Serving Clients from Boise, Meridian, eAGLE, and NamPa

Idaho Mental Health Counseling & Therapy Services

Dedicated to Helping You Overcome Trauma, Anxiety, and Life’s Obstacles

Karen Allen, LCSW

Professional Counseling Services

Karen Allen | Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW


What is your anxiety level?

Do you find yourself struggling with anxious thoughts, losing sleep?

If so, let's consult about your mental health needs. Therapy is personal and sometimes one of the hardest first steps to take but most people have one common goal: change. This change occurs in many ways and can affect each person differently. Most people struggle with issues they encountered from childhood, which can impact your life balance with relationships, work life, and everyday living. Addressing mental health can feel overwhelming, but not impossible. Take the next step in your journey to mental wellness and self-discovery.


I have worked with a variety of clients who have experienced presenting concerns to include: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma, relationship and family issues, panic attacks, grief, self-harm, stress and more.

I provide a variety of treatment options to include EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Person Centered Therapy, to name a few.

Our Services

Fees

$160/$220 for 45/60 Minutes

Insurance Accepted

Payment Methods: American Express, Cash, Discover, HSA, Mastercard, Venmo, and Visa 1 Column

In-Network Insurance

Blue Cross

Mountain Health CO-OP

Pacific Source

Regence

Select Health

Availability

Accepting New Clients

In-Person Sessions

Online Sessions

Free 15-min Introduction Call

Simple Online Scheduling

Top Specialties and Expertise

Trauma

PTSD

Anxiety

Grief

ADHD

Adoption

Anger Management

Coping Skills

Depression

Family

Conflict

Life Coaching

Life Transitions

Parenting

Peer Relationships

Relationship Issues

Self Esteem

Spirituality

Stress

Veterans

Women's Issues

Mood Disorders

Thinking Disorders

Types of Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Adlerian

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

EMDR

Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)

Motivational Interviewing

Narrative

Somatic

Strength-Based

Trauma Focused

Note on Therapy Types

I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my practice. I also like to use EMDR to address trauma which can minimize impact to you where you do not have to talk extensively about the trauma. The first session will explore your therapy expectations, and decide the most appropriate ways to support you in your mental wellness journey.

Why Choose Karen as your Therapist?

Encouraging Your Journey to Mental Wellness with Compassion and Collaboration


I am a Christian therapist who will provide you a non-judgmental, open-minded approach where we work together to identify your strengths, reach your goals and achieve mental wellness.

Are you ready to take the next steps?

The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time.” - Brene' Brown

Our FAQ

What types of therapy do you offer?

When considering therapy, it's natural to wonder about the different approaches a therapist uses and how they might suit your unique needs. Each type of therapy offers distinct techniques and benefits, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in your journey toward mental wellness.

Here's an overview of the therapies I offer:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) : CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It’s highly effective for conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) : EMDR is a specialized therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences. By using guided eye movements, it helps reduce the emotional impact of distressing memories.

Acceptance and commitment Therapy (ACT ) : ACT focuses on building psychological flexibility by teaching mindfulness and helping clients align their actions with their core values, even in the face of challenge

Dialectical behavioral Therapy (DBT): ACT focuses on building psychological flexibility by teaching mindfulness and helping clients align their actions with their core values, even in the face of challenge

Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy delves into the unconscious mind to explore unresolved conflicts and their impact on current behavior and emotions, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.

Mindfulness Therapy: is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes being fully present in the moment without judgment. It helps individuals become aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, enabling them to respond to challenges with clarity and intention rather than reacting impulsively.

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What are your fees, and do you accept insurance?

Self Pay (no insurance):

$220 for a 60 minute session

$160 for a 45 minute session

Insurance accepted:

Blue Cross of Idaho - all commercial plans, except for the ConnectedCare plans

Regence BlueShield of Idaho - all commercial plans, except for Accord plans and Individual Exchange plans

Blue Cross of Idaho CarePoint

Mountain Health Co-op Engage & Link plans

PacificSource Navigator

SelectHealth Commercial Plans

St. Luke’s Health Plan

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What can I expect during the first session?

As your counselor, I will ask about the specific problem which led you to seek  therapy, what you hope to achieve over the course of treatment, questions that will provide a historical background of your life story, and any experience you’ve had with therapy in the past. As your therapist, we will discuss therapeutic orientation, summarize what you shared, and provide feedback on the issues you shared.

