Meritt Johns

Provided individual therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, OCD, self-esteem, relationship and family conflict, life transitions, stress, and emotional overwhelm. Maintained an individual caseload, independently scheduled and conducted regular client sessions, and developed therapeutic relationships grounded in person-centered and trauma-informed practice. Conducted client intakes and biopsychosocial assessments.

Social Work Intern - RVA Counseling

(2025-08 - 2026-05)

• Provided individual therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, OCD, self-esteem, relationship and family conflict, life transitions, stress, and emotional overwhelm.
• Maintained an individual caseload, independently scheduled and conducted regular client sessions, and developed therapeutic relationships grounded in person-centered and trauma-informed practice.
• Conducted client intakes and biopsychosocial assessments.
• Developed treatment plans and completed comprehensive clinical documentation, including progress notes, safety plans, discharge summaries, and transfer notes.
• Participated in crisis intervention and safety assessments involving self-harm and suicidal ideation, utilizing appropriate safety planning and consultation with supervising clinicians.
• Applied and developed clinical skills across evidence-informed approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS)/Parts Work, solution-focused, person-centered, trauma-informed, harm-reduction, play, and outdoor-based therapeutic approaches.
• Participated in weekly individual and group clinical supervision with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), as well as case consultation, shadowing, and co-counseling with other clinicians.

Case Managment Intern - Chicago House

(2024-09 - 2025-05)

• Conducting needs assessments, assisting with goal-setting, and developing individualized service plans to address housing, medical, financial, and social needs.
• Connecting clients to community resources, such as healthcare providers, public benefits, and employment services, while addressing gaps in access to care.
• Providing emotional support and guidance during times of acute distress, including housing crises, health emergencies, or interpersonal conflicts.
• Collaborating with external agencies and professionals to advocate for client rights and equitable access to resources.

Youth Development Coordinator - Alternative, Inc

(2019-09 - 2020-03)

• Facilitated workshops to promote positive behavior change among adolescents
• Coordinated with local schools and organizations to provide resources for at-risk youth
• Developed strategies to support the social emotional needs of young people from a trauma-informed perspective

Volunteer - Fear to Freedom

(2019-10 - 2021-05)

• Assisted with preparing and distributing resources designed to promote safety, dignity, and access to supportive services for survivors.
• Supported survivors of sexual assault through survivor-centered community outreach and resource initiatives.
• Contributed to trauma-informed outreach efforts focused on increasing awareness of resources available to individuals impacted by sexual violence.

Master of Social Work - Clinical Concentration - Virginia Commonwealth University (2026-05)

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology | Minors in Philosophy and Religious Studies & Childhood Studies - Christopher Newport University (2023)