“Hi, I’m Karla, and I want you to know your past does not define your future — and you don’t have to face it alone.”

Meet Karla:

Karla Martinez is a licensed master social worker with a professional background dedicated to supporting children and young people across multiple systems of care. She began her career as a Child Protective Services social worker with the Kansas Department for Children and Families from 2013 to 2017, then served as a Behavioral and Attendance Interventionist at Great Bend High School from 2017 to 2023. She has been part of The Center for Counseling team since 2023.

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Throughout her career, Karla has consistently worked with children and young adults, serving clients ages 3–24. She provides services in both English and Spanish and focuses on helping young people break cycles they may have grown up in while learning that their past does not have to define their future. While she is not formally certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or play therapy, Karla uses CBT-informed strategies and play-based techniques grounded in research and experience, especially with younger children.

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Karla believes that while trauma can impact a child’s life, it does not have to control who they become. She is passionate about helping clients build confidence, learn coping skills, and create healthier emotional and behavioral patterns. Drawing from her own experience navigating anxiety after a personal health trauma, Karla brings authenticity and empathy to her work and reminds clients and families that mental health challenges can affect anyone—even those who work in the field.

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Outside of work, Karla enjoys reading, going on walks, working out, and spending time traveling to and from her children’s activities. She believes in continuing to seek joy, motivation, and growth, and often encourages others to keep moving forward toward what brings them happiness.