Dr. Karen Katunich , PA Psychologist PS006207L

Dr. Karen Katunich is a licensed clinical psychologist with 40 years of professional experience offering thoughtful, evidence-informed care across a range of clinical settings. She has practiced in group private practice, served as a Senior Clinician in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Mood Disorders Clinic, and most recently led resident psychotherapy training as Director at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Her career began after earning a doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University and completing an internship at the Pittsburgh Consortium-VAMC. A former Air Force Officer, she also launched a teaching career at the U.S. Air Force Academy and has taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels at local colleges and universities.

Dr. Katunich specializes in mood disorders and provides psychological services to adults and seniors, drawing on a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while integrating additional methods to match each person's needs. Her practice emphasizes being heard without judgment and tailoring interventions for issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and family concerns, anger, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, dependent personality concerns, veteran and armed forces issues, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress, and seasonal affective disorder.

She brings clinical experience from both public and private environments and a commitment to helping clients build clarity, resilience, and hope through personalized care grounded in respect and empathy. She holds the credential PA Psychologist PS006207L, indicating licensure as a psychologist in Pennsylvania.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Dr. Karen Katunich integrates several evidence-informed methods into her practice to address mood and related concerns. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening with empathy and creating a nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and values; it supports self-understanding and personal growth. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, and it is commonly used for depression, anxiety, and many mood-related issues. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and coping with stress, which can be helpful for mood instability, anger, and certain personality-related difficulties.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Katunich works with clients to assess needs, goals, and preferences, then adapts techniques from these modalities to create a tailored plan that fits each person’s life and challenges.

Online therapy offers flexibility for receiving these approaches through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule care around work, family, and travel, and allow clients to access licensed professionals from wherever they are located within the therapist's service area.