Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Karen
Karen Ortman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 5 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked with children to assist them in improving their emotional and behavioral challenges, and she has worked with adults to learn and improve their daily living and social skills. Karen specializes in ADHD, anger, behavioral issues, coping skills, family therapy, and adjustment disorders.
Karen completed her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Karen is very motivated to help her clients achieve progress towards their personal goals. Karen utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, behavioral therapy, and structural family therapy (SFT).
Karen is willing to put in the time to help you discover new ways to understand and improve your quality of life. Be sure to schedule an appointment with her to begin working towards a healthier you.

"I am here to help my client's explore feelings, improve quality of life, and strive towards their goals, while they remain feeling safe and heard."
Get to know Karen
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
To help others. There are times when individuals don't have the support they need or feel that they can handle a situation, I want to be the one to help them discover their power. Clients need to feel confident in their ability to handle their life.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I have the most experience with children, but am looking to expand by working with adults and couples.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I am most excited to work with adults.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
I wish all clients knew they are capable of handling life's stressors. Therapy is a way for me to help you discover tools that work and build confidence.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I like the flexibility of scheduling and ability to expand my clientele. As a professional, I want to engage with various clients and diagnoses to increase my competence and skills.
What inspires you?
I'm inspired by my family and wanting to help others. My mother was always a woman who asked questions and listened to her kids for hours. A big part of my personality came from her; I want to see others succeed in their personal goals and help to improve their quality of life when I can.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
I love a first session when the client can share all about themselves, the client should be doing the talking to share. By the end of the first session, I want clients to feel supported and believe I'm willing to put forward my best effort for them.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
To gain an understanding of the presenting problem and who the client really is. I want to know how I can best help, what the client's wishes are, and how we can work towards their goals together.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?
I want what's best for my clients. I will put in the same effort as my client to help them achieve their goals.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I love to exercise and take walks outside with my family, get lost in a good book, and cook with my husband.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
I'm a wife, and a mother to a little boy and they are my biggest motivations!
Can you tell us about a success you had with a client?
I worked with an autistic child from second to fifth grade. When we began working together, this client exhibited aggression in the classroom to which the rest of the class had to be evacuated and he didn't engage in classwork or social activities with other students. In fifth grade, he was able to graduate from therapy as he had the ability to verbally express his feelings, ask questions when he was confused about social situations, and participate in the classroom.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 4 years
- Graduating institute
- University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work
