsements

Abigail Walker
Abigail Walker
Marriage & Family TherapistMALMFT
Dre's compassionate approach set's them apart as a transformative guide through life's challenges. Dre's unique ability to blend empathy with practical guidance makes them an exceptional therapist, who foster's profound personal growth in their clients.
Kristina Gianola
Kristina Gianola
Marriage & Family TherapistLMFTMA
They are an endless well of empathy; their words feel like a hug. They bring truth with kindness and know when to add a perfectly timed belly laugh. Wise, gentle, and real. Anyone would be lucky to be in their warm care.

Client Focus

Age

Teen
Adults
Elders (65+)

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Sex Worker Allied
Transgender Allied

Age

Teen
Adults
Elders (65+)

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Sex Worker Allied
Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Art Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Compassion Focused
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Expressive Arts
  • Feminist
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Interpersonal
  • Multicultural
  • Narrative
  • Person-Centered
  • Psychodynamic
  • Somatic
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
I use a mixture of modalities in order to tailor your therapy experience to what your needs are. You can expect a compassionate space that attunes what you share works for you as we continue to get to grow together, while I simultaneously intuit the tools to offer you given my many trainings. I now offer life coaching separate from the therapeutic work with similar influences from my training.
Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Dre Merkey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (916) 269-5053
"
I use a mixture of modalities in order to tailor your therapy experience to what your needs are. You can expect a compassionate space that attunes what you share works for you as we continue to get to grow together, while I simultaneously intuit the tools to offer you given my many trainings. I now offer life coaching separate from the therapeutic work with similar influences from my training.
Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Dre Merkey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (916) 269-5053

Location

Primary Location

Tender Heart Therapy

2224 J st

Suite 214

Sacramento, CA 95816

(916) 269-5053
"
At Tender Heart Therapy, I see folks in person at my office location as well as virtually! For Life Coaching, I meet virtually.
Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Dre Merkey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Call for a free consultation now - (916) 269-5053
"
At Tender Heart Therapy, I see folks in person at my office location as well as virtually! For Life Coaching, I meet virtually.
Photo of Dre Merkey, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Dre Merkey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Call for a free consultation now - (916) 269-5053