Karen Erickson is a deeply compassionate and highly experienced mental health professional with a unique blend of clinical, supervisory, and holistic healing expertise. With more than 30 years of counseling experience and credentials spanning multiple disciplines, Karen offers a truly integrative and person-centered approach to therapy.

Karen began her career in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and earned her Master of Arts in Agency Counseling from Michigan State University, along with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northern Michigan University. She has been a licensed counselor in Michigan since 1994 and became licensed in California in 2024.

Throughout her career, Karen has served in a wide range of settings—from mental health and substance use treatment programs to universities, managed care organizations, crisis hotlines, domestic violence agencies, and correctional facilities. She has held leadership roles including Program Director, Clinical Supervisor, and EAP Consultant, demonstrating a strong commitment to both direct client care and organizational excellence.

Karen’s areas of clinical focus include:

• Anxiety and Stress Management
• Depression and Mood Disorders
• Grief and Loss
• Life Transitions and Personal Growth
• Relationship and Family Issues
• Workplace Stress and Burnout
• Self-Esteem and Identity

In addition to her psychotherapy practice, Karen is a Certified Usui Reiki Master, Certified Massage Therapist (CA #82271), and a trained life coach through the Martha Beck Life Coach Training Program. She is also the founder and owner of the Lapis & Lotus Center in San Luis Obispo, a healing space that offers counseling, Reiki, massage, and other holistic services.

Karen’s therapeutic style is warm, grounding, and collaborative. Clients often describe her as deeply empathetic, intuitive, and refreshingly real. Whether you're navigating a painful life event or seeking greater balance and self-awareness, Karen provides a peaceful environment for healing and growth.

Education & Certifications:

• MA, Agency Counseling – Michigan State University, 1993
• BS, Psychology – Northern Michigan University, 1991
• Certified Usui Reiki Master – Natural Healer, 2020
• Certified Massage Therapist – California Holistic Institute, 2019

Professional Experience Highlights:

• Counselor, Wellpath – San Luis Obispo County Jail
• Program Director, Domestic Violence Support Services – Michigan
• EAP Consultant, Optum Services – San Francisco
• Triage/Inpatient Care Manager, CIGNA Health Solutions
• Owner, Lapis & Lotus Center & Karen Healing

Honors & Recognition:

• Compassion Award, Integrity Award, and Awards of Excellence – UHG
• CIGNA Champions Awards (5x)
• Presenter, Substance Abuse Across the Lifespan Conference
• Chairperson, Clinton County Housing & Homeless Coalition
• Mortar Board and Performing Arts Honors, NMU