Welcome to Because You Matter

Welcome. I'm Merly Costa, MSN, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering compassionate, evidence-based, and integrative care for adults navigating life’s emotional challenges. Whether you're coping with anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed by life transitions, I’m here to help you find balance and clarity without judgment.

Services

 Individual Mental Health Support

Your story is unique—your care should be, too. I offer personalized therapy that supports your emotional well-being, helps you navigate life’s challenges, and strengthens your ability to bounce back from stress, loss, or transition. Whether you’re working through anxiety, past trauma, relationship patterns, or simply seeking greater self-awareness, our work together is designed to meet you where you are and guide you toward the version of yourself you’re ready to become.

This is a collaborative space where healing, clarity, and growth happen at your pace, with support that honors your values, strengths, and goals.

 

. Relationship & Communication Support

Whether you're navigating a breakup, high-conflict co-parenting, communication struggles, or patterns that keep repeating in your relationships, I offer support to help you understand and shift the emotional dynamics that impact connection. Together, we’ll explore how your thoughts, emotions, and past experiences may be shaping your relationships today—and work toward building healthier boundaries, emotional balance, and more fulfilling connections.

 

 Mind-Body Wellness for Emotional Balance

Integrative support that honors the connection between your physical health and emotional well-being. I guide clients in making sustainable lifestyle changes—including nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management—to support mood, focus, and overall balance.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of therapy do you offer?

We offer individual therapy for adults, thoughtfully tailored to support your unique emotional needs, life experiences, and personal goals. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply seeking greater clarity and balance, therapy is a safe space to explore, heal, and grow. Our work together is collaborative, empowering, and centered on helping you reconnect with your inner resilience and sense of self, at your own pace and in your own way.

How long are therapy sessions?

Initial therapy intake sessions typically last 60 minutes, and follow-up appointments are 30 minutes. A 40-minute session may be arranged upon request, depending on your needs and availability.

Do you accept insurance?

Through this site, I accept all major credit and debit cards for payment. If you prefer to use your insurance, please visit the Pricing and Services section of this page, where you’ll find a link to a platform that allows you to check your coverage and schedule appointments using your insurance benefits.

Pricing & Services

I believe that quality mental health care should be accessible, transparent, and rooted in trust. Below are my current service options. If you're unsure which is right for you, I’m happy to guide you during your free consultation.

Initial Psychiatric Evaluation

60 minutes – $160
A comprehensive, one-on-one intake session where we explore your current concerns, mental health history, lifestyle, and goals. This session lays the foundation for your personalized treatment plan.

Follow-Up 

30 minutes – $90
Ongoing sessions to monitor your progress, adjust medications as needed, and provide emotional support. These also include time to explore lifestyle strategies for mental wellness.

Extended Follow-Up Session

40 minutes – $120
For those who want additional time for deeper conversation, life transitions, relationship challenges, or emotional processing alongside medication management.

Free 15-Minute Consultation

Complimentary
A quick, no-pressure virtual meeting to see if we’re a good fit. Ask questions, share your needs, and learn more about my approach before scheduling your first appointment.

Insurance & Payment

I am currently out-of-network and accept private pay only. If you are using insurance, please send me a message and I will guide you through the next steps.

A superbill can be provided for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan.

Payment is due at the time of booking. I accept all major credit/debit cards and HSA/FSA cards.

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will be refunded 50% of the session fee. No-shows or same-day cancellations may not be eligible for a refund.

 

Package Option (Optional)

Mental Wellness Starter Package

3 Sessions (One 60-min + Two 30-min Follow-Ups) – $300
Save $40 when you bundle your first three sessions. A great option for new clients ready to begin treatment with consistency and structure.

Optional Add-On

Lifestyle Support Coaching (Email Check-Ins + Resource Guides) – $50/month
Get between-session accountability and personalized resources for sleep, nutrition, movement, and emotional wellness.

“Merly changed my life. Her compassion, insight, and dedication made me feel seen in a way I hadn’t in years. I’ll always be grateful for her care.”

[MB]

Contact us

I'm here when you're ready. Reach out today to schedule your appointment and begin your journey toward feeling more balanced and supported.