Hi, I’m Carley Bernardo, LCSW. I thank you for considering me to take part in this process, as your therapist. The information on this page will tell you more about me and help you make your decision.
Carley Bernardo, LCSW
- Work best with: Adults
- Appointments: Both in-person and telehealth
- Manage Medications: Provides therapy and collaborates closely with our psychiatry team for medication management, available through internal referral if needed.
My approach focuses on identifying the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I will help you explore and process the life experiences that have shaped how you see yourself, others, and the world. Together, we will identify and restructure unhelpful thought patterns and core beliefs that may be contributing to distress.
I provide therapy through a trauma-informed lens and work particularly well with patients who have been impacted by guilt and shame and struggle to challenge the thoughts that lead to these feelings. I also work well with those who have been impacted by experiences with their family of origin and/or ongoing conflict within the family system.
Patients would describe me as straightforward while still maintaining warmth and compassion. I use humor when appropriate to make challenging topics feel more approachable. I also provide psychoeducation to explain the “why” behind thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors, helping you better understand your experiences.
Many patients share a strong sense of pride in their progress and personal growth throughout the therapeutic process. They often report feeling more grounded, confident, and self-compassionate, and notice that challenges that once felt overwhelming no longer define or control their lives.
I aim to create a therapeutic environment based on trust, mutual respect, and collaboration. I believe in empowering my patients and will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your goals. If this sounds like what you are looking for, please reach out to schedule an intake session!
Credentials
Education
Master of Social Work, University of Arkansas, 2019
Personal Interests
I’ve lived in two countries and five different states, which has given me a love for new places and perspectives. I’m the second oldest of six kids, so I learned early how to mediate chaos and keep a sense of humor. I played competitive soccer growing up and still enjoy staying active. And if it ever came down to it, I’d probably sell my house and all my belongings for my cat, Cilantro, and my dog, Milo!
In-network and Self Pay
Insurance Accepted
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna/Evernorth
- Curative
- Employers Health Network
- Partners Direct Health
- Sana Benefits
- Scott and White Health Plan
- Tricare
- UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Self Pay
Specialties and Expertise
Top Specialities
Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety, Family Conflict, Guilt or Shame
Expertise
- ADD / ADHD
- Adoption
- Anger Issues
- Anxiety
- Attachment Trauma or Insecurity
- Bipolar Disorder
- Boundaries / Assertiveness
- Childhood Abuse or Neglect
- Codependency
- Conflict with Friends
- Depression
- Divorce / Breakup
- Family Conflict
- Fear of Rejection
- Life Transitions
- Not Happy or Satisfied with life
- Panic Attacks
- Religious Trauma
- Self-Esteem / Negative Self-Talk
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Identity
- Shame
- Social Anxiety
- Stress / Burnout
- Trauma / PTSD
Treatment Approach
Types of Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion Focused
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- EMDR
- Family Systems
- Interpersonal
- Strength-Based
Locations
Client Focus
- Age Groups Served: Adults, Older Adults (18-65+)
- Participant Types: Individuals
- Language Spoken: English
