Karen Hennessy is a dual board-certified Child and Adolescent Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with many years of extensive experience delivering comprehensive psychiatric care across the lifespan.

​

Karen started her career in pediatric/adolescent oncology at The National Cancer Institute where she gained experience in understanding how both acute and chronic illness can impact the mental health of both the patient and the family. She later expanded her experiences at Georgetown University Hospital where she helped to develop The Late Effects Clinic for children, adolescents, and young adults post cancer treatment. She developed a special interest and professional niche in learning differences, ADHD, and neurodevelopment as many of her patients experienced cognitive effects from their treatment.

 

She attended 504 and IEP meetings and collaborated with psychologists on recommended interventions from neuro-psych testing. This experience paved the way for her many years at The Chesapeake Center for ADHD, Learning, & Behavioral Health where she continued to work with children and adults with various learning and mental health needs. Her medical background has enhanced her understanding of complex presentations and brings a nuanced lens to her evaluation and integrative approach in considering all aspects to psychiatric/mental health care. 

​

In addition to her work now at Elevate Your Mind, Karen also has many years of experience working at a university behavioral health center where she has supported the mental health needs of college and graduate students navigating this critical juncture in their lives. Her experience includes working with students and managing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, performance pressures, substance use concerns, and the developmental shifts associated with independence and emerging adulthood. She is deeply attuned to the multi-faceted needs of this population and the skills needed for life preparedness, executive functioning, and the academic and social resilience that is necessary during this challenging and pivotal stage. 

​

Known for her calm presence, empathy, clear communication, and collaborative approach, Karen partners closely with therapists, families, and all multi-disciplinary teams to ensure treatment plans are cohesive, realistic, and always patient-centered to individual needs. While maintaining best practice and evidence-based standard of care to psychiatric evaluations and medication management are integral to her practice, Karen feels that the personal connection with patients is equally important. She enjoys talking to children and adults of all ages and learning what is important to them in their lives and what they hope to gain from treatment. Building trust and a strong rapport occurs by listening, educating, and respecting the patient’s needs and dignity as they grow and change through their lifespan. Sharing a laugh or two can also go a long way in developing that relationship and working towards the goal of long-term wellness.