Kimberly Ward
LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, RPT
Kimberly Ward, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, RPT, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker credentialed in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia, and Delaware. She has extensive experience in child welfare, school-based services, and community mental health. Kimberly currently serves as a School Social Worker with DC Public Schools and is the Founder of KimCares Wellness Services, LLC, where she provides trauma-informed therapy to children, adolescents, and adults.
Kimberly specializes in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, and complex trauma. Her clinical approach integrates evidence-based practices and holistic interventions to support emotional healing, resilience, and overall well-being. She is a Registered Play Therapist, EMDR Certified Therapist, and Approved Clinical Supervisor, and she currently serves as Secretary on the MD/DC Association for Play Therapy Board.
In addition to her clinical work, Kimberly is committed to professional development, advocacy, and education within the mental health field. She is currently pursuing certification as a Mental Health Advocate and Certified Life Coach to expand her impact in supporting individuals and communities.
Kimberly has presented at several professional conferences and continuing education events, including the Black Girls for Social Work Conference, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Continuing Education Program, and Fall 2025 ClinicianFest. She is also scheduled to present at upcoming conferences in 2026, including the Black Mental Health Conference, the Millennial Social Work Conference, and the NASW Virginia/DC Metro Chapter Conference.
Her work centers on healing-centered, culturally responsive practice, practitioner wellness, and empowering individuals and families to thrive.
The Trauma of Being Unseen: Understanding the Lifelong Impact of Childhood Emotional Neglect
Childhood emotional neglect is one of the most common yet overlooked forms of childhood trauma. Unlike physical abuse or overt maltreatment, emotional neglect occurs when a child's emotional needs for connection, validation, and support go unmet, often leaving invisible wounds that persist into adulthood. This presentation explores the lasting impact of emotional neglect on attachment, self-worth, emotional regulation, relationships, and mental health. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how emotional neglect presents in clinical practice and learn trauma-informed, strengths-based strategies to support healing, resilience, and healthy emotional development across the lifespan.