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Karen Ward, LPC

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Karen is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

4.5 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Karen. View 54 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Texas

Recent reviews

She is awesome. She is the first therapist I have met who does therapy right and has expertly guided me through some of the worst times of my life.

Reviewed November 2024

Karen is great and has helped me gain so much insight and healing! I am very grateful for her support!

Reviewed November 2024

More about Karen

  • 15 years' experience
  • Female
  • LPC

Hello! My name is Karen Ward. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas with over 14 years of experience working as a counselor and a hypnotherapist. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, past hurts, and OCD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. In addition, I have much life experience that gives me compassion and a deeper understanding of what it may be like standing in your shoes. Congratulations on taking this first step in improving your life. Many people believe that seeking help from a therapist is a sign of weakness. But the contrary is true. It is a sign of great strength and wisdom. I will be glad to discuss this further with you if you would like.

I strongly believe you should feel comfortable with the therapist you choose, and hopeful about the therapy. When you feel this way, therapy is more likely to be extremely helpful to you. I like to think of my role as a passenger on your boat of life, helping you navigate through the rapids or the storms of your life. I will not steer your boat for you or tell you how to drive it. But I will teach you better skills and help you let go of your past failures or anchors that are weighing you down so that when the next rapids or storm hits, you are better prepared to navigate through the troubled waters to calmer seas.

My theoretical approach is based on the family system. Each of us has a family. This could be the family that raised us (parents, grandparents, foster parents, adopted parents, aunts and uncles, or other friends or extended family) or it could be people we respect and give us assistance and guidance when needed most. Any or all these people have contributed to our experiences, good or bad in life, and how we react to people or situations today. It is these family memories and experiences along with your personality and temperament that have brought you to the place you are in life today.

The most central ideas in my work are:

1. People are unique and deserve to be treated equally and with respect.

2. Families and society tend to judge people's worth and force them into conformity which may lead to anxiety, loss of self-esteem, depression, anger, rebellion, and other dysfunctional behaviors and psychological disorders.

3. Every person needs their own space and a purpose in life to have a sense of worth, hope, acceptance, empowerment, and the ability to make good choices and be responsible.

4. Therapy can help people change in a positive way so that they can live to their full potential.

5. Parents do the best they know how, and often repeat the dysfunctional patterns of their families.

6. Change can be difficult and may create stress in the family system and in the client. This can lead to the client reverting to the familiar way of coping with the stress and the stopping of all progress.

7. As the client's self-worth and outlook on life improves, change will occur and is permanent.

The goals of my treatment are tailored to the individual's uniqueness, willingness to change, and their personal issues. My hope is that everyone will discover their full potential and develop the healthy coping skills necessary to function in their family system and in society.

I look forward to helping you find peace and happiness in your life.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Trauma and abuse Grief Depression Addictions LGBT Family conflicts Intimacy-related issues Eating disorders Sleeping disorders Parenting issues Anger management Self esteem Career difficulties Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue ADHD Abandonment Aging and geriatric issues Antisocial personality Attachment issues Avoidant personality Blended family issues Body image Cancer Caregiver issues and stress Chronic pain, illness, and disability Co-morbidity Codependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issues Coping with natural or human-caused disaster Dependent personality Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) Dissociation Divorce and separation Domestic violence Drug and alcohol addiction Eating and food-related issues Emptiness Family of origin issues Family problems Fatherhood issues First responder issues Forgiveness Guilt and shame Hoarding Hospice and end-of-life counseling Impulsivity Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issues Midlife crisis Veteran and Armed Forces Issues Money and financial issues Mood disorders Multicultural concerns Narcissism Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Paranoia Personality disorders Phobias Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships Postpartum depression Post-traumatic stress Pregnancy and childbirth Prejudice and discrimination Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Self-harm Self-love Sex addiction Sexual assault and abuse Sexual dysfunction Sexuality Smoking / vaping cessation Social anxiety and phobia Somatization Traumatic brain injury Trichotillomania Women's issues Workplace issues Young adult issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment-Based Therapy
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Existential Therapy
  • Gottman Method
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Jungian Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Somatic Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems

Licenses

Karen Ward's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1285961987.

  • LPC · Texas · 62778 · Expires October 2025

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.

Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.

Reviews for Karen Ward

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

4.5

54 reviews

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4
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Clients mention: Great Recommend Comfortable Helped Listens Understanding Calm Guidance Helpful Amazing

She is awesome. She is the first therapist I have met who does therapy right and has expertly guided me through some of the worst times of my life.

Reviewed November 2024

Karen is great and has helped me gain so much insight and healing! I am very grateful for her support!

Reviewed November 2024

Karen has such a gentle demeanor. She makes me feel seen and heard.

Reviewed September 2024

Awesome. Amazing. Probably saved my life. How is she not famous?!

