Dr. Rhea Merck

Dr. Rhea Ann Merck has been a Gamecock since her freshman year in college. After earning her psychology degree from the University of South Carolina, Rhea has worked in the field of mental health since 1984.

She earned her PhD in Psychology from the University of North Texas in Counseling Psychology and has maintained a private practice in Columbia, South Carolina, since 1996.

Rhea has worked in a variety of clinical and academic settings with adults, emerging adults, teens, couples, and families. In 2019-2020, in her role as a Senior Instructor in Psychology, she was honored with the University of South Carolina College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Teaching Award. She has been working with athletes here since January 2015.

Rhea has co-authored 2 books and a blog on life skills. In her free time, Rhea enjoys live music, painting,