Karlin Stern LMSW
Clinical Social Worker & Supervisor
Ann Arbor & Online
Prioritizing your mental well-being takes courage. My hope is to create a safe environment where clients and families can begin healing towards greater resilience, insight, and personal growth. Together, we’ll navigate life’s challenges, cultivate coping strategies, and uncover your strengths. I further strive to ensure a space that welcomes clients and families identifying with a range of backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, and ability.
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Karlin is a licensed clinical social worker who received her education and training at the University of Michigan. She is passionate about providing evidence-based care to children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing a range of emotional and behavioral concerns such as ADHD, anger, anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. Karlin also works closely with caregivers to provide assistance in managing stress, improving emotional regulation skills, better understand their child’s needs, and support the parent-child relationship.
Karlin values taking a strengths-based approach and working collaboratively to help individuals set goals and find joy, meaning, and personal growth in everyday life. Above all, she strives to provide a compassionate environment that welcomes clients and families identifying with a range of backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, and ability. She is committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space where clients experience support and growth.
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Master of Social Work – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Gender and Health – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Michigan Medicine - Child and Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry
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Dodge, J., Stern, K., Smith, T., Garlick, J., Garland, S., Pfeiffer, P., & Ewell Foster, C. (2024). A qualitative study of supporters of adults following a suicide-related psychiatric emergency. Families, Systems, and Health. Advance online publication.
Magness, C., Stern, K., Burnside, A., Masterson, D., Finkelstein, S., Kramer, A., Smith, P., & Ewell Foster, C. (2023). Changes in Gatekeeper Beliefs Following ASIST and Relation to Subsequent Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Behaviors. Community Mental Health, 59(5), 1013-1020.
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Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, Dialectical Behavioral (DBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Interpersonal, Motivational Interviewing, Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT), Play Therapy, Psychodynamic, Strength-Based, & Trauma Focused
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Children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
High risk adolescents struggling with interpersonal relationships, difficulty regulating intense emotions, self-harm behaviors and suicidal ideation.
Children, adolescents, and young adults going through major life transitions.
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Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Disturbance, LGBTQ+, Relationship Issues, Self-Harming, Suicidal Ideation
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Mood disorders & Anxiety disorders
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Individuals
Children (6 to 10), Preteen, Teen, Adults
Body Positivity, Transgender Allied
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Ann Arbor office
Get to know Karlin
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Becoming a clinical social worker was not just a career choice for me; it felt like a deep personal calling rooted in empathy, human connection, and healing. Witnessing the struggles of loved ones and experiencing my own challenges ignited a sense of compassion and interest in helping others navigate their own mental health journeys. As I embarked on my educational path and my own experience in therapy, I learned about the profound impact therapy can have on individuals, families, and communities. Every day, I am humbled by the courage of those who entrust me with their deepest struggles and vulnerabilities.
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I love learning from my clients and families! As much as I hope they are learning from me and within themselves, I am constantly learning from them. I also feel privileged to witness clients achieve their personal goals. It’s one of the best parts about being a therapist!
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During our sessions, you can expect a warm and nonjudgmental environment where your concerns are met with genuine understanding and respect. Sessions are tailored to your unique needs and goals, blending evidence-based techniques with a personalized approach. Depending on treatment goals, sessions may include playing, practicing skills, and other activities. With my clients, I work to gently challenge them when appropriate; I believe an effective therapist should offer new perspectives and the opportunity to explore deeper feelings to facilitate growth.
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The ultimate goal in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is to build a life worth living. As a therapist who specializes in DBT, I view life as a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. I believe we all have the power to reclaim our lives, rewrite our narratives, and build a life worth living according to our personal values and goals.
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I'm passionate about working with adolescents and young adults struggling with interpersonal relationships, difficulty regulating intense emotions, and self-harm and/or suicidal ideation.
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I most enjoy working with teens and young adults struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and issues related to self-harm and suicidal ideation.
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My favorite therapeutic modality is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT focuses on teaching skills in four main areas – mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. I love supporting clients in their journey to learn how to live in the moment, manage their emotions, and decrease conflict with others.
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I love taking my Labrador Retriever Monty on walks around Ann Arbor and to the dog park. I also enjoy baking, spending time with friends and family, skiing in the winter, trying new sushi restaurants, and traveling.