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Karina Rodriguez
About
Aloha and welcome! My name is Karina, and I am a clinical psychologist in Chicago, Illinois, with specialized training in psychological assessment. I grew up and completed my graduate training in Oahu, Hawaii, where I was able to work with multiculturally diverse individuals with varying mental health needs. I am licensed in Hawaii, Illinois, and Michigan, and I hold an active PsyPact license which allows me to provide services via Telehealth to clients in 40+ states. My approach combines curiosity, compassion, and respect for each person’s unique way of experiencing the world. My goal is to offer a supportive space where your strengths, challenges, and individuality are understood and valued.
My motivation for working with autistic adults comes from a deep respect for individuality and the diverse ways people can experience and engage with the world. I feel it’s important to create spaces where individuals feel genuinely understood—not asked to fit into predefined norms, but encouraged to embrace their unique ways of thinking, feeling, and connecting. I find meaning in helping people recognize and build on their strengths, develop self-acceptance, and navigate environments that may not always recognize their value. For me, supporting individuals in discovering their voice and potential aligns with my belief that well-being begins with being truly seen and accepted for who you are.
In my work, I approach our sessions collaboratively and focus on what makes you resilient, capable, and unique. My approach is grounded in compassion and respect for your lived experience, and I aim to help you uncover and build upon your natural abilities, rather than pathologizing your challenges. I believe that cultivating a space where you feel genuinely seen, supported, and understood, can help you to reconnect with the strengths and potential you already possess.
