Karina Fernandez, LCSW
Compassionate LCSW for trauma and anxiety
- Trauma and grief
- Bilingual English Spanish
- EMDR and CBT
About Karina Fernandez
Karina Fernandez is a licensed clinical social worker with 16 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions. She earned a Master of Social Work from Loma Linda University in San Bernardino, California, and holds the LCSW credential - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - which authorizes her to provide clinical therapy in Tennessee.
Her clinical background includes work across multiple settings serving individuals with mental health disorders and survivors of violent crimes, including sexual assault, robbery and assault, domestic violence, and homicide survivors. She also has extensive experience supporting people through complex grief and loss, caregiver strain, and compassion fatigue. Karina draws on a range of therapeutic methods to tailor care to each person’s needs, combining cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavioral strategies, mindfulness practices, client-centered approaches, and EMDR for trauma-focused work.
Known for an empowering, strengths-based stance, she collaborates with clients to uncover resilience and practical tools for coping, improving relationships, and managing symptoms. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Karina provides culturally responsive care to a diverse population in Tennessee, integrating evidence-informed approaches with compassionate support to help people move toward healing and greater well-being.
Her clinical background includes work across multiple settings serving individuals with mental health disorders and survivors of violent crimes, including sexual assault, robbery and assault, domestic violence, and homicide survivors. She also has extensive experience supporting people through complex grief and loss, caregiver strain, and compassion fatigue. Karina draws on a range of therapeutic methods to tailor care to each person’s needs, combining cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavioral strategies, mindfulness practices, client-centered approaches, and EMDR for trauma-focused work.
Known for an empowering, strengths-based stance, she collaborates with clients to uncover resilience and practical tools for coping, improving relationships, and managing symptoms. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Karina provides culturally responsive care to a diverse population in Tennessee, integrating evidence-informed approaches with compassionate support to help people move toward healing and greater well-being.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSleeping disordersParenting issuesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Mindfulness Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Karina Fernandez have?
Karina Fernandez has 16 years of experience in the field of mental health.
Is Karina Fernandez a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LCSW credential. License details are TN LCSW 6768.
In which languages does Karina Fernandez provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English and Spanish.
Where is Karina Fernandez located?
She is located in Tennessee.
How can I work with Karina Fernandez as my therapist?
You can work with Karina Fernandez through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Karina Fernandez work with international clients?
Karina Fernandez does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Karina Fernandez cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Karina Fernandez integrates several evidence-informed approaches to address a range of concerns in online sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors - it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related difficulties to build practical coping strategies. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused method that helps process distressing memories and reduce the intensity of traumatic reactions, and Karina is trained to use EMDR with clients who have complex trauma. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration - the therapist listens closely and helps clients tap their own strengths and goals to guide the work.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Karina works collaboratively with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, adapting techniques over time so the treatment fit feels right for the individual. This collaborative process helps determine whether CBT, EMDR, client-centered work, or a combination of methods will best support progress.
Online sessions via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for people balancing work, family, or mobility concerns. These options make it easier to maintain regular appointments, access licensed professionals from home, and use formats that match each person’s comfort and communication style.