Reviewed July 2024

Karen is hands down the best therapist/advocate I have met!! She meets me where I am and is extremely encouraging, and gives me the freedom to come to my own answers instead of spoon-feeding them to me, which feels 10x more empowering to know that I'm strong enough to do this life thing on my own.

Reviewed June 2024

Karen is kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, but she won't hesitate to call me out if need be. She's exactly what I want and need in a therapist ❤️

Reviewed May 2024

She truly seems to understand my experience and takes my whole person into.account

Reviewed May 2024

Karen is so patient and kind. She’s everything I was looking for in a therapist! She listens and asks questions in a way that makes me feel safe and validated.

Reviewed April 2024

She is a great listener.

Reviewed February 2024

Karen has been so kind, compassionate, and helpful as I have sought self improvement. She actively listens to me, validates me, and gives me feedback. I would recommend Karen to anyone ❤️

Reviewed January 2024

Karen has been extremely helpful and supportive during one of the roughest periods of my life. She’s not only responsive when you send a question or concern, she takes the time to answer with a valuable response. She gives guidance whenever you need it and will keep you on your path. So glad I’ve found her!

Reviewed January 2024

I think Ms Karen has a lot of knowledge, she is slow to talk and quick to listen-or is it the other way around?

Reviewed November 2023

Karen listens to everything I tell her and gives me guidance on what I am doing right and where I need to make changes.

Reviewed May 2021

Karen is amazing! I feel a safe place with her because help me solve some my problems. She’s very supportive, listens with her undivided attention, & she doesn’t judge me.

Reviewed November 2023

Karen is kind, compassionate, and understanding. She has given me great advice and has been a great listener. I look forward to more sessions with her ❤️❤️

Reviewed September 2023

Karen has done a fantastic job of creating a comfortable space and keeping track of everything we've discussed. We've definitely jumped into the deep end but I feel comfortable and enjoy how quickly the sessions have felt really meaningful.

Reviewed September 2023

Karen is very calm and supportive. I feel like I have a friend I can talk to.

Reviewed August 2023

I went to Karen after having a very bad experience with a different therapist but now she feels like a trusted friend. She’s very calm and understanding.

Reviewed March 2023

Karen was attentive to everything that I brought up and helped me make sense of very complex disorders and emotions. Strongly recommend!!

Reviewed January 2023

Karen has provided a safe place for me to talk about what bothers me. She is helping me learn new ways to think about things and how I can respond positively.

Reviewed November 2022

She is great!

Reviewed November 2022

Karen has been a huge help to me on my journey to healing. She has given me the space to speak freely and is a good listener. Several things I wanted to work on she had a lot of knowledge about and was able to help me understand and see a clear path rather then muddy mire I have been waking in. I have gained hope, knowledge, direction and I also see a light at the end of my tunnel while counsling with her. I highly recommend Karen for her great ability to listen and understand what one is going through and also provide you a way to move past it while supporting you and encouraging you through it.

Reviewed November 2022

Absolutely some of the best care I’ve ever received. 3 sessions in and I found myself feeling incredibly comfortable, confident, open to her guidance. I look forward each week to our sessions together.

Reviewed November 2022

Karen listens and asks thoughtful questions during sessions. She is calm and joyful.

Reviewed June 2022

Very calm and patient as I’ve been talking nonstop the first several sessions giving her tons of background and context.

Reviewed May 2022

Karen has been helped me understand things better, have more compassion for myself, and suggests ways to better handle situations. I appreciate her guidance, advice and lending an ear.

Reviewed May 2022

She does an excellent job listening and a great understanding of the narcissistic personality disorder.

Reviewed April 2022

I’ve had two sessions with Karen and already have tools to help me with my current challenges. She listens and helps me see through a different lense than the one I present. I am very grateful for her.

Reviewed February 2022

Karen is a professional caring and compassionate hypnotherapist that has been a delight to work with. I look forward each week to the creative process she has to offer. I would highly recommend her.

Reviewed January 2022

Very easy to talk to and really helps me look within myself

Reviewed January 2022

I love Karen's style. She's patient, understanding and kind and I feel very comfortable with her. She's so knowledgeable and has taught me a lot.

Reviewed December 2021

Karen understands this type of abuse!

Reviewed November 2021

I am extremely grateful for Karen showing up at the perfect time in my life. Now that i am ready to peel and heal the deepest parts of myself (even parts of me that i have forgotten), i found her. She is a great listener and a wise counselor. I have learned a lot from her and she is one of a kind. I am continually healing myself for years with different teachers/therapists but with her, she knew exactly what the issue is and pinpoints directly on the things i need to work on. I love her. Thank you so much, Karen! You are wonderful~

Reviewed November 2021

My first session with Karen was very helpful. Karen, thank you so much for listening to me.

Reviewed November 2021

Karen is kind hearted and individualize each Session just for me. She creates a Relaxing Environment.

Reviewed September 2021

Karen ward has changed my life. I don’t think that there’s must else needed to be said other than that.

