“Respire means to breathe. Spire is the pinnacle , the highest peak. With the right care, every patient can breathe in hope to rise towards their own highest potential.

YOU ARE YOUR OWN SPIRE

MEET KAREN HENNESSY, CPNP, PMHNP-BC

Patient care is both an honor and a privilege

Karen Hennessy is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Child/Adolescent Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) with over 30 years of clinical experience delivering comprehensive psychiatric care across the lifespan.

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

A career built across the lifespan

From pediatric oncology to ADHD, learning differences, and behavioral health, every chapter of Karen’s career deepened her understanding of how physical and mental health intertwine.

Karen began her career in pediatric and adolescent oncology learning how acute and chronic illness impacts the mental health and life experiences of both patients and families.

She helped develop The Late Effects Clinic for children, adolescents, and young adults post cancer treatment — developing her professional niche in learning differences, ADHD, and neurodevelopment.

For many years, Karen worked with children and adults with a wide range of learning and mental health needs, attending 504 and IEP meetings and collaborating with therapists, neuropsychologists and all members of the educational team.

Karen has supported college and graduate students navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, ADHD, performance pressures, and the developmental shifts of emerging adulthood.

Karen is a published author and professional speaker who has presented at many national conferences, schools, and the Ask the Expert Series.

Here is a list of presentations I have given over the years.

IN HER Own WORDS

Every patient has a story worth hearing

I believe that patient care is both an honor and a privilege. I am passionate about a person’s story , their experiences and the how’s and why’s of an individual’s lifepath. Whether it is a physical or mental health situation, a clinician is entrusted with seeing or hearing about a very vulnerable part of someone’s life. Whether it is a child, a teenager, or an adult, another person is trusting us with their story.

While we have come a long way in understanding mental health, there is still stigma. Many people still hold a belief that emotional pain, turmoil, and suffering should just “be handled” simply because “life is hard.” People hold shame within for many years because of this embedded mindset. Shame has sharp teeth, causing deep hurt and long-lingering scars.

Patients come to us seeking treatment and solutions, but most importantly, they come to us trusting that we can hold their pain; that we will not judge them, their story, or whatever point in their chapter they come to seek help. Many tell us this is the first time they have even admitted to themselves that they are struggling, or said the words of their story out loud much less to another person. This takes great courage, and I am humbled every day by it.

Thank you to each and every one of my patients for trusting me over many years and for giving me a life-changing opportunity to hear your stories. You have in turn shaped my story and helped to create my personal spire. Nothing has been a greater privilege.

OUR CORE VALUES

The Principles Behind Every Visit

Professional Excellence

The highest standard of psychiatric care, grounded in decades of clinical experience and ongoing learning.

Whole-Person Integrated Care

Treating the person, not just the diagnosis — considering medical, emotional, academic, and family context.

Compassion & Empathy

Every story is held with genuine care, warmth, and deep respect for the courage it takes to share it.

Collaborative Care

Coordinated work with therapists, primary care providers, all professional related specialists, schools and families to address every need.

Honest Communication

Clear answers and open conversation — free of judgment, at every point in your story.

BEYOND THE PRACTICE

A Little More About Karen.

Karen lives in Ellicott City and is the mother of three adult children. She has a passion for travel and enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Karen is a frequent speaker and has deliver presentations both local and internationally. Click to see a list of topics

COMMON QUESTIONS

FAQ

Have a question we haven’t answered here? Visit our full FAQ or reach out directly — we’re happy to help.

What makes Karen’s approach different?

Karen treats the whole person, not just a diagnosis. With 25+ years of experience spanning pediatric oncology, learning differences, and psychiatric care, she brings a thorough, unhurried, collaborative, and deeply caring style — taking time to understand your full story before recommending any treatment.

What are Karen’s credentials?

Karen Hennessy is dual board-certified as a Child/Adolescent Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). Her career spans The National Cancer Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, The Chesapeake Center for ADHD, Learning & Behavioral Health, and The University of Maryland, College Park, Behavioral Health Center.

Will Karen work with our existing our care team?

Yes — collaborative care is one of the practice’s core values. With your permission, Karen coordinates closely with your therapist and all members of your medical and educational team so that everyone supporting you or your child is aligned with the goals and treatment plan.