The purpose of the first session is to support you and I to get to know each other and to help you decide if you think the relationship will be a good fit. While it can often be anxiety provoking to sit down with someone new, and openly share, it is an important step in the process toward your mental well-being.

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What is your availability, and how often will we meet?

Current limited availability are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays and some evening telehealth on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Typically we will meet weekly based on your therapeutic needs.

Keep in mind those days/times may change depending on bookings and/or needs of you the client. It is important to note that if you want a set day/time it can usually be accommodated and the spot held for regular sessions as deemed necessary based on your therapeutic needs.

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How do you maintain confidentiality?

You are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/therapist or counselor relationship. Information is kept confidential and when it is possible, you would be informed before confidential information is disclosed. The only limitations to confidentiality would be if your therapist believes there is a clear and imminent danger to you and/or others, or there is a command for legal requirements to disclose confidential information. 

It is important to note that Idaho has mandated reporting and you can learn more by clicking on this link:

Read More about Reporting Neglect, Abuse, or Abandonment from the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare.

https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/children-families/child-and-family-services-and-foster-care/reporting-neglect

According to the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare website: Everyone in Idaho is required to report child abuse, neglect or abandonment. This includes doctors, hospital residents, therapists, interns, nurses, coroners, school teachers, daycare providers, social workers, relatives, friends, and private citizens. Idaho has only one exception for mandatory reporting for a “duly ordained minister of religion.” 

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What happens if I feel therapy isn’t working?

The most important step to take is communicating your concerns to me your therapist. I want you to feel comfortable to explain how you're feeling and discuss whether adjustments need to be made to the therapeutic approach, goals, or frequency of sessions we identified from the initial session.

Of course there are times that you may feel I am unable to meet your therapeutic needs, and that is okay. I would be happy to provide referrals for other therapists in the Treasure Valley for you to explore.

My goal is to provide support in your therapeutic journey and sometimes that means supporting you in finding a therapist that is a best fit to your needs.

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Can a counselor diagnose mental illness?

An LCSW can diagnose and provide counseling for mental health conditions, while an LMSW is not authorized to diagnose conditions or provide counseling without supervision.

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What are your areas of focus?

  • Post-Traumatic Stress and other Stressor-Related Disorders

  • Anxiety Disorders

  • Depressive Disorders

  • Grief and Loss

  • Life transitions

  • Basic life stressors to include relationships, career and life transitions

You know yourself best.

My focus is to support you in your mental wellness journey by giving guidance with questions to stimulate your thoughts about the area you wish to focus on. Lending a listening ear and providing knowledge in learning new ways to manage symptoms and encouraging your self-discovery.

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How long will therapy take?

Your history, background, and the nature of your issues and experiences can affect how long it takes to see results. It is challenging to identify a number on the number of sessions to resolve issues as there are many factors to consider when identifying your progress.

It is important to note that insurance companies and managed care plans may place limitations on how many sessions that their company will pay. Please check with your health care plan to know your coverage and any limitations it provides.

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What are your qualifications and experience?

I graduated from Boise State University in 2014 with a Masters Degree in Social Work, obtained my clinical licensure upon completing 3000 hours of experience and has been providing therapy in private practice in the community for the past three years.

I am trained in EMDR and various methods of therapy to include but not limited to CBT, DBT, ACT, and motivational interviewing, to name a few.. My background has a wide range of experience from working with children and families through Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and with the prison population with Idaho Department of Corrections over the past 10 years

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Want to work with Karen?

I work with clients who struggle from historical or acute trauma/PTSD and anxiety and the impact it has on your life. During our initial session we will explore the negative impact effecting you as well as identified goals to address the issues at hand. Many clients experience gradual relief of symptoms within the first month and are educated on coping skills to provide additional supports.

This site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

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At Idaho Mental Wellness, we believe in the power of transformation. Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, growth and healing often come from embracing life’s challenges and finding strength within. Our mission is to guide you on your unique journey toward renewal and freedom, helping you navigate struggles, build resilience, and rediscover the beauty of your authentic self. Let us support you in spreading your wings and creating the life you deserve—one filled with hope, growth, and endless possibilities.

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