Medical Providers

Child & Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Karen Hennessy, CPNP/PMHNP-BC has worked with children, adolescents, young adults, and parents for over 30 years. Ms. Hennessy worked in pediatric oncology at the NIH and at Georgetown University Hospital where she spent 10 years as coordinator and nurse practitioner for the Lombardi Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program. Because so many children undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment develop neurocognitive challenges as a side effect of treatment, she developed a keen interest in ADHD and learning disorders. During this time, she also received additional training in neuro-development.

Ms. Hennessy’s diversified and unique background in both pediatric and adolescent medicine and psychiatry has enriched her clinical skills as well as her own perspective. She believes that patient assessment should draw from a holistic and multi-dimensional lens that encompasses physiologic, developmental, and psychosocial perspectives. She feels strongly that childhood illness in any domain impacts the family has a whole, and that effective treatment involves strong support and education for both patient and family members.

Ms. Hennessy places an emphasis on establishing a strong rapport with patients and families that is based on trust, compassion, honest communication, and respect for patients’ values. At The Chesapeake Center, Ms. Hennessy provides both medication management and/or psychotherapy to help her patients reach their goals.

Ms. Hennessy received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Villanova University, and her master’s degree in pediatric/adolescent primary care at the University of Maryland, followed by a fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Cancer Hospital. She later received a postmaster’s degree as a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner at the University of Cincinnati.

• ADHD and Learning Differences
• Anxiety / Depression / Mood Disorders
• Transition to college and mental health issues of young adults
• Grief and Trauma
• Impact of chronic illness / accidents on mental health
• Cancer Survivorship Issues
• School Visits / Collaboration

Ms. Hennessy is a dual Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner in Pediatrics / Adolescent Medicine and Psychiatry and Licensed to practice in the State of Maryland.