About
Karol Espejo
LCSW
Licensed in MD, NJ, NY
Bilingual in English and Spanish
I’m a licensed clinical social worker and help women of color reclaim space for themselves through culturally affirming, evidenced-based therapy.
My story
I’m a first-generation Latina therapist, recovering perfectionist, and aspiring “good-enough-ist.” Born in Peru and raised in Maryland, I now call New Jersey home, where I live with my family of four.
I became a therapist because I saw how often women of color are expected to carry heavy, hidden burdens, and how few spaces truly make room for their healing. CARE Therapy grew from a desire to change that. I wanted women to feel like they could finally exhale, even if only for 50 minutes a week, and begin reconnecting with the parts of themselves often overshadowed by roles, expectations, and survival mode.
My Approach
I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and relational, introspective exploration. Sessions are collaborative and guided by the goals we set together. Clients describe me as warm, compassionate, and able to hold space for both high-functioning anxiety and quiet grief, for generational burdens and modern identity shifts.
Therapy here is not about perfection. It’s about moving with intention, exploring patterns that no longer serve you, and reconnecting with what makes you feel whole.
EDUCATION
Bachelors Degree in Public Health | University of Maryland, College Park
Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work | Catholic University of America
Certificate in Non-profit Management | Georgetown University
EXPERIENCE
Over the years, my work has centered on supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. I’ve provided care in outpatient clinics serving vulnerable populations, and in community settings where access and cultural attunement mattered deeply.
Some of the experiences that continue to shape my practice today include:
Creating therapy spaces for women navigating high-functioning anxiety, burnout, and relational challenges.
Facilitating self-esteem and empowerment groups for young women.
Providing reunification therapy for families impacted by immigration-related separation.
Leading workshops on self-care, burnout, emotional regulation, and stress management.
Contributing to public health initiatives in mental health, domestic violence prevention, and cancer prevention.
These experiences have given me a deep respect for the resilience people carry and an understanding of how important it is to have a therapy space where you don’t have to carry everything alone.
