- Values-centered support
- Practical skills
- Respectful collaboration
About Carleen
Carleen Riley-Mercado, LMSW, LSCSW, helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and sleep problems. She also supports those dealing with parenting concerns, low self-esteem, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and major life changes. Her approach aims to make difficult problems feel more manageable and practical to address.
Carleen centers therapy on each person's values and identity. She listens for what matters most and uses that to guide short-term goals and daily changes. Sessions focus on clear skills and real-life steps, not long lectures or abstract theories.
Over a decade of clinical work informs her practice. She draws from cognitive behavioral work to notice unhelpful thinking patterns, and from acceptance and commitment ideas to help people act in line with their values. She also uses attachment-based and client-centered ways of relating to help build safety in the therapy room.
Carleen describes therapy as a collaborative process. She encourages practical homework between sessions, like small behavior shifts or brief mindset exercises. Progress is tracked through things people do differently in their day-to-day life, such as changes in sleep routine, coping with stress, or managing urges.
She practices in Kansas and offers sessions in English. People can expect a respectful, straightforward style that balances empathy with concrete tools for change.
How her approaches fit with online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and taking small committed actions that match those values. It can help when worries, low mood, or sleep problems get in the way of daily routines. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which is useful for anxiety, depression, and sleep routine troubles. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns shape current reactions and can help with intimacy, grief, and relationship concerns.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Carleen collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals and preferences. She adjusts techniques over time, checking what feels helpful and what needs to change so therapy stays practical and relevant.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also let people practice new skills in their usual routines and bring immediate examples to talk through during the session.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
Michigan, Kansas
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Carleen help with?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, sleep troubles, parenting concerns, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, and other life changes.
How would she describe her therapy style?
Her style is down-to-earth and collaborative. She listens for values, offers clear tools, and helps set small, doable goals between sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings about 10 years of clinical experience working with a range of concerns and client backgrounds.
What credentials and location are listed?
Carleen holds the credentials LMSW and LSCSW and practices in Kansas.
Which languages are used for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not accepted.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not specified here; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist's availability.