Karina Astigarrabia Ferraz
I am Karina R. Astigarrabia Ferraz, MSN, PMHNP-BC, a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 20 years of experience in the medical field. I provide comprehensive psychiatric care and medication management, for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, and major life transitions. I especially support professionals, caregivers, and high-achieving individuals who may seem to be managing well externally while feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck internally. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and structured. I provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and prescription treatment when clinically appropriate, combined with supportive psychotherapy. Together, we will thoughtfully review your symptoms, medical history, goals, and treatment preferences to create a personalized plan that supports emotional stability, resilience, and overall well-being.
Many of my clients are professionals, caregivers, or driven individuals who are used to managing everything on their own and are ready for meaningful support.
I integrate evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT, DBT, and Interpersonal Therapy, to help you understand unhelpful thought patterns, regulate emotions, strengthen relationships, and develop practical skills for daily life. My goal is to offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely heard and empowered to create a more balanced life aligned with your values. I offer culturally responsive care in both English and Spanish.
First session
During our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know you, your concerns, history, goals, and what you hope to gain from treatment. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to better understand your symptoms, stressors, and strengths. We’ll also discuss a personalized plan moving forward. My goal is for you to leave feeling heard, understood, and clear about next steps.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths is balancing empathy with structure. Clients often appreciate that I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space while also offering practical tools they can apply immediately. I integrate Medication Management and evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, and Interpersonal Therapy to address both thought patterns and emotional regulation.
Ideal clients
I am best positioned to serve adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, or significant life transitions. Many of my clients are high-functioning individuals who appear “okay” on the outside but feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck internally. My ideal clients are motivated for change, open to learning practical coping skills, and ready to better understand how their thoughts, emotions, and past experiences impact their current functioning. They may struggle with overthinking, self-doubt, relationship challenges, or difficulty managing stress. In therapy, we work collaboratively to build insight, strengthen emotional resilience, and develop concrete tools that support long-term growth. My goal is to help clients feel more balanced, confident, and aligned with their values so they can move forward with clarity and purpose.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and modify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. In my practice, I use CBT in a structured, goal-oriented way, helping clients develop insight into the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I incorporate techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and psychoeducation to support clients in building healthier coping strategies. I often assign practical exercises or homework to reinforce skills learned in sessions and encourage real-life application. CBT is especially helpful in my work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress-related conditions, and adjustment difficulties. I tailor each intervention to the individual’s needs, cultural background, and readiness for change, ensuring a collaborative and supportive therapeutic environment.
Grief Therapy
I support clients experiencing grief related to the loss of a loved one, relationship changes, life transitions, or other significant losses. In my practice, I provide a compassionate and validating space where clients can process their emotions at their own pace while exploring the personal meaning of their loss. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as psychoeducation about the grieving process, narrative techniques, and coping skill development to help clients navigate complex emotions including sadness, guilt, anger, or numbness. When appropriate, I also incorporate elements of CBT to address maladaptive thought patterns that may complicate grief. My goal is to help clients honor their loss while gradually rebuilding a sense of stability, connection, and purpose in their lives.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop psychological flexibility and build a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. Rather than trying to eliminate distress, ACT focuses on acceptance, mindfulness, and identifying core values to guide meaningful action. In my practice, I help clients clarify what truly matters to them and take practical steps toward those values, even in the presence of anxiety, depression, or self-doubt. ACT is especially helpful for individuals struggling with chronic stress, mood disorders, and life transitions.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help clients improve emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT combines acceptance and change strategies, supporting clients in managing intense emotions while building healthier coping patterns. In sessions, I teach practical, skills-based tools such as mindfulness exercises, grounding techniques, and communication strategies. DBT is particularly beneficial for clients experiencing mood instability, impulsivity, relationship difficulties, or high emotional sensitivity.
Interpersonal
I use Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to help clients understand how their relationships and life transitions impact their emotional well-being. This approach focuses on improving communication patterns, resolving interpersonal conflicts, and strengthening social support systems. In my practice, I work collaboratively with clients to identify relationship patterns that may contribute to depression, anxiety, or stress. By improving interpersonal functioning, clients often experience meaningful improvements in mood and overall functioning.
Location
Virtual sessions
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- FloridaLicense APRN11040453