Profile image of Kara Waltman

Kara Waltman(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Massachusetts
Adolescent mental health- Anxiety - Depression- LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics-Self-esteem-Loneliness-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Kara centers her clinical work around adolescents and young adults navigating the high-pressure landscape of modern life transitions. She provides an expert, supportive space for individuals facing the "everything in between" of the human experience—from the weight of anxiety and depression to the complexities of self-esteem and trauma. By treating her clients as whole people rather than a set of symptoms, she ensures that therapy is a balanced environment where both joy and pain can be held with equal importance.

Her therapeutic approach is deeply collaborative and identity-affirming, with a specialized passion for supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community. Recognizing that each individual is the ultimate expert of their own experience, she approaches gender identity and sexual orientation in whatever way is most meaningful to the client. Whether someone is seeking to explore the nuances of living as queer, transgender, or gender-nonconforming, or simply wants a therapist who inherently "gets it," she provides a safe, trauma-informed container for that growth.

As a master-level clinician at Mental Health Matters, Kara brings a high standard of clinical excellence to every session. She was selected to join the practice as part of our elite 3% of providers, ensuring that her clients receive top-tier, evidence-based care that is both compassionate and effective. Her background in adolescent development and relational health allows her to build strong therapeutic alliances with young professionals and students who are often seeking a modern, relatable, and authentic connection in the therapy room.

Logistically, Kara offers flexible care options to accommodate the diverse schedules of her clients across Massachusetts. She is available for in-person sessions at our Cambridge office and available virtually with HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions throughout the week. Kara is currently accepting new patients and works with a variety of insurance plans to keep elite mental health support affordable.


Message to clients

Before we start, I want you to know that I view you as the expert of your own life. My goal is to walk alongside you as we navigate the 'everything in between' of your experience. I believe therapy should hold both your deepest pain and your greatest joys with equal importance. Whether you are navigating a transition or self-doubt, I show up with curiosity and a commitment to seeing you as a whole person.

I have a specific passion for the LGBTQ+ community. We can explore the complexities of living as queer, trans, or gender-nonconforming, or I can simply provide an affirming space where your identity is understood without explanation. My hope is that you feel less alone and more confident in your journey.

I encourage you to 'test the waters'—reach out to schedule a consultation. I would be honored to hear your story.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 2 years

Mental Health Social Worker, M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counselor, 2025 - Present

Lesley University, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2024

Licensure

Massachusetts: LICSW119282

Languages

English

Specialties

Adolescent mental health - Working with adolescents, teenagers, and parents on social, academic, and/or emotional challenges throughout teenage years; addressing anxiety, family conflicts, peer relationships, school stress, transition to college, social media pressures, self-esteem, hopelessness about the future, emotional disregulation

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges

Self-esteem - Cultivating self-compassion, assertiveness, and confidence; developing ways to reduce suffering, anxiety, social withdrawal, and self-neglect

Loneliness - Developing an understanding of one’s loneliness, including its origins and how it impacts daily life; decreasing the occurrence of loneliness by addressing barriers to social connection and practicing coping skills




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Teenagers (13-18)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Aetna - Assurant Health
  • Aetna International
  • Aetna Student Health Insurance
  • Amita Health-BCBS HMO
  • BCBS HMO-Swedish Covent
  • Berklee College of Music Student Health Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO)
  • Blue Benefit Administrators of Massachusetts
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA HMO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA PPO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maine
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan - Federal
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan HMO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan PPO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nevada
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Ohio
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin
  • Blue Shield (MHSA) Magellan
  • Boston College Student Health Insurance (UnitedHealthcare)
  • Harvard Pilgrim
  • Harvard Pilgrim/United
  • Harvard Student Health Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO)
  • Lesley University Student Health Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO)
  • MIT Student and Affiliate Extended Insurance Plan (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO)
  • Northeastern University Student Health Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO)
  • Optum
  • OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
  • Oscar Health
  • Oxford Health Plans
  • Tufts Health
  • Tufts Health Plan
  • Tufts Health Plan (Commercial Plans, not via Mass Health or Navigator)
  • Tufts Health/Cigna
  • Tufts University Student Health Insurance
  • UMR
  • United Healthcare
  • United Healthcare Shared Services
  • United Healthcare Student Health Plan
  • United Medical Resources
  • UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$190 (60min)

Reach out to Connect

Small steps make a big difference. Start by connecting with Kara Waltman today.