Karen

Dr Karen Rippy

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“With 30+ years of experience, I specialize in helping couples, adolescents, and families navigate complex relationships and address a wide range of issues. Whether you're struggling with student and school challenges, court matters, parenting difficulties, extended family dynamics, anger management, or blending family.”

About Me

With 30 years' experience, I guide couples, adolescents, and families through their most complex relationship challenges. I help you navigate issues like student and school difficulties, court matters, or blending family dynamics. My extensive background means I understand the nuances within your specific struggles. I offer a supportive space for your family to find clarity and move forward, addressing each unique situation with care.

Approach

When relationships grow strained, I focus on practical steps that restore communication and safety while honoring each person’s perspective. Sessions in my Mission Viejo office or via secure telehealth move at a steady, predictable pace to fit school, court, and family rhythms, with clear agendas and check-ins so you know what to expect. We use structured problem-solving, trauma-informed listening, and skill practice between meetings to shift patterns. Those facing custody questions, behavioral concerns, or blended-family stress often find this hands-on approach helpful.
Contact Karen

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services Offered:

  • Conflict Management

    Structured approaches to resolving disputes and improving communication between people in conflict, whether in relationships, families, or workplaces.

  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Medico-Legal

    The intersection of psychology and law, involving psychological assessments and expert reports for legal proceedings such as personal injury, custody, or disability claims.

  • Individual Therapy

    One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.

    Learn more about Individual Therapy
  • Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy designed for teenagers, using age-appropriate methods to address issues like anxiety, identity, peer pressure, and family conflict.

    Learn more about Adolescent Therapy
  • Child / Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy for children and teenagers using age-appropriate methods, such as play, art, or adapted talk therapy, to address emotional and behavioural difficulties.

    Learn more about Child / Adolescent Therapy
  • Family Therapy

    A form of therapy that works with family members together to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships within the family system.

    Learn more about Family Therapy

Works With:

  • All ages

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • Addiction

    A compulsive dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, that causes harmful consequences to health, relationships, or daily life.

    Learn more about Addiction
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • ADHD / Attention

    A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about ADHD / Attention
  • Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.

  • Divorce Counseling

    Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.

  • Family Issues

    Difficulties within the family system, including conflict, communication breakdown, blended family tensions, or intergenerational patterns, that affect individual and collective well-being.

  • Psycho-Legal

    Psychological assessment and expert reporting for court proceedings, legal disputes, or regulatory matters.

  • Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma

Professional Title:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

    A therapist licensed to work with couples and families on relationship difficulties, communication, and family dynamics.

Credentials

Registrations

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

Qualifications

Claremont Graduate University

Service Areas

Mission Viejo_Ladera Family Therapy

In-person & Online

Ladera Ranch

Missio Viejo, California

United States