Meet Karen Perlmutter

After earning her undergraduate degree through the University of South Carolina in 2003, Karen began working with teens and families through a therapeutic foster care agency. This experience shaped her decision to pursue a career in a helping profession.  She pursued higher education in the field, earning her Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of North Carolina (Wilmington) in 2007, and continuing on to become a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-CP).

Karen has over a decade of experience working as a therapist.  She specializes in the treatment of substance abuse and mental illness, and has developed a particular interest in supporting the holistic needs of families who are affected by these struggles.

Karen utilizes a variety and combination of clinical techniques including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Strength-Based Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Karen values the practice of evidence-based clinical strategies, but also knows that good therapy is rooted in the relationship with her clients. Therefore, she approaches therapy as a collaborative process that involves compassion, mutual investment, and often, humor.

Karen’s goal is to reach those needing support through private sessions, group sessions, and psycho-educational lectures in the community. She has developed an evidence-based curriculum for families coping with substance abuse and enjoys speaking in a variety of settings, offering education, skills, and hope.