Karla Campos, AMFT (she/her)
Behavioral & Mental Health Therapist
Hi, I’m Karla. I believe that one of the most powerful parts of therapy is having a space where individuals can simply be themselves, without judgment, expectations, or the pressure to have everything figured out. My goal as a clinician is to create that kind of space for every person I work with—a place where they feel safe, valued, and understood.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with children as young as 3, adolescents, young adults, and families in a variety of environments including schools, homes, community, and clinical settings. Much of my experience has focused on supporting neurodivergent youth, particularly those with autism, ADHD, anxiety and related challenges. I am passionate about providing care that honors each individual’s unique strengths and developmental profiles, including supporting sensory processing and gross and fine motor development when needed.
While I am skilled in using behavior change principles from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), my therapeutic approach is holistic and integrative. Grounded in trauma-informed care, I draw from a range of evidence-based practices, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to create individualized behavior plans that prioritize the therapeutic relationship and the individual’s overall developmental, behavioral, and emotional well-being.
My experience has taught me that behavior is communication and that there is often much more beneath the surface. I strive to understand each person within the context of their environment, relationships, and experiences. Whether a child is navigating emotional regulation, social communication, or other challenges, I work collaboratively with them and their family to develop strengths-based strategies that foster growth and resilience.
In addition to working with behavioral challenges, I am particularly passionate about supporting children and adolescents with complex, traumatic histories and low self-esteem. Whether supporting a young child to a young adult, these stages of life are often filled with so much change and uncertainty, and I love being able to support young people in recognizing that their challenges do not define them. There is so much potential in every individual, and sometimes they simply need someone to see it in them before they can see it in themselves.
As a bilingual English and Spanish-speaking clinician, I am also committed to providing culturally responsive care. I believe that therapy is most effective when it embraces the whole person, including their cultural identity and lived experiences. I strive to create a therapeutic space where every part of an individual and family’s identity is welcomed.
I also offer parent coaching and crisis support, including de-escalation strategies and safety planning. I understand that challenging behaviors and crises can be overwhelming for the entire family, and I’m committed to providing the tools and support needed to navigate these difficult times.
Ultimately, I believe that therapy is about more than managing symptoms. It’s about helping individuals and families build a life that feels authentic, meaningful and successful to them. I want therapy to feel collaborative, connected, and truly meaningful.
Outside of work, you can usually find me enjoying the little things that bring balance to my life. I love hiking and spending time in nature, discovering new coffee and matcha spots, listening to music, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. I’m a big believer in finding joy in everyday moments and creating a life that feels fulfilling beyond daily responsibilities.
I feel honored to be part of each person’s journey and am committed to approaching every therapeutic relationship with empathy, creativity, and a deep belief in the power of human connection.
My Clinical Approach
My clinical approach is grounded in a warm, collaborative therapeutic relationship where individuals and families feel respected, supported, and empowered. I believe that effective therapy begins with understanding each person’s unique experiences, strengths, needs, and environment.
Drawing from trauma-informed and strengths-based practices, I primarily work from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework. I utilize developmentally appropriate interventions to help children to young adults understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. A key focus of my work is helping individuals develop practical coping-communication skills, emotional regulation strategies, and problem-solving abilities to navigate stress and difficulty life experiences in a healthier way.
I have extensive experience supporting children and adolescents with significant behavioral challenges including rapid escalations, explosive outbursts, self-harm, aggression towards others, as well as those with suicidal thoughts. I approach these challenges with the understanding that the behaviors often stem from underlying emotional, sensory, or communication needs. My goal is to work collaboratively with individuals and families to develop compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming strategies that address the root causes of the behavior.
As a therapist, I recognize the profound influence of family, school, peers, and community on a child’s mental health and development. That’s why working with families is an integral part of my approach. When appropriate, I collaborate with parents and caregivers to strengthen communication, increase understanding of their child’s emotional and behavioral needs, and develop strategies that can be carried over into the home and community. My goal is not only to support the child or adolescent individually, but also to help families build stronger, more supportive relationships.
Above all, I approach therapy with curiosity, empathy, and patience. My goal is to create a space where individuals can develop self-awareness, build practical skills, and gain the confidence to navigate life’s challenges. I believe that through this process, young people can not only overcome obstacles but also discover their unique potential and create lives that are meaningful, fulfilling, and authentic to who they are.
Past Experience
Outpatient Clinician
Pacific Clinics
- Provided therapeutic support to children, adolescents, and young adults experiencing trauma, emotional/behavioral difficulties, and life transitions
- Utilized trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches, including crisis intervention and individualized therapeutic interventions
- Collaborated with families, schools, and other providers to support individuals across their home, school, and community environments
Clinical Trainee
Therapeutic Behavioral Services
- Provided therapeutic and behavioral support to youth experiencing a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges
- Worked collaboratively with youth and families to develop individualized strategies that promote emotional regulation, coping skills, and positive behavioral change
- Partnered with schools, caregivers, and other support systems to promote consistency and progress across settings
ABA Technician
- Worked directly with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental and behavioral needs
- Implemented individualized interventions targeting communication, social skills, adaptive behaviors, and developmental goals
- Collaborated with families and adapted interventions to each child’s unique strengths, needs, and learning style
Education
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling Psychology
Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
University of San Francisco
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Family and Consumer Sciences
California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State)
Licensure
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)
Registration # AMFT 159993
California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Supervised by Mona Tahsini, LMFT and Makenzie Wesner, NP

