About Karla Najera, MSW, LCSW-C

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My Story

Welcome! My name is Karla Najera, and I’m honored to be part of your journey toward healing and growth. I am the oldest of three daughters, and I grew up in a family with roots in Honduras. My passion for social work and mental health began early, back in high school, when I worked as an aide with children living with autism. It was in those moments that I realized how deeply I cared about supporting others in meaningful ways.

Over the years, my journey in social services has been shaped by both my education and personal experiences. I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and my Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from Our Lady of the Lake University. Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University to continue deepening my knowledge and expertise in the field.

As a therapist in Maryland, I have had the privilege of working with children, families, and individuals from all walks of life, helping them navigate a wide array of challenges. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish, recognizing the unique cultural needs of the community, particularly within the Hispanic population. My work extends beyond therapy to also provide clinical supervision to fellow social workers, supporting them as they grow in their practice.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within the Hispanic community. It became clear to me that there was a gap between the need for mental health services and the willingness to seek them out. That’s when I made it my mission to break down those barriers and provide support to individuals who need it the most.

I genuinely believe in the power of empathy and compassion. Whether in therapy or as a supervisor, I find it deeply rewarding to offer someone the support they need during difficult times. It’s a privilege to help individuals find strength, resilience, and healing, and I look forward to walking alongside you on your own journey.

Thank you for trusting me to be part of your path to growth.

My Education & Experience

I received my bachelors degree in Social Work from UMBC and my masters degree in Social Work from OLLU. Currently, i'm working toward my PhD in Social Work at OLLU and hope to expand the knowledge and research on first generation college students and their families.

Over the years, I have worked with children, adolescents and adults in a number of settings (schools, clinics, non profit agencies and tele-therapy). Many of the clients I’ve seen, have worked through trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief and loss as well as adjusting to other life transitions. My specialty is in adjustment disorders due to my passion in helping first and second generation Hispanic students navigate their college experiences/ life dilemmas due to engrained cultural norms.

Reach out to me today!

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I will try my best to accommodate your request and will be in touch ASAP.

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