KL Portrait of Karen Lago-Fairey

Karen Lago-Fairey, LCSW

Experienced LCSW helping with anxiety and stress

45 years in practice · based in New York · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Karen

Karen Lago-Fairey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 45 years in mental health care. She combines long experience from hospitals, clinics, and independent practice to help people manage anxiety, stress, addiction, and mood concerns. She has worked with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and has supported people through trauma and abuse.

She has also treated addiction and mood disorders and helped people cope with obsessive-compulsive patterns and seasonal mood changes.

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Background and approach

In her independent practice she draws on multiple approaches rather than one fixed method. She uses client-centered listening to understand what matters most to each person. She also brings practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to address thought and behavior patterns.

Her style is straightforward and flexible. She mixes insight-focused work with short-term strategies so people can see relief while also addressing deeper patterns. Sessions often include mindfulness exercises and goal-oriented steps that people can try between meetings.

People who reach out can expect a collaborative process. The therapist discusses goals, adjusts methods as needed, and supports clients as they try new coping strategies. Many people seek her help for relationship and intimacy issues, family-of-origin concerns, and aging-related worries.

Based in New York, Karen works with adults on a range of concerns including depression, addictions, relationship strain, and self-esteem struggles. She brings decades of experience and a pragmatic approach to help people find clearer ways forward.

Approaches and online options for anxiety and stress

Client-centered therapy starts by listening to what matters most to the person and shaping sessions around their goals. It helps people feel heard and builds a foundation for change. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety and manage mood. It is useful for worries, OCD tendencies, and mood shifts. Mindfulness therapy adds simple attention and breathing practices that help reduce reactivity and bring steadier focus during stressful moments.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works collaboratively to match methods to a person's needs and preferences, trying short-term tools and deeper work as appropriate. This helps create a plan that fits the client's goals and life circumstances.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when more interaction is helpful. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for brief check-ins, progress updates, or when a shorter touchpoint fits a busy day. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to use therapeutic tools between sessions.
Book with Karen Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Karen address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, and self-esteem. Additional focuses include mood disorders, OCD, seasonal affective disorder, and family-related problems.
What is her therapy style like?
Her approach is eclectic and practical, blending client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness. She balances short-term strategies with deeper psychodynamic understanding.
How long has she practiced?
She has worked in mental health for 45 years, including hospitals, clinics, and over two decades in independent practice.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds an LCSW and practices in New York.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats does she offer?
She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How does cost and starting therapy work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
45 years
Licensed
New York
Languages
English

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