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Learn to Better

 Navigate & Advocate

Your Neurodivergent

Brain, Body, and Soul.

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About

My name is Caren Ann Appel, LCSW, MA

(she/her)

Finding the right therapeutic "fit" can feel daunting, especially when you or your family need help right away. My compassionate, solution-oriented approach can help provide the immediate support you need, while we work towards long-term, sustainable wellness. I have extensive training in ADHD assessment, treatment and accommodation advocacy - in both academic and work environs, as well as in complex trauma care, maternal and menopausal mental health, and couples counseling. That said, the bottom line is this: I have been where you are, and I’ve come out the other side. I’m here to help you feel safe, to be able to share what scares you, and help you find your version of authenticity and contentment in a world not built for the neurodiverse. I am passionate about working with women and their partners as they steer through the various stages and complexities of life, with a particular focus on late-diagnosed, neurodivergent female-identifying individuals in helping them better navigate their brains & environs. I am also well-versed in working with LGBTQ+ people and their families toward understanding and healing, including counseling couples with a partner undergoing gender transition. I utilize an eclectic mix of treatment modalities and also drawn on my own neurodivergent, creative background as a published author (pen name: Harper Kincaid) and a working artist. Additional trainings & memberships: Certified Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP) Trained Level I, The Gottman Institute Certified in ADHD Assessment and Treatment Certified in Family Intervention for Suicide Prevention Training Certified in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Member, World Professional Association of Transgender Health Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

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FAQ's

  • How long are sessions?
    All session are 50-60 mins, unless you have arranged for more time with the clinician in advance.
  • Do you offer a good faith estimate?
    Absolutely. In compliance with the “No Surprises Act” enacted in December 2020, we are now required to provide an annual “Good Faith Estimate” of your anticipated costs and services for each year. The information provided is only an estimate and is subject to change in fees and your treatment needs. Any changes would be discussed with you in session. For more detailed information about our billing practices, please refer to your intake paperwork. You may request a copy of that document at any time.
  • Do you accept insurance?
    I do not accept insurance. I am an out-of-network provider, which means I do not work directly with insurance plans. Instead, upon request, I provide you with a billing statement – called a superbill - at the end of each month for you to submit to your insurance company. Most insurance companies will reimburse you between 40%-80% of my fee. Prior to meeting, I highly recommend you call your insurance company to clarify your benefit plan. It will help you to ask: Do you reimburse for an out-of-network licensed clinical social worker and, if so, what percentage? Do I have a deductible I have to meet first?
  • Why don’t you accept insurance?
    For years, I worked in a community mental health agency that did accept insurance. The insurance company had the right to all your personal information, including your diagnoses and the content of your session notes, which contains highly personal information. Moreover, the insurance companies often dictated the type, frequency, and duration of therapy session they allow their policy holders. I believe all information you share in sessions should remain between us unless you sign a release of information for an outside party.
  • What should I expect during the first session?
    First of all, we will meet online, through my telehealth system. During that initial session, we are going to talk about what brings you to therapy: your goals, your struggles, your ‘why’. I will conduct an initial assessment – called a bio-psycho-social – which is a series of questions about your history and background, for us to determine the most effective ways to move forward in our work together. I will go at your pace, making sure you are comfortable and at ease. You will be able to ask anything you need to know as well. With this information, you and I will devise a treatment plan over the next couple of sessions.
  • How often do we meet?
    Usually, I meet with people once a week, unless you are experiencing a crisis and request to meet more often.

Contact

PO Box 267

Vienna, VA 22183

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