Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 46 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Family Therapy and 10 more.

Karen Distefano

(she/her)

LCSW, 20 years of experience
Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented
VirtualAvailable

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Connecticut. Over the last twenty years, I have enjoyed working with children and families in out-patient and school settings and with adults who were struggling with significant mental health concerns as a Partial Hospitalization Program Coordinator and Group Leader. I have experience working with a diverse range of ages and backgrounds, and I often pull from different therapy modalities, tailoring to the unique needs and learning styles for the individual.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session will focus on information gathering and getting to know one another. We will review relevant history before getting into the deeper questions about what is bringing you to therapy while identifying your treatment goals.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

The most fundamental principle of DBT is that acceptance and change are compatible! I meet clients where they are- without judgment, but with compassion. I guide clients through their personal challenges and help them develop more effective coping strategies and skills to navigate life's complexities.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Participating in therapy isn't easy, but my clients are willing to work as hard as I do! We will be solution-focused and ready to explore healthy and realistic alternatives to maladaptive coping skills.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Other specialties

Addiction

Military/Veterans

Trauma and PTSD

I identify as

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavior Therapy focuses on identifying how unhelpful thinking distortions combined with learned patterns of behavior can contribute to a variety of distress and conflict in our lives. By recognizing how our thoughts influence how we feel and act, we can change our patterns of thinking and better understand ourselves. Using CBT, we will increase problem-solving skills and build self-confidence.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I have used skills based on the principles of Dialectic Behavior Therapy to treat clients with borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder. It is especially effective for those who are struggling with emotional regulation, self-destructive behaviors, and interpersonal difficulties. In DBT, the term “dialectical” refers to finding a balance between two seemingly opposing concepts: acceptance and change.

, 27 ratings

6 ratings with written reviews

June 27, 2026

Karen is true to her profile and embodies that acceptance and change are not mutually exclusive while being warm and authentic in a direct but solution oriented manner. She was kind, compassionate, and reassuring. I look forward to meeting and working with her again, and appreciate her positive and actionable feedback and advice in our first session.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Karen

June 22, 2026

Listens very will and follows up in return with great insight. Shes someone great to talk to

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 1 with Karen

June 16, 2026

I really enjoy working with Karen. she's very insightful and knowledgeable. she soothed my pain.

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 5 with Karen