Karen  Paulk
Zencare Vetted

Karen Paulk

She/Her/Hers

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Connecticut, Massachusetts Accepting Online

Slots fill quickly so I will confirm availability during initial consultation!

Updated March 8, 2023

Specialties & Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • College & graduate student mental health
  • Depression
  • Family issues
  • Life transitions
  • Relationship issues

Professional statement

Karen Paulk is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker located in Chicopee, MA and founder of Mending Messages Therapy Center. She has over 20 years of experience as a therapist, and enjoys helping individuals and couples heal their relationships. Many of Karen’s clients seek therapy to find more effective ways of coping with their depression, anxiety, relationships, and family issues. Their past experiences with trauma have led to the development of unhealthy coping strategies, which leave them emotionally exhausted and in conflict with those around them.

Karen helps clients find a balance in their lives and center themselves on their inner strengths. She believes that all individuals have unique strengths that show their resilience, and she encourages clients to acknowledge and internalize this resilience. Karen teaches clients how to assess their thoughts for harmful patterns, like self-criticism or judgment. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, Karen helps clients adjust their thoughts to make their minds more conducive for positive emotion. Karen also gently guides clients through reflections about their past experiences and how their early relationships impact their current relationship patterns.

Karen earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from Smith College for Social Work. As a therapist of color, she is passionate about working with diverse communities, including the African American community. She has a warm, engaging therapy style that promotes empathy and compassion no matter the situation.


Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

College & graduate student mental health - Specialized strategies for common issues of young adulthood, including school and career stressors, support around healthy relationships, existential concerns, drug or alcohol issues, eating disorders, and anxiety and/or depression.

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

Family issues - Promoting communication and supporting family members to address challenges and reduce conflict and distress

Life transitions - Coping with difficult or impactful life changes, such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, child rearing, or career changes; learning self-care to better manage resulting stress

Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Couples
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Insurance

Karen Paulk is not in-network with any insurances.

Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $175 (45min)

Location(s)

Online Sessions (Connecticut)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon Closed
  • Tue 9am- 12noon 1:00- 3pm
  • Wed 10am-12noon
  • Thu 10am-11am
  • Fri 9am-10am
  • Sat 1:00 -2:00pm
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (Massachusetts)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon Closed
  • Tue 9am-3pm
  • Wed 10am-12noon
  • Thu 10am-11am
  • Fri 9am-10am
  • Sat 1pm-2pm
  • Sun Closed

Work and Education

Years of Experience: 24 years

Founder of Mending Messages Therapy Center LLC, Outpatient Mental Health therapist, 2016 - Present
Couples Center of the Pioneer Valley Northampton Ma, Licensed Mental Health Counselor/ Independent Contractor, 2013 - 2016
Behavioral Health Partners Frederick MD, Outpatient Mental Health Therapist Children and Familie, 2010 - 2012
Montgomery County DHHS/Child Welfare Services , Foster Care/Adoption/Reunification Unit Social Worker II, 2008 - 2010
Judicial Branch of CT, Family Relations Counselor II-Court Support Services Division, 2000 - 2007

Smith College School For Social Work, Master of Clinical Social Work, 1999
American International College, BA Psychology, 1995


Licensure

Connecticut: 008713

Massachusetts: 117799


Languages

English