Abigail Merin, Psy.D.

Dr. Merin received her doctorate in psychology from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. She has trained at various hospital centers in the Manhattan and Newark areas, including Columbia University Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute in Manhattan, as well as UMDNJ—University Behavioral HealthCare in Newark, NJ. At these sites, Dr. Merin provided individual and group therapy, as well as family and couple therapy to those in need. Additionally, Dr. Merin is a certified sex therapist. Dr. Merin is licensed to practice psychology in New York and New Jersey. 

Working primarily from a psychodynamic background, Dr. Merin also has experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems Therapy. She has worked with individuals struggling with various mood management and emotion regulation difficulties, substance use problems, and interpersonal struggles, such as relationship difficulties and social anxiety.

With a research focus on the psychological consequences of concealable stigma, Dr. Merin is deeply familiar with the internal struggles present when one feels the need to reach out for help. Concealable stigma may refer to anything an individual is ashamed of that is not visible to the naked eye. In particular, Dr. Merin has researched the psychological consequences of stigma relating to sexually transmitted diseases, sexual minority (LGBTQ) individuals, and of those facing general difficulties related to mental health issues. 

Recently, Dr. Merin has gained an interest in research on psychedelic assisted therapies, attending workshops and conferences that educate on the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances when administered in a safe, controlled environment by medical professionals in conjunction with therapy provided by licensed professionals. As such, Dr. Merin is able to assist with integration therapy those who have either participated in the aforementioned research studies or who have sought out psychedelic experiences on their own and need to continue to work on integrating these either positive or negative experiences into their daily lives. Dr. Merin will never administer these substances or perform psychedelic assisted therapy herself for any patient as long as these substances remain illegal in this country.