Karen Peters
Psychologist
Karen PetersPhD
PhD, California School of Professional Psychology, 1996
Call and we’ll let you know if Karen is taking new clients.
and most major plans
Meet Karen
I've worked my entire career as a psychologist in medicine, providing individual and group services for patients, and education to physicians. I also designed and implemented patient centered systems of care. My first 17 years was dedicated to the field of addiction medicine.
There I discovered a deep passion for building therapeutic patient communities and leveraging the healing power of motivated groups of people with a common issue.
As the opioid crisis peaked, I felt compelled to understand the neurophysiology chronic pain and work to develop treatment approaches to help reduce reliance on opioids and other high risk medical interventions. I left addiction medicine to work in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
There I unleashed my creativity and developed a nationally recognized patient centered chronic pain therapeutic community that provided much hope, healing, and inspiration to both patients and physicians.
Our seniors are the wisdom keepers, keepers of the kind of wisdom that only comes with life experience and is so important to pass on to younger generations.
Q&A with Karen
Getting to know Karen
What do you enjoy most about working with older adults?
Our seniors are the wisdom keepers, keepers of the kind of wisdom that only comes with life experience and is so important to pass on to younger generations. Yet In today's world our seniors face unprecedented challenges that often obscure the wisdom that rests in their own minds, bodies, and spirits.
That wisdom can be unlocked with some gentle encouragement, a listening ear, a fresh perspective, some simple, easy to apply tools. I've seen a natural and untiring drive towards greater balance and health come forth that helps ease the mind, body, and spirit, even in very old age and near death.
The resiliency I've witnessed has left me awestruck and deeply inspired. It has shaped my attitude and outlook on my own aging process. I'd also like to think I'm doing my part in helping to preserve the collective wisdom this world so desperately needs.
Why does online therapy work well for older adults?
Ironically enough, technology is one of the many challenges our seniors face, yet in this space it is a gift. Telehealth removes several barriers to accessing in-person services and eliminates the potential health risks that are a concern to many. The telephone is also a wonderful tool, especially in helping those who are shy and/or uncomfortable with navigating video technology.
How do you approach therapy sessions?
For the last 15 years I've specialized in treating chronic pain and its symptoms, including sleep disturbance, fatigue, fear of movement, anxiety, depression, and relationship disruption..
My approach is based on emerging findings in neuroscience, pain science, and mind-body medicine and targeted at retraining the brain and nervous system to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
I use easy to understand neuroscience education, evidence-based Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and other mind-body approaches combined with more traditional psychotherapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Choose a topic. Can’t find your answer? Call our care team at 1-800-567-LIFE.
About Total Life
Who is the service for?
Our service is tailored for seniors looking to navigate the challenges of aging and aiming to make their golden years, golden.
What is the core purpose of your teletherapy service?
Our core purpose is to help as many seniors as possible access the mental health care they need, irrespective of their insurance coverage. We believe everyone deserves quality mental health care.
How is your service tailored to seniors?
Our platform is easy to use, with straightforward steps to connect you with a therapist. Additionally, our care team is always ready to assist you from start to finish.
How can teletherapy help me feel like the best version of myself?
Teletherapy provides a supportive environment to explore and address concerns, helping you work through challenges and promoting mental well-being.
How is your service different from conventional therapy?
Unlike conventional therapy, we provide access to therapy through Original Medicare coverage. Our care team facilitates a smooth process from the initial call all the way through ongoing care.
Insurance & coverage
Are your teletherapy services covered by Original Medicare?
Yes, our services are accessible through Original Medicare coverage, making mental health care more accessible for seniors.
Do you accept insurance plans other than Original Medicare?
Yes, we accept select Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Please contact our care team to verify if your specific plan is accepted.
How do I pay for my sessions?
Payment can be made through various methods including Original Medicare coverage. Our care team can provide more detailed information based on your specific situation.
Is there a limit to the number of sessions I can have?
Original Medicare has an uncapped session limit; the number of sessions will be determined based on your individual needs and treatment plan.
What is a Superbill and how can it benefit me?
A Superbill is an itemized form that details the services you have received from us. It provides all the information needed to submit a claim to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement.
If I have out-of-network benefits, how does the reimbursement process work?
If you have out-of-network benefits, you can submit the Superbill we provide to your insurance company for reimbursement. The reimbursement rate and process depend on your plan.
How do I obtain a Superbill for my sessions?
After each session, we can provide you with a Superbill. Our care team will assist you in generating a Superbill for your records.
Therapists & sessions
How experienced are your providers in working with older adults?
Our providers are hired specifically for their experience with older adults. They are trained and equipped to understand and address the unique mental health needs of seniors.
Can I choose my therapist?
We make every effort to match you with a therapist who has the right experience and expertise for your needs. If you have a preference, we’ll do our best to accommodate it.
What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist?
It’s important to have a good rapport with your therapist. If for any reason you wish to change therapists, just let us know and we’ll facilitate a switch.
How is progress measured in teletherapy?
Progress is measured through regular reviews and discussions between you and your therapist, ensuring that the therapy is effective and meeting your needs.
Getting started
How quickly can I start with my therapy sessions?
Our care team is dedicated to facilitating a quick and easy process from your first phone call to setting up a therapy session on the same call.
How do I schedule a teletherapy session?
Scheduling a session is simple. Just give us a call at 1-800-567-LIFE and our care team will assist you in setting up a session on the first call itself.
Do I need any special equipment for teletherapy?
All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, and a reliable internet connection. Phone-only sessions are also available.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
We have a flexible cancellation and rescheduling policy. Just contact our care team and they will assist you with the necessary changes.