Reviewed August 2021

Karen has been wonderful. She understands what is troubling me and what I need to work on. She provides exercises and ways for me to move forward and progress for the better. It's been great!

Reviewed August 2021

When my psychiatrist recommended counseling I wasn't sure what I'd talk about or who I'd feel comfortable with and benefit from and I put it off. Finally I Was matched with Karen and she made me feel comfortable right away. I look forward to every session and feel that my needs and goals for therapy have become much more clear.

Reviewed July 2021

She's really down to earth and trustworthy more than I've had with prior counselors. I love her techniques especially which the hypnotherapy which I'm doing everyday now. She's incredible and I highly recommend. She makes me feel like I have a good friend to talk to.

Reviewed July 2021

Karen is so wonderful! She has taught me so much in how to handle my anxiety, nightmares, and racing thoughts. I have full confidence in her and her ability's. She makes me feel very calm when talking to her. I highly recommend her!

Reviewed July 2021

We have had 2 sessions thus far and I feel karen will be able to help me through everything. She has helped me to think about a lot so far and things are going very well. She's very understanding and very nice. Highly recommend for an understanding and helpful counselor. She shows you how things are very well.

Reviewed May 2021

I’ve never been comfortable with the idea of therapy itself or even opening up to someone that is a complete stranger at first, but Karen has definitely been a diamond in the rough. She is very kind and intuitive, and a great listener who will give you straight up, honest advice and will do her best to help you. Highly recommend.

Reviewed May 2021

Karen is great and has helped me a great deal so far

Reviewed May 2021

Karen has been great! She validates my feelings and offers good advise that helps me see things in a positive way. I enjoy our sessions and already feel better.

Reviewed May 2021

Very patient and good listener

Reviewed May 2021

Karen has been such a great council when processing through the stressors in my life. She is attentive, caring, gentle, resourceful, and provides helpful tools, tips, and encouragement. I always look forward to seeing her!

Reviewed April 2021

Karen has been an amazing therapist to work with. Often times it is hard to find the "right fit" in finding the therapist I can connect with so I am grateful for this app and how it connected me to her. She has been an amazing resource and someone who is helping me through my journey. I am very pleased and happy with her.

Reviewed March 2021

Karen has been truly great. She listens and reads between the lines to pin point potential problems and provides ways to help or cope with it. I would absolutely recommend her.

Reviewed March 2021

She seems to be a good listener. I like that. Some times you just need someone to hear you

Reviewed March 2021

I’ve only had one session with Karen, but I like her gentle caring nature. In her response to my original message I could tell she understood my concerns.

Reviewed March 2021

The first time I spoke with Karen I could tell she was experienced and knew what she was talking about. I've tried a few therapist and councilors over the years that seemed to by focused on one topic and I never really felt they understood what I was trying not get out, I never felt that they really understood how my brain works of the way I try to express things. With Karen I felt instant validation, I felt heard clearly for the first time, I felt she understood what I was really trying to say. She was able to see under the surface almost instantly. I'm naturally very guarded and for the first time in a long time I felt I could be myself and speak my truth with out judgement or having to justify or dumb anything down. Thank you Karen Ward!

Reviewed February 2021

Karen is the best. I feel I'm making great progress.

Reviewed January 2021

I am only starting with this process, so I don't have any long term information offer. What I have so far is completely positive. Since my health plan has no provision for this kind of service, I consider Betterhelp's availability a really excellent thing, and I like the idea that I can message in the app, rather than have to do all communications during our meeting. So, as I said before I'm just getting started, but I would recommend anyone try out this venue yeah they have some things that they need to really optimize in their life and they think some counseling might help. The thing that really surprised me about this process was that if I am just journaling to myself I don't really look at the issues and the amount of detail that I would have to look at them if I was explaining them to someone else such as a counselor. This has led me to examine the things that I am trying to improve not only in more detail but in more relevant detail. This counselling process has added an entire dimension to my love level of thought. The first example is when I moved from merely documenting what I was thinking and feeling as I would have in my Journal to actually formulating what a good version of the troubled area would look like in order that I could explain what I wanted to my counselor. Having to do this last little part of analysis and thought is really starting to make a little difference and my approach to this end to some other things that are not at risk.

Reviewed January 2021

Karen is incredible. She has helped me work through so many things during such a difficult time in my life. Her guidance and support have helped me progress and sort through so many things and heal in so many ways. I love working with her.

Reviewed December 2020

How was your experience with Karen?

Frequently asked questions

Does Karen Ward offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Karen Ward works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Karen Ward speak?

Karen Ward speaks English.

How many years of experience does Karen Ward have?

Karen Ward has 15 years of experience.

Where is Karen Ward licensed to practice?

Karen Ward is licensed to practice in Texas.

Does Karen Ward accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Karen Ward does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Karen Ward offer?

Karen Ward offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Hypnotherapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

How can I communicate with Karen Ward?

Karen Ward can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Karen Ward?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.