Karen Mattern, LCSW, PhD, received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and Economics from the University of Denver in 1986.
After a 25-year marriage and raising two children, she received a Master’s degree in Social Work from Barry University in 2011, and licensure in 2013.
After graduation she began a career at the Visiting Nurse Association, Hospice Division, in Indian River County. She worked initially as a medical social worker, supporting terminally ill patients and families, She then served as a bereavement counselor in a 10 ½ year therapeutic career specializing in grief and loss. In 2019 she began studying for a doctorate in Social Work at Barry University. She completed that doctorate in June 2025.
As a therapist, Karen is always striving to learn. She takes her passion for learning to her clients by collaborating with them to assess their immediate needs. She uses a variety of holistic therapeutic techniques to meet the needs of every client.
Karen has worked with children from 6 years old to adults 96 years old.
She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
Karen is an avid outdoorswoman, with a background in mountaineering. She enjoys hiking with her family in Colorado, birding at nature preserves in Florida, practices yoga, weight lifting, and enjoys reading and creative writing.