Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Karen K. Esala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
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Karen K. Esala

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
2 Endorsed
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Let's Connect (910) 548-7851
Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Available both in-person and online
2543 Onslow Drive Jacksonville, NC 28540
Feeling stuck, disconnected, or tired of the same old patterns? I get it. As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), I bring a practical, supportive, and sometimes funny approach to therapy. I actively listen, provide thoughtful feedback, and create a personable yet professional space for real change. At Open Water Wellness, PLLC, I’m passionate about helping individuals break the patterns that have left them feeling stagnant and unfulfilled. Whether you’re navigating depression, anxiety, or life transitions, I’m here to listen and support you with practical steps forward.
I’m passionate about supporting individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
When we gain new insights, we are better equipped to navigate life's difficulties. If you're feeling alone in your struggles, please know that seeking professional support can be a direct path toward understanding yourself more deeply and making lasting positive changes. Let's talk about your goals and how we can work together to make a change!
Call or Karen K. Esala now for a free 15 minute consultation - (910) 548-7851

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Open Water Wellness, PLLC

2543 Onslow Drive

Jacksonville, NC 28540 map

(910) 548-7851

Open Water Wellness, PLLC

714 West Corbett Avenue

Suite 18

Swansboro, NC 28584 map

My website
I conduct tele-therapy sessions as well as in-person sessions.
I specialize in Anxiety, Depression and Codependency 
$125 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 
Let's Connect (910) 548-7851
Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Open Water Wellness, PLLC

2543 Onslow Drive

Jacksonville, NC 28540 map

(910) 548-7851

Open Water Wellness, PLLC

714 West Corbett Avenue

Suite 18

Swansboro, NC 28584 map

My website
I conduct tele-therapy sessions as well as in-person sessions.
I specialize in Anxiety, Depression and Codependency 
$125 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $125
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Aetna SHP
  • Anthem
  • BlueCross and BlueShield
  • Cigna and Evernorth
  • MAMSI OneNet PPO
  • MedCost
  • Medicare
  • Meritain Health
  • Optum
  • Optum VA CCN
  • Oscar Health
  • TRICARE
  • UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
  • Out of Network
"
Prior to your session, I will verify your insurance so you will know the overall cost of a session. However, it is important for you to reach out to your insurance company and learn more about your benefits.
Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Karen K. Esala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (910) 548-7851
"
Prior to your session, I will verify your insurance so you will know the overall cost of a session. However, it is important for you to reach out to your insurance company and learn more about your benefits.
Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Karen K. Esala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (910) 548-7851

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of North Carolina / C015848 Karen K. Esala
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 16 years
  • Attended University of North Carolina Wilmington , MSW, Graduated 2017
  • Additional Credentials

  • Membership with National Association of Social Workers 886726305 / 2020
  • Degree/Diploma from Johns Hopkins University Clinical Community Counseling Certification / 2010
"
I offer a practical, supportive, and personable approach to therapy. Clients tell me they appreciate how I actively listen, give thoughtful feedback, and help them break old patterns so they can move from feeling stuck to a more fulfilling life.
Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Karen K. Esala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (910) 548-7851
"
I offer a practical, supportive, and personable approach to therapy. Clients tell me they appreciate how I actively listen, give thoughtful feedback, and help them break old patterns so they can move from feeling stuck to a more fulfilling life.
Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Karen K. Esala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (910) 548-7851

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Codependency

Expertise

  • ADHD
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Career Counseling
  • Child
  • Coping Skills
  • Developmental Disorders
  • Education and Learning Disabilities
  • Educational Advocacy
  • Family Conflict
  • Geriatric and Seniors
  • Grief
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Life Transitions
  • Parenting
  • Peer Relationships
  • Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
  • Relationship Issues
  • School Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Stress
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Women's Issues
"
I support clients navigating challenges such as depression and the impact of relationship or family-related trauma. Applying effective treatment modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Humanistic Therapy, we'll work together in our initial sessions to gain an understanding of the issues you're facing and develop a plan to help you regain a sense of direction in your life.
Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Karen K. Esala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (910) 548-7851
"
I support clients navigating challenges such as depression and the impact of relationship or family-related trauma. Applying effective treatment modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Humanistic Therapy, we'll work together in our initial sessions to gain an understanding of the issues you're facing and develop a plan to help you regain a sense of direction in your life.
Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Karen K. Esala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (910) 548-7851

2 Endorsements

Brooke Hightower
Brooke Hightower
Clinical Social Work/TherapistMSWLCSWLCASEMDR
Karen is a highly skilled and compassionate clinical social worker. Her ability to provide thoughtful, evidence-based support while creating a safe and understanding space for clients is truly exceptional.
Eileen Velasquez-Walters
Eileen Velasquez-Walters
Clinical Social Work/TherapistLCSW
Karen is a hard working therapist who is willing to go the extra mile to help clients. She finds a way to make room for clients just to ensure that their needs are being met. She is helpful to other professionals offering support to all who need it.

Client Focus

Age

Preteen
Teen
Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals

Religion

Christian

Age

Preteen
Teen
Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals

Religion

Christian

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
  • Christian Counseling
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Cognitive Processing (CPT)
  • Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
  • Humanistic
  • Person-Centered
  • Psychodynamic
  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
Self-Reflection and Resolution: I acknowledge the experience of feeling disconnected or stuck in certain scenarios, and encourage the importance of resolving these feelings. A collaborative approach is central to effective therapy, as it empowers individuals to take an active role in their own healing journey.
Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Karen K. Esala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (910) 548-7851
"
Self-Reflection and Resolution: I acknowledge the experience of feeling disconnected or stuck in certain scenarios, and encourage the importance of resolving these feelings. A collaborative approach is central to effective therapy, as it empowers individuals to take an active role in their own healing journey.
Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Karen K. Esala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (910) 548-7851

Groups


Location

Primary Location

Open Water Wellness, PLLC

2543 Onslow Drive

Jacksonville, NC 28540

(910) 548-7851

Additional Location

Open Water Wellness, PLLC

714 West Corbett Avenue

Suite 18

Swansboro, NC 28584

(910) 548-7851
"
I conduct tele-therapy sessions as well as in-person sessions.
Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Karen K. Esala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call for a free consultation now - (910) 548-7851
"
I conduct tele-therapy sessions as well as in-person sessions.
Photo of Karen K. Esala, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Karen K. Esala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call for a free consultation now - (910) 548-7851