Kristen Palmer, LCSW

Hello, I’m Kristen Palmer—a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Wisconsin with more than 10 years of experience supporting teens and adults in community mental health, clinical, and outreach settings. My background includes case management, crisis intervention, and outpatient therapy, with a special focus on working alongside marginalized and underserved communities.

My Approach

My approach is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and collaboration. I believe that healing begins when people feel heard, understood, and empowered to reconnect with their own inner wisdom. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” what’s broken—it’s about understanding your story, honoring your resilience, and creating space for growth.

I often incorporate humor to help make difficult work feel lighter, because I truly believe laughter has a place in healing. My goal is to create a space that feels both supportive and real—where you can bring your full self to the conversation.

I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Positive Psychology, tailoring each approach to your unique needs. My work is culturally responsive and rooted in ongoing learning around decolonizing therapy, antiracism, and inclusivity.

Who I Work With

I work with clients ages 12 and up, offering both in-person and telehealth sessions.

I support people navigating:

  • Life transitions and identity changes

  • Anxiety, depression, and mood concerns

  • Trauma, grief, and loss

  • Relationship and family challenges

  • Spiritual exploration and faith-related questions

I also have particular expertise in self-harm, suicidal ideation, and crisis intervention, and I’m passionate about creating a queer-affirming, inclusive space for all clients.

Areas of Focus

  • College students and emerging adults

  • Adults and seniors

  • Individuals exploring spirituality or faith (non-Christian provider)

  • BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrants/refugees, and other underrepresented communities

  • Survivors of trauma, grief, and loss

  • First responders, veterans, healthcare professionals, and caregivers

  • Individuals navigating substance use concerns

What to Expect

Clients often describe me as genuine, easy to talk to, and a little quirky—in a way that helps therapy feel more human. In our first few sessions, we’ll spend time getting to know your story, building trust, and setting goals together.

You can expect:

  • A supportive and collaborative process

  • A mix of structure, flexibility, and humor

  • A safe, affirming space to explore challenges at your own pace

  • Encouragement to rediscover strength and hope in the process

Specialties & Techniques

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

  • Crisis Intervention

  • Humanistic / Person-Centered Therapy

  • Culturally Responsive / Multicultural Therapy

Education & Professional Background

  • M.S.W. and B.S.W. – Aurora University (Healthcare Specialization)

  • Crisis Intervention Specialist (10+ years) – UW–Green Bay Certified

    • Over a decade providing and supervising crisis response services, including de-escalation, risk assessment, and connecting individuals to vital community supports

A Final Word

This work is deeply personal to me. I’ve witnessed the power of therapy to help people rediscover balance, confidence, and hope. Real change begins when we start to trust ourselves again—and allow grace for the process along the way.

As Dumbledore wisely said:

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”