(she/her)
I worked as a board-certified psychiatric nurse with adults for 15 years in various settings before becoming a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). My experience as an RN includes working in adult psychiatric inpatient units, emergency rooms, and electroconvulsive therapy departments in several major healthcare facilities in the Los Angeles area, including Cedars Sinai, UCLA, Huntington Hospital, and Glendale Adventist Medical Center. As a PMHNP-BC, I worked for Tarzana Treatment Centers and outpatient psychiatric practices.
In our first session together, we will start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you are facing. We will work towards establishing some short-term and long-term goals for treatment and treatment outcomes. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
As a mental health provider with 19 years of experience—5 of those as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner - I believe I bring a wealth of strengths to the table. 1. Deep Clinical Insight I have had nearly two decades of exposure to diverse mental health conditions, which gives me a nuanced understanding of psychiatric symptoms, treatment responses, and therapeutic dynamics. 2. Advanced Practice Skills As a PMHNP, I am skilled in diagnostic assessment, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. This allows me to offer both medication management and psychotherapy—a dual capacity that enhances patient care. 3. Empathy and Rapport-Building Long-term work in mental health requires strong interpersonal skills. I believe I am good at building trust, listening deeply, and maintaining nonjudgmental, therapeutic relationships—essential for helping clients feel safe and understood. 4. Commitment to Growth and Learning I pursued a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) degree while practicing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. This shows my drive for continuous improvement and commitment to evidence-based practice. 5. Holistic Perspective I consider emotional, physical, and environmental factors in my treatment approach, which aligns with the needs of many patients seeking integrative care.
I provide mental health services - medication management and some therapy - to adults (18 years and older). I am dedicated to providing personalized and effective mental health care to help you move forward and thrive in life. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs and empower you on your journey towards better mental well-being. Conditions Treated: Anger Management Anxiety Bipolar Disorder Bisexual Coping Skills Depression Geriatric and Seniors Impulse Control Disorders LGBTQ+ Life Coaching Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Stress ADHD (Stimulants will be prescribed only with proof of diagnosis by obtaining neuro-testing results before the initial appointment).
Karen Meske offers therapy covered by Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
A combination of Supportive Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offers a strong foundation for emotional healing and change. In a non-judgmental environment, you can feel safe, heard, understood, and validated, and learn how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. You can also learn strategies to feel more in control and empowered in your life.