Julie Mermelstein is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Communications from Emerson College.

In addition to her clinical work, Julie is a creative writer with a published article in More magazine and is currently working on a book focused on relationships. She has been providing therapeutic services to individuals, families, couples, children, and teens since 1995 and has been in private practice since 2010.

Julie has extensive experience as an individual and family therapist in both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs across Southern California. Currently, alongside her private practice in Santa Monica, Julie is proud to be part of the START UP WELLNESS team, where she brings her eclectic approach to therapy, recovery, and healing. She draws from humanistic therapy, attachment theory, and family systems, with a strong focus on trauma,addiction, and emotional regulation. Julie is EMDR trained and in the early stages of incorporating EMDR with couples.

An active member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Women’s Association of Addiction Treatment,and the Southern California recovery community, Julie’s personal and professional journey is grounded in her 24 years of sobriety. She is an activemember of AA and Al-Anon and deeply understands the devastating impact addiction can have on families and relationships, as well as the unaddressed trauma often underlying these struggles.