Karen  Lau
Vetted

Karen Lau

She/Her/Hers

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW Specialties Insurance & Fees Locations
California Accepting Online

I am currently taking new clients.

Updated September 18, 2023

Specialties & Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • Race & cultural identity
  • Stress management
  • Trauma
  • Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
  • Imposter syndrome

Professional statement

Karen is a psychotherapist who is licensed as an LCSW to work with clients in CA. She specializes in anxiety (all spectrum, such as social anxiety, panic attacks, generalized anxiety, phobias, postpartum anxiety) and trauma (including complex trauma). She also addresses cultural adjustment, identity development and self esteem concerns as part of her practice. Often times, stress related to changes in job/career, health, marriage, dating relationships, and/or life phases can create negative impact on mental health if not addressed. Thus Karen will often assess and address these aspects in her clients lives to promote on-going coping and resiliency skills.

Her therapy approach is patient centered with focus on goal specific skill-based and insight-based approaches. She received her clinical training (MSSW) from Columbia University in NY with her focus in advanced clinical practice. The approaches she uses are evidence-based including CBT, ACT, DBT, and Mindfulness. She relies heavily on parts work, CPT and EMDR for trauma related concerns. Trauma concerns may involve complex trauma and/or life events which have impacted clients’ perspective on themselves and their world.

Having graduated with an MBA and with previous working experience in corporate and executive coaching, she engages easily with clients who are working -- no matter what job, role or function.

Clients often provide feedback that Karen is warm and collaborative in sessions. And when clients complete their time in therapy, they leave with practical and applicable insights to live more meaningful lives.


Message to clients

It is a big step to make this effort to get therapy and face your own struggles. I understand how it can be intimidating. Many of my clients mentioned how initially it felt overwhelming to make the appointment, as they didn't even know where to start. Clients often shared that even in the first session, they are pleasantly surprised that the conversation felt natural for them.

Within the first few sessions, they have voiced that they feel that I am approachable and not "aloof" as what they may have perceived therapists to be from movies or TV shows. Over time, they expressed that they began to have a wider perspective, understanding, and skills/knowledge which are helpful for them. In addition, they indicated that they have more clarity and insight into their feelings, thinking and behavior. This helps them feel more empowered, hopeful, and confident even though external challenges may still be present.

Clients also shared that I am patient and let them work at their own pace while being very clear on what we are focusing on in our work together.

Please let me know how I can be a support to you. I look forward to walking with you in your journey to grow and develop your best self.

Feel free to message me on Zencare messaging to pick a time for our free 15 min phone consultation within the same week.


Specialties

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

Race & cultural identity - Exploring topics of racial, cultural, and ethnic background as it relates to one’s family origins and personal identity

Stress management - Strengthening effective ways of coping with the stress of life and change; managing expectations of self and others

Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) - Recovering from the impact of long-term, repeated traumatic events, such as emotional abuse and neglect

Imposter syndrome - Learning how to identify instances of imposter syndrome and combatting any beliefs that one is not enough or does not deserve good things; practicing assertiveness and developing confidence




Clientele

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

Insurance

Karen Lau 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: $205 (45min)

Location(s)

Online Sessions (California)
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 8-5
  • Wed 8-6
  • Thu 8-6
  • Fri 8-5
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Work and Education

Years of Experience: 13 years

Kaiser Permanente, Psychotherapist, 2016 - 2021
Asian Health Services, Behavioral Health Therapist, 2011 - 2016
DC37, EAP - Clinical social work therapist (intern), 2010 - 2011
Effective Brands , Senior Consultant and Executive Coach, 2009 - 2010
Emory University, Associate Director - MBA Career Management Services, 2007 - 2009

Columbia University, MSSW, 2011


Licensure

California: 66594


Languages

Chinese

English