Dr. Karen Forkom, DNP, PMHNP

Karen is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has 13 years of experience in the healthcare field, starting as a mental health technician, Nurse Assistant, Certified medication technician, and then Registered Nurse. Karen has worked in a variety of settings, such as hospitals (inpatient and outpatient), psychiatric institutions, rehabilitation centers, home health, long-term care, and group homes.  

 As a mental health technician, she gained firsthand experience dealing with children, adolescents, adults, and older people. She was inspired to become equipped through further education to be involved in making treatment decisions for patients as well. Karen received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Grand Canyon University. While attending Graduate School through Walden University, she was a Charge Nurse in a 28-bed inpatient psychiatric unit at Oceans Behavioral Hospital, where they admitted patients from all walks of life dealing with, but not limited to, ADHD, Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, Insomnia, etc.  

Her interest is in the treatment of mood disorders, trauma-informed care, psychotic disorders, substance abuse, and chronic mental illness through psychiatric assessment, medication management, and brief psychotherapeutic intervention.  

She believes in the need for an individualized plan of care that places the client at the center of the care. She values interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice. Her goal for her clients is to empower them to receive treatment for their illnesses through supportive education in a non-judgmental environment.  

Karen likes going for long walks to promote her mental and physical well-being and also like connecting with nature and new people. She is interested in the latest fashion trends and likes creating her own style. Karen also enjoys traveling and visiting new places while learning diverse cultures to blend and relate with anyone who crosses her path.