Karen Syrjala, Ph.D., M.A., is a psychologist at SCCA and a UW professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Dr. Syrjala provides care to patients during and after cancer treatment. She considers caring for people as they experience the challenges that cancer brings into their lives a privilege. She believes that helping them take charge of those experiences and make choices that respect their own priorities is the most rewarding part of her work.

Dr. Syrjala earned her Ph.D. at Boston University. Her clinical interests include cancer survivorship, cancer treatment side effects, emotional distress, cognitive problems, post-traumatic stress, physical activity and hypnosis for managing symptoms. Her research interests include defining problems and solutions for cancer survivors, especially young adults, strategies for meeting healthcare and wellness needs of cancer survivors and using technology to provide for long-term needs of cancer survivors..