Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Newport Beach, CA

I can understand first-hand how difficult it can be to reach out for help for the first time. I believe in the importance of "practicing what you preach" and I have been the client in the room who needs extra support. I invite you to give yourself a chance, try something new, and gain a healthy perspective on how to address complicated moments in your life.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling and over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals, families, and couples across a wide range of settings, including dual diagnosis programs, residential treatment centers, county behavioral health clinics, and law-enforcement–affiliated crisis response teams.

My work alongside multiple police departments, providing crisis intervention in high-stress and high-risk situations, has shaped my ability to remain grounded, compassionate, and effective even during life’s most overwhelming moments. I bring that same calm and steady presence into the therapy room.

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.

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.

I’m a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of experience in healthcare. My background in both physical and mental health has shaped the way I practice: I believe in caring for the whole person, not just a diagnosis or a list of symptoms. I work with adults experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, mood changes, stress, mental health concerns related to perimenopause and menopause, and difficulty navigating life transitions. I take an open-minded, compassionate approach and want my clients to feel heard, understood, and comfortable being themselves. I am committed to providing thoughtful mental health care that recognizes the important connection between physical health, emotional well-being, lifestyle, and environment.

Welcome!

Please message me for my availability!

My goal is to create safety, trust, and openness on your path to healing. I have been practicing for over 10 years and firmly believe that wellness is your investment in yourself.

Mi objetivo es generar seguridad, confianza y sinceridad en tu camino hacia la sanación. He estado ejerciendo la profesión durante más de 10 años y creo firmemente que el bienestar es una inversión en ti mismo.