Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Costa Mesa, CA covered by Aetna

My name is Karen and I have been working in mental health for 25 years. It is rewarding to witness my clients take charge of their lives and connect them to what they find most meaningful. Whether it’s listening, teaching new skills, or offering constructive feedback, I work closely with each person so they can find more joy in life.

If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, or life's emotional challenges, please know you don’t have to carry this weight alone. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping you reclaim your life. My practice is built on a foundation of deep empathy and genuine care. I treat you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms. Together, we will navigate your challenges using evidence-based treatments tailored to your unique story and goals. Your mental health journey deserves a safe space, and I am here to provide exactly that as we work toward your healing.

I am a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in both Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health. With a foundation in whole-person, evidence-based care, I integrate medical management with psychotherapy and lifestyle interventions to support mental and physical wellness.

My background spans outpatient psychiatry, primary care, home health, and assisted living settings, allowing me to understand the unique needs of patients across all stages of life. I have extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, and chronic medical comorbidities that impact emotional well-being.

I believe in creating a collaborative, compassionate, and culturally sensitive environment where patients feel heard and empowered to take an active role in their care. My approach focuses on building balance—supporting both the mind and body—through medication management, therapy, and integrative care strategies.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already carrying a heavy load. One thing for sure, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

In my practice, I work extensively with college students, athletes, young adults and adults across various stages of life. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, performance pressure, injury recovery, burnout, and complex questions around identity and self-worth.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my core mission is to support you through life's most challenging moments so you can step fully into the best version of yourself. Therapy isn't just about managing symptoms, it’s about discovering your strengths, building resilience, and creating a life that feels authentic and aligned with who you are.

In my studies at Antioch, I have specialized in Spiritual and Depth Psychology with CBT, DBT, Humanistic-Existential, Client-Centered, Gestalt Theories, Mindfulness, and based on my past experiences have developed a passion for working with a variety of diverse population from 12 years old children and their families to elder adults. I also took courses on World Religions and Women Role in Religion at CSUN, studied in Rabbinical School (AISH Ha’Torah) in Jerusalem, with Buddhist Guru in Nepal and a Hindu Guru in India with knowledge of Vedic (Vedantic), Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Tradition.

For over 15 years being on spiritual path and self-discovery journey, I became a Spiritual Guide, Reiki Master, and a Minister. Lead Spiritual Retreats and trainings around the world, including, India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, Ukraine. This experience prepared me to work with people from a diversity of backgrounds and cultures.

Worked with a vast variety of symptoms and problems providing needed support to my clients suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem. All of these issues and symptoms have a point to make for us to understand our selves better. Working with adolescents in Residential Treatment Centers, Transitional Youth Living Programs, adult and veterans of all ages, there is one common denominator - if you want your life to be better, we can find your individual path and you might become your own Master. We'll apply, or challenge, your believe system, to make positive changes.

I help my clients resolve their problems, learn coping skills, and set their spiritual and/or religious path. Increasing client's understanding of self and accepting life with all the pluses and minuses, learning from the past without the judgment might be a difficult goal to achieve.

I am open, approachable, and committed to listening carefully to your experiences without judgment. I believe that each person carries a unique story, and my goal is to provide a supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and encouraged as you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities for growth. Together, we can explore what is most important to you and work toward creating a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and aligned with your values.

My background includes earning a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, along with a lifelong appreciation for personal growth, nature, and the healing power of connection. Growing up learning to surf fostered a deep respect for the ocean and the lessons it offers about resilience, balance, and adapting to life's changing conditions. These experiences have shaped my belief in the importance of honoring each individual’s journey and recognizing that growth often comes through both challenge and reflection.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with almost 10 years experience providing individual therapy. I am a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, and specialize in EMDR therapy and LGBTQ+ affirming therapy. I am a big advocate for taking care of our mental health, and I am so glad you are here because that usually means you are thinking about taking care of yours too!

As a veteran, therapist, and human being I resonate deeply with the archetype of the “wounded healer". I understand trauma and the seriousness of life's challenges not just clinically, but personally. I am assured in my professional capacity that I can provide you with the high level of care and support that you deserve.