Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 18 ratings

Karen Bendak

PMHNP, 13 years of experience

Solution oriented
Warm
Direct

About me

Hello! My name is Karen Bendak and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I received my Diploma in Nursing at Aria Health School of Nursing. This extensive three-year program provided me with comprehensive medical and clinical knowledge to assist individuals with their psychiatric treatment as most are dealing with other health co-morbidities. I then received my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Pennsylvania State University. After several years serving the mental health population I obtained my master's degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Wilkes University. I am passionate about helping individuals take control of their mental health so they can lead an optimal quality of life.

Get to know me

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

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide psychiatric evaluations, supportive therapy and medication management within a safe space to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship. Our first meeting will provide me with insight as to who you are as an individual, your life and specific needs. This will allow for me to diagnose and develop a plan of action, thus providing individualized interventions that will promote positive changes.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I have worked in various settings throughout my career in mental health. Such as, admissions/ triage, inpatient, structured residential, substance abuse, crisis centers, and SNF/AL facilities. My experience includes working with the Adult and Geriatric population. This experience has provided me with invaluable knowledge regarding working with diverse populations. I believe my strength lies within my patient care focus with the perceptive ability to listen and empathize. I am down to earth, relatable, and understanding of the challenges that we as individuals encounter on a daily basis.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I feel as though none of us are immune to mental health issues. We have all been through periods of life where mentally we weren't our best selves. Whether we have experienced this ourselves or know someone that has. I am trained in all areas of adult psychiatry including mood disorders (Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder), anxiety disorders (Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorders, and Personality Disorders. I provide treatment to the individual’s specific needs that is the most beneficial with the least amount of harm. I do not prescribe ADHD medications, Opioids or Suboxone.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

Anger ManagementCrisis InterventionGriefMedication ManagementObsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

I utilize different treatment methods to meet a clients' specific needs. I will personalize the treatment plan by evaluating clients' abilities along with their clinical presentations to reach therapeutic goals. Some methods include Emotionally Focused Therapy coupled with Compassion focused and cognitive behavioral patterns. The main goal is to help individuals remove obstacles and navigate their mental health so they can lead an optimal quality of life.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 18 ratings

1 rating with written reviews

May 7, 2025

I worked with Karen for almost a year, and she has helped me reduce my dosage of medications and distress using a range of tools and techniques. When I first met Karen, I was just coming home from a hospitalization. After my last session with her, I am seeing great progress in my ability to manage my mental health and physical challenges. Karen has extensive experience and a pragmatic way of interacting with her clients.

Verified client, age 55-64

Review shared after session 11 with Karen