Karen E. Weiss

Karen E. Weiss, Ph.D., L.P. serves as an Associate Professor of Psychology at Mayo Clinic School of Medicine with dual appointments as Consultant in the Department of Psychiatry & Psychology and the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. Based at Mayo Clinic's Rochester, Minnesota campus, she specializes in pediatric pain psychology within the Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology/Behavioral Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (2009)
• Post-doctoral Fellowship in Clinical Health Psychology, Mayo Clinic (2011)
• Clinical Psychology Internship, Children's Hospital of Orange County (2009)
• BS in Psychology with Minor in Women's Studies, University of Wisconsin (2000)

Dr. Weiss's research focuses on the bio-psycho-social dimensions of pediatric chronic pain, particularly examining how gender minority stress affects pain experiences in gender diverse youth. Her work investigates pain-related disability, acceptance of pain as a treatment variable, cognitive functioning in adolescents with chronic pain, and the intersection of eating disorders with chronic pain and POTS. She has demonstrated that acceptance of pain correlates with improved functioning outcomes, and her research on cognitive functioning revealed that teens with chronic pain often function well academically despite perceived concentration difficulties.

Her significant contributions have been recognized with awards including:

• Dr. Mary Guerriero Austrom Women in Psychiatry Award (2023)
• Young Investigator Research Award, American Pain Society (2014)
• William Friedrich Award, Mayo Clinic (2011)

Dr. Weiss maintains active roles in professional organizations including the Society of Pediatric Psychology, American Psychological Association, and U.S. Association for the Study of Pain. Her clinical work emphasizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approaches, helping patients and families shift focus from pain elimination to meaningful living despite pain. She has served as Clinical Director of the Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center (2014-2016) and currently co-leads the Fellowship Committee within the Department of Psychiatry & Psychology.