Licensed to practice in 12 states and accepts 44 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Crisis Intervention
Karen Smithson
(she/her)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Georgia, with a Master’s from Clark Atlanta University and five years of experience. I specialize in supporting young adults and adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My practice offers a safe, judgment-free environment where clients feel heard, valued, and supported. From the moment you reach out, my priority is to ensure you feel accepted and cared for, with a focus on your overall well-being. Taking the first step toward healing is a courageous choice, and I applaud you for it. I invite you to a free 15-minute phone consultation I’d love to connect.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we will begin with introductions and discuss what brings you to therapy. We will explore the specific challenges you are facing, your goals, and what you hope to achieve. This initial conversation allows me to gain a deeper understanding of your unique needs and helps us develop a personalized plan for our work together. My priority is to create a supportive, judgment-free environment where you feel heard, valued, and empowered from the very start of your therapeutic journey.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I excel at building strong rapport and fostering trust with clients from diverse backgrounds. Creating a safe, judgment-free space is central to my practice, allowing clients to express themselves openly and authentically. My greatest strengths lie in deep empathy and active listening, enabling me to truly understand each client’s unique experiences and needs. This insight allows me to develop personalized treatment plans that support meaningful growth, healing, and lasting change.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Crisis Intervention
I identify as
Black / African American
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
Alabama
California
District of Columbia
Georgia
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
South Carolina
Washington
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
CareFirst
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Anthem
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Regence BlueShield of Washington
Blue Shield
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
Sutter Health Plan
IHSS Healthy Workers
Cash - $150 per session
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Washington
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Regence Group Administrators
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health
UMR - Advocate Aurora Health
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I focus on understanding each client’s unique concerns and challenges. Through collaborative discussions, I help clients recognize problematic thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to their distress. Together, we work on identifying and reframing these thoughts while developing healthier coping strategies. By making intentional adjustments to both thoughts and behaviors, clients can experience positive change, improved emotional regulation, and greater overall well-being. My goal is to provide a supportive space where clients feel empowered to take meaningful steps toward healing and growth.