Karen Chen, CRNP

Karen Chen is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) specializing in comprehensive psychiatric medication management for adults. Combining clinical expertise with a warm, collaborative care philosophy, she provides evidence-based treatment tailored to a wide range of mental health conditions.

Specialties & Focus Areas

• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder & Mood Disorders
• Adult ADHD & Executive Dysfunction
• PTSD & Trauma
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Who They Help

Karen specializes in working with adults aged 18–65 who are navigating psychiatric conditions ranging from mood and anxiety disorders to ADHD and trauma. Her practice is suited for individuals seeking a comprehensive, holistic treatment approach that seamlessly pairs medication management with supportive therapy and healthy lifestyle strategies.

Treatment Approach

Karen believes that the best mental health outcomes are achieved by combining psychiatric medication with psychotherapy, active coping skills, and intentional lifestyle choices. She offers dedicated medication management paired with supportive therapy. If you already have a therapist, she can collaborate closely with them to ensure a seamless, unified care team.

Professional Background

Karen brings a rigorous academic and clinical background from some of the nation’s leading medical institutions:

• Faculty Appointment: Serves as a Clinical Instructor and faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
• Clinical Residency: Completed a specialized Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Residency program at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, gaining experience across various settings including inpatient psychiatry, consult-liaison psychiatry, and the psychiatric emergency department
• Clinical Research & Practice:
  • Served as a volunteer psychiatric NP at Community Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM)
  • Conducted clinical research on PTSD, anxiety, and traumatic brain injuries at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Home Base Program, resulting in numerous publications, symposium presentations, and poster presentations at both national and international professional conferences
  • Served as a Mental Health Specialist at McLean Hospital
• Academic Credentials:
  • Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (summa cum laude, University of Pennsylvania)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (summa cum laude, University of Pennsylvania)
  • Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology (magna cum laude, Tufts University)

Certifications & Affiliations

• Board Certification: Board Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Nursing (PMHNP-BC)
• Professional Leadership & Honors:
  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) Pennsylvania Chapter Secretary
  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) Board of Directors Scholar
• Patient Care Awards:
  • WebMD “Patient’s Choice” for Philadelphia Psychiatric Providers (2024, 2025)
  • WebMD Preferred Provider (2024, 2025)

Locations & Availability

Karen provides flexible, cross-state mental health care to accommodate both virtual and in-person care treatment preferences:

• Telehealth Services: Fully licensed to practice and prescribe for patients located anywhere throughout Pennsylvania (PA) and New Jersey (NJ)
• In-Person Care: Available for face-to-face appointments at her office in Philadelphia, PA