about

Allison K. Chase & Associates was born from a desire to serve the people and families of Austin, Dr. Chase’s transplanted home. Together with Michele Merlob, the practice provides individual and family therapy, parenting training, workshops, and presentations.

Allison K. Chase, Ph.D.

B.A. with Honors in Psychology, University of California at San Diego
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Texas at Austin
Residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois
in the Departments of Psychology and Pediatrics
Residency specialization within the Rush Eating Disorders Program
Postdoctoral fellow at Austin Child Guidance Center
Private practice, since 2003

Dr. Allison Chase is an accomplished, thoughtful professional who has dedicated herself and her practice to helping children, adolescents, adults, and families.

Her depth of experience, education, and training has provided a thorough foundation for general therapy, as well as the basis for several areas of specialization, including the treatment of eating disorders, child and adolescent mental health issues, parental training and education, and family- or team-based therapeutic approaches.

A trusted expert, Dr. Chase has been interviewed and published in national media sources, including Parents magazine. In addition to serving her patients, Dr. Chase continues to work within her field, offering training and ongoing education for other professionals, and serving on the faculty at the University of Texas at Austin, teaching undergraduate psychology courses and supervising undergraduate research projects.

Although she was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, Dr. Chase couldn’t imagine living anywhere other than Austin, Texas. She loves the friendly personalities, the creative and intelligent culture, and the emphasis on health and well-being that is an integral part of life in Austin. She and her husband love raising their two children (and two dogs) here, taking advantage of all that Austin has to offer.

Professional Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA), Division 53 – Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), Austin Eating Disorder Specialists, founding member and current President

Michele Merlob, MS, LMHC, LPC

BA in Criminal Justice, University of South Florida
Post-baccalaureate studies in Psychology, University of Florida
MS in Psychology, Miami Institute of Psychology
Research positions at the University of Florida and the University of Miami
Clinical training at the Renfrew Center in Coconut Creek, Florida
Psychotherapist, the Renfrew Center, 1997-2005
Private practice in Florida, 2001-2007

Michele Merlob’s career and education reveals a passion for psychology and a dedication to helping people – women in particular – who are struggling with eating disorders, depression, substance abuse, and sexual abuse.

Accomplished in general therapy, including individual and family therapy, group therapy, treatment planning, case management and program development, Michele’s areas of expertise compliment Dr. Chase’s and give the practice a deep “bench” to cover their patient’s needs.

In addition to nine years as psychotherapist at the Renfrew Center in Florida, Michele maintained a private practice in Coral Springs. After relocating to Austin, Texas, Michele became a Licensed Professional Counselor within the state of Texas and joined the practice of Allison K. Chase & Associates. She excited about the partnership and looks forward to continuing her passion, working with individuals and families here in Austin.

Professional Affiliations: American Psychological Association (APA), Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), Austin Eating Disorder Specialists

Shayna Feldman, LCSW

Bachelors in Social Work, Texas Christian University
Master’s in Social Work, Our Lady of the Lake University
Clinical studies TA, The David Lawrence Center in Naples, Florida
Licensed Clinical Social worker since 1995 with specialty in children and adolescents
Licensed Supervisor for Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Shayna Feldman has lived in Austin all her life and graduated from Westlake High School. Her passion for treating children, adolescents and families is evident throughout her 17-year career in clinical social work.

Shayna began her career working with children and adolescents in the foster care system. Later, she cared for children and adolescents in a residential treatment setting. Most recently, Shayna worked as a school social worker for both Austin and Eanes Independent School Districts.

Shayna’s intensive training and knowledge in individual, family, and group treatment makes her an integral member of Allison Chase’s practice. Shayna looks forward to empowering children, adolescents, and their families, helping them lead healthy, happy lives. This includes the adolescent girls’ groups she will begin in Summer 2010.