Merceda DeVoe is an extern in the treatment of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. She is pursuing her MA in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling at The New School for Social Research (TNSSR), expected to graduate in May 2025. Merceda received her BA in Psychology from Franklin Pierce University, where she was an active member of the Psychology Club and made the Dean’s List. Merceda has gained valuable clinical experience through her internships, where she provided counseling services to individuals with criminal sexual histories, and she worked with adults with developmental disabilities.

Her academic background includes coursework in advanced substance abuse counseling, psychopharmacology, and crisis intervention. Merceda’s passions and interests include substance use and co-occurring mental disorders, trauma, equitable mental health treatment for marginalized individuals, and the utilization of person-centered approaches to help individuals attain their goals and improve their quality of life. She is also an active member of Psi Chi and Chi Sigma Iota, honor societies for psychology and mental health counseling, respectively.