Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Jerry Mercado of Psych-Evolutiom, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jerry Mercado.

Hi Dr. Jerry , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a Doctor of Psychology, proudly trained at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, and I began my work in the mental health field in 2010. My career started in Puerto Rico, where I served as the Director of an Educational Agency and discovered my passion for supporting individuals and communities through culturally attuned, compassionate care.

In 2013, I moved to the U.S. mainland to complete an internship at the Gandara Center in Massachusetts. After completing my training, I was offered the opportunity to become the Director of a Hispanic Male Residential Program. That experience changed me profoundly. It allowed me to witness the human stories behind addiction and understand the depth of support, dignity, and advocacy this population deserves.

My journey later brought me to Dallas, where I served as Program Director at Nexus Recovery Center, supporting teenage girls navigating addiction. It was an experience I will never forget. After several years in the addiction field, I relocated to Houston to work as a clinician with unaccompanied minors arriving at the border. Eight months later, I was promoted to Director of a shelter serving this population, a role I held for three years. This work strengthened my commitment to trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, and human‑centered care.

Psych‑Evolution, LLC was born from an idea shared with a colleague in a Starbucks in Puerto Rico during graduate school, an idea that stayed with me until it became a reality in 2025 when I opened my own practice. Today, I provide virtual counseling for clients ages 16 and older. Virtual care allows clients to receive support from the comfort and safety of their own space, often creating deeper openness and connection.

I work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and specialize in mood disorders, addiction, and couples counseling. My mission is to help end the stigma surrounding mental health and create a space where people feel safe, understood, and empowered to explore their emotional world without judgment.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some of the most meaningful parts of my career were shaped by the struggles I faced along the way. When I first moved to the U.S. mainland, I carried a great deal of uncertainty about whether I would succeed. I moved from state to state pursuing opportunities—some disappointing, others incredibly fulfilling—and each transition taught me something about perseverance and purpose.

I still remember moving from Massachusetts to Dallas for a position that, once I arrived, was suddenly given to someone else. It was a difficult moment, and I questioned whether I had made the right decision. But life has a way of redirecting us. When one door closes, it’s often because a better one is waiting. Just as I was preparing to leave the state, I received a call from Nexus Recovery for an interview. That opportunity changed everything, and I was hired as the Director of the adolescent unit.

Unfortunately, COVID hit, and the unit closed. That transition led me to Houston, where I began working as a clinician with unaccompanied minors. Eight months later, I became the Director of one of the shelters serving this population. While the work was meaningful, the agency struggled with serious ethical issues and ultimately closed. That experience opened my eyes and pushed me to reflect on the kind of leadership, integrity, and care I wanted to bring into the world.

It was during that period of clarity that I decided to open my own practice, and it was the best decision I could have made. Every challenge, every closed door, and every unexpected turn led me to create a space where I could serve clients with authenticity, compassion, and a commitment to ethical, culturally responsive care.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Psych-Evolutiom, LLC?
Psych‑Evolution, LLC is a fully virtual mental health agency providing services to residents across the state of Texas, regardless of where they are located. We also offer life‑coaching services nationwide and internationally for clients seeking support with goal‑setting, personal growth, and accountability. Psych‑Evolution, LLC accepts major health insurance plans, including BCBS Texas, Cigna, Aetna, and others. We proudly serve individuals from all cultural backgrounds and believe in creating an inclusive, accessible space for healing and growth. All services are delivered virtually, allowing clients to receive support from the comfort and privacy of their own home. Every session is conducted in accordance with ethical and legal standards, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with state regulations.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was both a dreamer and incredibly stubborn, I never gave up, even when I struggled. As a child, I was very shy and often afraid to speak my mind for fear of being judged. Inside, I carried big dreams, especially in the arts. I wanted to act, to be on a TV show, to express myself creatively, but I hadn’t yet dared to pursue it.

After graduating from high school, I realized I didn’t like how small my shyness made my world feel. I wanted more for myself. That’s when I decided to seek counseling, and it became a turning point in my life. Therapy helped me challenge my fears, step out of my comfort zone, and fully engage in the college experience. I joined the university choir, participated in musical theater, took self‑defense and karate classes, and pushed myself to break out of the shell that had held me back for so long.

Those experiences shaped who I am today. I continue to challenge myself by trying new things—whether it’s painting, practicing MMA as a workout (not anymore), or even streaming on TikTok. I’ve learned that growth happens when we allow ourselves to be uncomfortable, curious, and brave.

One of my dreams now is to publish the book I’m writing, a project that reflects the same spirit of resilience and self‑discovery that has guided me throughout my life.

Pricing:

• $150 Individual (private pay)
• $120 couple’s (private pay)
• $100-hour Life Coaching

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.psych-evolution.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psych.evolution/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Psych-Evolution-LLC-61568176037450/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jerry-m-0bb5a42a/?skipRedirect=true
• Other: https://care.headway.co/providers/jerry-mercado