Karla J Pinel

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Bachelor of Science from Pace University (2004) and a Master of Social Work from New York University (2007). I've spent my career working with children from preschool through high school across New York City, providing counseling for social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs, including students receiving special education services. I also have specialized training in ABA, including work with infants and toddlers (birth through age three) diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In addition to my work with children and families, I have extensive experience supporting women through difficult and emotionally challenging life transitions.

I draw primarily from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), tailoring my approach to the unique needs of each client and family I work with. With children, that means practical, structured strategies for managing challenging behaviors and building communication skills. With the parents I partner with, I focus on helping them better understand their child's behavior and develop tools that create real, lasting change at home. With the women I support through fertility and IVF journeys, relationship changes, separation, or divorce, I create a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to process what they're going through and build healthy coping strategies. Whoever I'm working with, I believe therapy should be collaborative — a space where you feel comfortable, understood, and genuinely heard.

You can expect a genuinely collaborative process focused on your strengths, not just your struggles. I'll help you develop practical tools you can use in everyday life and feel more confident navigating whatever challenges brought you in — whether that's a child's behavior, a family dynamic, or a major life transition. Outside of session, I stay grounded through painting, music, dancing, and time with my twin boys — and I bring that same warmth and presence into the room with you.