Find a therapist in New York — covered by insurance

My name is Karen Diaz, LMHC. I welcome clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and provide therapy in both English and Spanish. Throughout my experience in outpatient mental health settings, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing a wide range of concerns.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, trauma, or self-esteem concerns, you don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Everyone's journey is different, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they work toward personal growth.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just not like yourself lately? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through it alone. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and more.

I have been a psychotherapist over 34 years to individuals & couples. I address hurt, sadness, anger, anxiety & depression & the loss of emotional contact in your vital relationships. Painful loss can arise from traumatic shock, & from the non-traumatic experiences of growing up. I can help you identify your true needs, so that you can repair your connection with those you love. Healing is in the therapeutic relationship & the skills I can teach you that can enable you to live a freer life.

I know starting with a new therapist can feel hard, and

building trust takes time. I’m patient, warm, and intentional

about creating a comfortable space where you can feel

supported as you grow and build resilience. I work with children, teens, and adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQIA+ and transgender-related concerns, grief, relationship challenges, and life adjustments. Some people come to me in the middle of a crisis. Others come because something has felt off for a long time and they’re finally ready to look at it. Both are good reasons to start.

I specialize in working with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, life transitions, interpersonal relationship challenges, and difficulties with assertiveness.

In my practice I work with clients of all backgrounds and age groups; and I have a specialty in adolescence and young adulthood. I enjoy supporting clients as they navigate growing up and becoming adults in this complex world. My approach is grounded in Psychodynamic Theory and the belief that many of our problems are rooted in thinking patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses that we developed early in life. My work is eclectic and collaborative. I draw on many modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Treatment, Family Systems Theory and Motivational Interviewing.

Most importantly, I see the therapeutic process as a collaborative endeavor between client and therapist. The client is the expert on themselves, and the therapist is a partner in their journey of self-exploration. We work together to change habits, behaviors, and thought patterns, that are causing distress, and getting in the way of the client’s goals.

I have a background in the creative arts, and enjoy supporting artists, writers, and actors, as they seek balance in their lives. Also, I have spent many years working in the New York City Schools with children, families, teachers, and administrators, to address individual students’ emotional and behavioral problems that interfere with school performance.

I'm so happy you're here and have chosen to take that first step that is often the most difficult. My primary focus is to meet you where you are on your journey and sit with you as we explore your story and sort through the experiences that brought you here. I will support you as we process the stuff keeping you feeling stuck.