Meet Merlande Vance at Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches in Florida

At a young age, Merlande immigrated to the United States. She grew up in South Florida, where adapting to a new culture and way of life was difficult at times, but it positively shaped her perspective and resilience. This transition was a significant life change that gave her deep insight into the emotional experiences children often face during periods of adjustment. Navigating a new culture and way of life taught her to expand her perspective and understand the vital importance of caring for one’s mental and emotional well-being.
 
Driven by a passion for supporting others through life’s transitions, Merlande received her medical education at West Coast University. Merlande is committed to helping both children and adults process changes in healthy, positive ways. During her experience, she witnessed firsthand how mental health challenges can impact many aspects of a person’s life. Her work is grounded in compassionate care, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based practice, ensuring that each patient feels seen, supported, and empowered in their life journey. She is understanding, she listens, and she helps children and adults navigate change and progress their lives.

Growing up, Merlande noticed that mental health was not openly discussed in her family. She saw how emotional struggles can be misunderstood, minimized, or even hidden. This early exposure gave Merlande a strong sense of empathy for individuals who feel isolated, overwhelmed, and afraid to ask for help. She witnessed many people struggling in silence, and often without the language of support to address what they were going through. She wanted to make a difference in her local community by putting light on the lives of others and helping people to be open about their emotions and what they are going through. She cares deeply about making mental health a topic of discussion and encourages people to seek help. By actively making a difference to those close to her, she decided to pursue a career where she can help many lives, daily. Her inspiration to help others led her to psychiatry where she can positively support many others and help them to live full and eventful lives. She is inspired and dedicated to providing quality patient care to both children and adults.

Merlande has a natural way of connecting with children ages 6 and up, helping them overcome obstacles, cope through situations, and navigate through mental health diagnosis. She is passionate about helping children live their best lives; she believes many of the challenges adults face can be eased by supporting mental and emotional health early in childhood, giving young people the tools to take control before struggles grow more complex. By creating space for children to express themselves and learn healthy ways to cope, she helps lay the foundation for stronger emotional well-being as they grow. She has personal experiences with many changes in her own life as a child, that helps her to connect with other kids in their coping. She creates a safe space for children that makes them feel supported, encouraged, and helps them understand what they are going through. Merlande treats children by active listening, support, healthy coping, compassion, empathy, and guidance.
 
She has strong active listening skills, a keen understanding, and compassion and empathy that helps her connect with others. She believes in the importance of having collaborative relationships with her patients and helping them find ways to thrive. Merlande has positively helped many children and adults find ways to cope and find fulfillment. She actively makes treatment plans that work best for the unique needs of each individual. She wants to be there for every person she sees and make a true impact in their lives. When working with children, Merlande combines clinical expertise with a gentle, patient-centered approach that helps kids feel comfortable and confident as they navigate challenges. She partners closely with parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive the right balance of emotional support, structure, and care. She is here to help you, or your child take the next step toward mental and emotional well-being.

Merlande believes that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a powerful act of strength, courage, and self-awareness. Life can bring unexpected challenges, and Merlande understands how overwhelming those moments can feel and the importance of support. She is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to both adults and children through empathy, respect, and unwavering support. She prioritizes personalized care; recognizing that no two individuals are the same. Through active listening, thoughtful communication, and evidence-based approaches, Merlande creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where people feel heard and valued. Merlande partners with each individual to develop a customized treatment plan that aligns with their personal goals and values. Her goal is to help you or your child thrive and live your best life.

Merlande sees ages 6 and up and is motivated to make a positive difference in their lives. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space where people feel heard and respected. She takes the time to listen to the concerns of her patients and shows compassion and empathy to help support. She understands their experiences and validates their emotions without rushing their progression. Merlande takes a holistic approach to psychiatric care and informs herself of new up-to-date research of medication management and therapy techniques to each individual’s unique needs and diagnosis.
 
Merlande is approachable and understanding, knowing that opening up isn’t always easy. She meets people where they are, without pressure or expectation, and moves at a pace that feels right for them. Her calm and steady presence helps create a sense of safety, especially for those who may feel overwhelmed or unsure about starting their mental health progression. Whether someone is facing challenges for the first time or has been navigating them for years, Merlande offers steady guidance and support every step of the way. She has helped many adults and children truly live their best lives.

Merlande enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. Relationships are meaningful to Merlande, grounding her in her life. She has a passion for connecting with others and a desire to support others in their lives. She loves sharing meals and celebrating milestones with others. She enjoys exploring new places in Florida, trying new foods, and engaging in creative activities like decorating.