Karla Serrano

Mental Health Clinician I at Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health | Associate Therapist at Norina Murphy MSW, LCSW & Associates

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

About

Graduated from Azusa Pacific University (APU) in 2024 where I received a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Graduated from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in 2021 where I received my bachelor’s degree in Human Development and minored in Psychology and Spanish. During my undergraduate experience is where my interest in mental health counseling sparked. I served as a research assistant in the Psychology Department and served as a Spanish interpreter for the Speech and Language Clinic at CSULB. During the graduate program at APU, I took the role of a Bilingual Crisis Counselor for Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services where I answer calls for 988 Lifeline formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Crisis Hotline. Currently, working for Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health as Mental Health Clinician I in an adult outpatient clinic only and at Norina Murphy Verduzco, MSW, LCSW, & Associates as an Associate Therapist. I have experience working with adolescents by helping them navigate the complexities of adolescence, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, suicide ideation, behavioral challenges, academic stress, and developmental delays. I have experience working with individuals by providing personalized therapy to adults seeking support for a wide range of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, and life transitions. I have experience with couples in enhancing communication, resolving conflicts, rebuilding trust, and strengthening their relationships. Additionally, I have experience facilitating group therapy, focused on specific topics such as grief and loss, psychoeducation on everyday life tasks, and support groups for various mental health challenges. I can provide services in Spanish and English.

Experience

  • Associate Therapist at NORINA MURPHY MSW, LCSW & ASSOCIATES
    Jul 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

    Under the guidance of a supervised clinician, provide client-centered remote therapy through secure Telehealth platform and maintain thorough documentation. Norina Murphy MSW, LCSW & Associates, Supervised by Jennifer Elaine Keane, LMFT #140451.

  • Mental Health Clinician I at Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
    Nov 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

    Under the guidance of a supervised clinician, plan and implement therapy programs tailored to the client's treatment goals, determining the appropriate modality, and priorities. Provide psychotherapy to adult individuals, co facilitate groups, and offer case management services to secure resources necessary for clients to meet their treatment goals. South Bay Mental Health Center, Supervised by Tabara S. Etiaka, LMFT #91151.

  • Bilingual Crisis Counselor at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
    Nov 2021 - Nov 2024 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Offer Spanish crisis-counseling services via phones with the program goal of answering 95% of calls within 20 seconds or less. Completes safety assessment, safety planning, de-escalation, and follow-up with help seekers. Serves as a mandated reporter in cases of suspected abuse or neglect. Provide resources and provide information and referrals to help seekers as appropriate. Maintain accurate and detailed contact reports. Documentation completed in real time. Mentor volunteers during their training process and provides on-going mentorship.

  • Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at Straight Talk Clinic, Inc.
    May 2023 - May 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Direct services include individuals, couples, family, and groups. Perform administrative duties as needed including contacting clients for scheduling, responding to company emails, maintaining accurate client schedule in STC's google calendar and responding to site related communications. Keep up to date of CAMFT or APA ethical standards or California legal standards. Straight Talk Clinic, Supervised by Larry Fernandez LCSW #29009. Previously supervised at Straight Talk Clinic by Nichole Prince, LMFT #93491 and Cynthia Rodriguez, LMFT #52359.

  • Mental Health Intern at EL RANCHO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
    Aug 2022 - Dec 2022 · 5 mos

    Provide counseling services to middle school aged students under the supervision of a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. North Park Academy of the Arts, Rivera Middle School, Supervised by Isaac Padilla, LMFT #98862 and Mental Health Liaison, Jeff T. Middleton, LCSW, #23397.