Dr. Joseph Merkel is a double-board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist dedicated to providing collaborative, individualized, and evidence-based care. He works with children, adolescents, adults, and families, with an approach that considers not only the individual, but also the family, school, community, and broader systems that shape daily life. Dr. Merkel has a special clinical interest in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), as well as in supporting Veterans and military families. He believes meaningful progress is not always about trying harder, but about trying differently.
Dr. Joseph Merkel provides psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults facing a wide range of psychiatric, developmental, behavioral, and emotional concerns. His clinical style is collaborative and systems-oriented, often involving families, therapists, educators, and other healthcare providers to better understand the patient’s full context and create care plans that are practical, individualized, and sustainable.
Throughout his career, Dr. Merkel has developed a special interest in working with individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). He supports families in understanding the developmental, emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges that can accompany FASD, and helps identify strategies that fit the unique needs of each patient and family.
Dr. Merkel is also passionate about caring for Veterans and military families. As an Army Veteran, he brings a personal understanding of military culture and the challenges that may accompany service, deployment, family life, and the transition to civilian life.
Outside of clinical practice, Dr. Merkel enjoys exploring yoga and its applications in mindfulness, self-awareness, and stress management. After relocating to California from Buffalo, New York, he looks forward to becoming part of the Pasadena community and building meaningful connections with the patients and families he serves.
