Iowa City Therapist | Dr. Karen Nelson

Iowa City Therapist Dr. Karen Nelson offers a range of mental health treatments. Karen received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. I am an Iowa licensed psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology. I have specialized in the treatment of anxiety and OCD for the past 25 years. Because so many clients struggle with insomnia, I recently completed intensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). I offer workable, non-medication strategies to help teens and adults with sleep.

Before private practice, I was a clinical associate professor of psychiatry for the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine for 20 years. I provided individual and group therapy and psychological assessment. I also taught psychiatrists and psychologists in training. Clients describe me as warm, curious, a bit irreverent and good at challenging to empower change. 

While my specialty is the treatment of anxiety and sleep problems, I also enjoy working with individuals exploring career interests, adjusting to health or relationship changes. You and I will collaborate to help you clarify what matters the most to you. Therapy can give you tools and help you use strategies that work