Cari Epperson, LCSW
Cari Epperson, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in grief and bereavement, moral distress, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue. She currently serves on the Pediatric Palliative Care Team at OU Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City and works part-time with F1RST, supporting frontline workers and first responders who face extraordinary emotional and psychological challenges. Cari brings a wealth of experience working with individuals and families navigating life-limiting diagnoses, trauma, and medical-related stress, offering compassionate and evidence-informed care to patients aged 16 and older.
Cari’s professional background spans clinical social work, crisis intervention, and bereavement support. She is trained in EMDR, certified in Compassionate Bereavement Care, and a specialist in the Grief Recovery Method. Her education includes a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor’s in Special Education from Northeastern State University. Cari has completed specialized training in child abuse and neglect through OU College of Medicine and has extensive experience coordinating bereavement services in neonatal and perinatal care.
Passionate about empowering her clients, Cari takes a client-centered, integrative approach to therapy that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. She emphasizes collaboration, utilizing each individual’s strengths to navigate emotional challenges in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Cari is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life for her clients while supporting the mental and emotional wellbeing of those who serve in high-stress roles, believing strongly in the importance of care for the caregivers.
• University of Oklahoma - Masters, Social Work
• Northeastern State University - Special education, Mild/moderate disabilities
• Assisting Individuals in Crisis
• CISM AIC Certificate of Completion
• EMDR Certified
• Resolve Through Sharing- Neonatal Pediatric Bereavement Certification
• Resolve Through Sharing Coordinator Certification Training
• Compassionate Bereavement Provider
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• ICISF
• NASW
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Pediatrician
- palliative care hospice
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
What I enjoy most about practicing social work in medicine is helping families feel supported and comfortable during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Being able to provide a safe space for them to process emotions, ask questions, and find reassurance brings me great fulfillment and reminds me of the profound impact compassionate care can have on both patients and their loved ones.