Karen Contardo, LMHC

Karen Contardo is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Washington who brings 15 years of clinical experience to her therapeutic work. She supports people facing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, stress, and the upheaval that comes with major life changes, helping clients rebuild resilience and clarify what matters most.

Her practice emphasizes individualized care for women, young adults, and anyone navigating transitions such as career or educational decisions, financial stress, chronic health conditions, or shifts in family life. She also works with concerns related to self esteem, grief, intimacy, parenting, sleep and eating difficulties, and the emotional impact of chronic pain, illness, or disability. Additional focus areas include feelings of emptiness or isolation, difficulties with control or impulsivity, questions of life purpose, and midlife concerns.

Karen integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into a collaborative, non-judgmental process that honors each person’s unique path. She aims to create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop practical coping skills, and reconnect with inner strengths. Sessions are offered through a variety of remote formats to accommodate different schedules and needs.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and focuses on taking actions that align with personal values. It is often useful for anxiety, depression, and people working through life purpose or motivation concerns.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes an empathic, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship in which the therapist follows the client's lead, offering support as individuals explore their experiences and build self-understanding. This approach can be especially helpful for those seeking emotional validation and growth.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, making it a common choice for stress, anxiety, depression, and coping with daily challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Karen works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules and for people managing health concerns, caregiving, work, or geographic limitations. These options allow licensed professionals to provide consistent, accessible support while adapting to each client's life circumstances.