Karen Lynn Cassyday
Karen Lynn Cassiday
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday empowers patients to overcome their struggles with anxiety and depression. She approaches each patient with enthusiasm, persistence, and a keen sense of humor, crafting individualized, research-based treatment plans for each person. Her goal is to make each patient an expert at managing their own anxiety, so they can face their future with confidence and courage. She loves being able to laugh and celebrate along with patients as they overcome their most difficult situations.
For those whose busy schedules make it difficult to meet in person, Dr. Cassiday practices teletherapy under PsyPact in participating states and can provide therapy sessions via phone and video when appropriate, based on a client’s diagnosis.
Special Interests
Dr. Cassiday is often sought out to treat the most challenging patients who have not had success in other treatment environments. She is particularly skilled at working with complicated cases of anxiety disorders, young children, selective mutism, OCD and school refusal. She also specializes in working with parents. Her experience as a special needs parent gives her a unique insider’s perspective, and she understands the challenges of balancing work, family, and a child’s complex needs.
Dr. Cassiday is the mother of five. She credits her blended family with fine-tuning her sense of humor and humility. She loves to spend her spare time volunteering in her church and hanging out with friends. Regardless of how busy she is, she cannot pass up a good book or great chocolate!
Experience and Training
Dr. Karen Cassiday received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1990 from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Nationally recognized as an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders in children, teens and adults, she has conducted extensive research into anxiety and is widely published. She is the Past President of the prestigious Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), and served on the board of Beyond OCD Chicago. She is a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (A-CBT). In addition, she serves on the faculty of the International Obsessive Compulsive Foundation Behavior Therapy Institute and at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. A sought after national speaker on television, radio and at professional training seminars, Dr. Cassiday has appeared as an expert consultant on Animal Hoarders on TNT and on NBC’s Today Show. Her expertise has been tapped through commentary in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and numerous other publications. She is the author of two books: The No Worries Guide to Raising Your Anxious Child: A Handbook to Help You and Your Anxious Child Thrive and Freedom from Health Anxiety: Understand and Overcome Obsessive Worry about Your Health or Someone Else’s and Find Peace of Mind.
