Edward Merritt, PhD

Psychologist

(he/him)

“What excites me most about the field is being able to connect therapeutic skills to the interests or passions of my clients. It is very motivating when I see something that we have been working on finally click with a child.”
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About Edward Merritt, PhD

Edward Merritt, PhD, is a licensed psychologist at Brightline’s Brooklyn Heights clinic. He has experience working with kids and teens experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, disruptive behavior, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep concerns, autism, phobias, and grief. He has also worked with people exploring their identity and experiencing interpersonal/relationship concerns. He utilizes a range of evidence-based approaches to best meet each individual’s needs, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT).

Dr. Merritt has worked in community clinic and elementary school settings, has conducted evaluations for school accommodations, and has worked as a clinician in private practice providing individual, family, and group therapy. 

He’s curious about what his patients are interested in, and connects those passions to his therapeutic approaches, finding extra motivation when he sees a concept or skill that he’s been working on with a patient just “click.” 

Outside of work, Dr. Merritt is passionate about crafting, comics, and spending time with his cat.


Professional Summary

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  • Education:

    • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology, University at Albany

    • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, Purchase College

  • Therapeutic approaches and certification(s):

    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

  • License Type(s): Licensed Psychologist

  • States where clinician is licensed: New York (027251)

  • Experience: 

    • Staff Clinician, MindWell Psychology

  • Training:

    • Postdoc, Mindwell Psychology

    • Intern, Andrus

    • Extern, Rensselaer County Mental Health/MindWell Psychology

In-person care in Brooklyn. Online care from home.

Your child’s therapist will work with you to find the balance that is right for your family and the goals you have for your child.


Brooklyn Heights clinic address

32 Court Street, Suite 808
Brooklyn, NY 11201

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Meet our Brooklyn clinical providers

Tara Balin, LMSW

Therapist star
Tara Balin, shoulders-up, slight smile, dark hair in a bun, cream turtleneck and hoop earrings on a rooftop at dusk.
“What excites me most is being able to sit with kids and families through the highs and the lows of life, to foster and witness growth, healing, and change.”

Stephanie Eichler, LMSW (Person)

Therapist star
Stephanie Eichler, shoulders-up, smiling, curly brown hair and an olive button-down outdoors with pink blossoms.
“I have always been genuinely interested in learning about people and hearing their stories. I am passionate about helping clients lead fulfilling lives, empowering them to discover their inner strengths and overcome challenges.”

Gina Foster, LMSW

Therapist star
Gina Foster, head-and-shoulders portrait, wide smile, blonde waves, navy blouse and gold jewelry, pale wall.
“I’m inspired by the resilience kids and families develop and show throughout the therapeutic process. I find it energizing to support people as they grow in confidence and self-understanding during their formative years.”

Stephen Fox, PsyD

Therapist star
Stephen Fox, head-and-shoulders, smiling, round glasses, grey cardigan, white shirt and grey tie on a white wall.
“What I love the most about this field is working with kids and teens and seeing them meet their goals, connect with their peers, and thrive in their individual settings.”

Sierra Freeman, LMSW

Therapist star
Sierra Freeman, shoulders-up, smiling, long brown hair and a black collared shirt against a mottled blue backdrop.
“I’m continually inspired by the resilience of the kids and families I serve. I strive to blend warmth, empathy, and evidence-based structure so every child feels supported, understood, and equipped with skills that will carry them forward.”

Bria Leyden, LMHC-D, LPC

Therapist star
Bria Leyden, smiling portrait with curly black hair, taupe cardigan, gold necklace, and a light indoor background.
“I am passionate about supporting kids and teens as well as collaborating with parents to support their families.”

Edward Merritt, PhD

Therapist star
A smiling man in a light purple shirt stands among leafy green plants.
“What excites me most about the field is being able to connect therapeutic skills to the interests or passions of my clients. It is very motivating when I see something that we have been working on finally click with a child.”

Sylvia Ryszewska, PhD

Therapist star
Sylvia Ryszewska, three-quarter crop, smiling with arms crossed, long dark hair and a burgundy blouse on grey.
“I am most passionate about providing early intervention care as it can and does change the lives and trajectory of kids and families.”

Nikki Vega, LCSW

Therapist star
Nikki Vega, head-and-shoulders, smiling, brown button-down, office window and plant behind.
“I’m passionate about helping families strengthen connection while building skills that support their child’s confidence and independence.”

Sarah Wallin, LMHC-D

Therapist star
Sarah Wallin, head-and-shoulders, smiling, black top and nose ring, plant against a white wall.
“Being able to provide a space where kids can express themselves openly, discover their strengths, and build skills that foster resilience is what inspires me every day.”

Madelyn Williams, LMSW

Therapist star
Madelyn Williams, head-and-shoulders, smiling, gray cardigan, light blue wall with doodle graphics.
“I’m passionate about giving kids tools they can carry throughout their lives, and I’m continually motivated by the courage youth and parents show each time they show up, share openly, and take steps toward greater confidence and connection.”

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What is a psychologist?

Our psychologists are independently licensed providers who have completed their doctoral degree (which means they are a doctor of philosophy or psychology), including a pre-doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship. They are qualified to do diagnostic evaluations, therapy, and psychological testing. Psychologists do not prescribe medication, but they are able to directly refer families who need that service to a Brightline psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.

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