Book a therapist or psychiatrist in San Mateo, CA covered by Aetna

I’m a licensed therapist with a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Child and Family Therapy, and I’m certified in Perinatal Mental Health. I work with children, adolescents, and families, and I also support moms navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and the emotional challenges of early parenthood. I have experience helping with anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, and school-related concerns, and I especially enjoy working with children and pre-teens using play and creative approaches.

I am a dedicated mental health professional who supports children and adults through life’s challenges. I currently provide individual therapy only and do not offer couples counseling. My background in behavioral health and social services, along with hands-on community experience, has shaped my practical, compassionate, and solution-focused approach.

I have worked with individuals involved in the justice system, people living with serious mental illness, children in foster care, and families navigating behavioral or developmental concerns. My experience includes case management, crisis support, employment readiness, behavioral coaching, and coordinating care with medical providers, mental health facilities, and community programs to ensure consistent, long-term support.

I help clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, behavioral challenges in children and teens, parenting and co-parenting concerns, and reintegration after legal involvement. My approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered. I believe everyone has resilience and the ability to grow with the right support.

My style is warm, honest, and structured. I value accountability while always leading with empathy and respect. I focus on building coping skills, improving communication, setting clear goals, and developing practical strategies that support emotional balance and independence.

I have a bachelors in religious studies from the University of Kentucky. I grew up in Kentucky and moved to California to train in marital and family therapy. I am queer affirming and culturally-sensitive. I am sex-worker positive.

Welcome to the therapeutic journey.

I work with clients who are experiencing chronic stress, depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, self-sabotage, postpartum, and relationship challenges.

I specialize in helping individuals navigate the deep and often hidden impacts of complex trauma — the kind that comes from chronic, long-term experiences such as childhood abuse, unhealthy relationships, illness, and adversity.

My work is grounded in compassion, safety, and collaboration. I meet each client exactly where they are on their healing journey. My work is guided by the core belief that you are worthy and deserve to thrive emotionally, mentally, and relationally.

Through mindful exploration and specialized care, we will work together to create meaningful, lasting change.

Welcome. I’m Karen, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I work with adults and adolescents who are navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, and major life transitions.

My approach is collaborative and strengths-based. I support clients in developing healthy boundaries, strengthening communication skills, and identifying coping strategies that genuinely fit their lives. Together, we work toward healing, personal growth, and greater emotional balance.

I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel empowered to explore your experiences, reconnect with your strengths, and move through life’s challenges with confidence and intention.

BA Degree Psychology, Masters in Social Work

40yrs experience: Anxiety & Panic Disorders, Depression, Trauma/ PTSD, Grief & Loss Counseling.

I have been practicing psychotherapy many years and have a wealth of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I have been trained in psychodynamic therapy, family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dilaectial behavior therapy. I believe that people have the innate ability to improve their lives when given focused therapeutic attention and support.