Strategies & Support
for Adults with ADHD
About
Caren Ann Appel, LCSW, MA
(she/her)
Finding the right therapist is one of the most important decisions you will make. A bold statement, but let me tell you why: Because you are meant to build a life authentic to YOU. I work with people late-diagnosed with ADHD, autism, & other neurodivergent subtypes. Some have a diagnosis, some only suspect they may have ADHD. Both come to me because I offer guidance when their usual strategies are no longer working. Oftentimes, their career and personal relationships are being adversely affected. I'm here to tell you: it's not supposed to be this hard. I also get a lot of what I call 'mixed' couples: where one partner has ADHD, the other is neurotypical-and they've fallen into a parent-child dynamic, instead of partners who can rely on each other.
The People I Serve:
Adults with ADHD
My Credentials
Other Specialties:
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ADHD Assessments & Consulting
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Chronic Illness/Disability
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Women's Issues
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Anxiety & Mood Disorders
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LGBTQIA+/Gender and Sexual Identity
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Monogamous & Polyamorous/Ethical Non-Monogamy Couples Counseling
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Religious Trauma
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Parenting Support
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Men's Issues
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Grief Counseling
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Complex Trauma
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Second-Generation Immigrant & Intergenerational Family Conflicts
I am a USA TODAY & Amazon bestselling author whose work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Writer's Digest, Buzzfeed, the Los Angeles Times, and Medium. I'm also fortunate enough to offer my expertise on national podcasts such as Writer Nation, The Writing Table, Jewish Actually, and If U Can't Laugh.
I have a master's degree in clinical & macro social work from
The Catholic University of America, where I conducted specialized field work in a variety of academic settings, specifically in disability accommodations and women's mental health issues.
I also have a master's degree in gender and American history, having taught on the university level and worked in the nonprofit sector.
I am licensed to practice in Washington, DC and the Commonwealth of Virginia and I have certifications and trainings in the following specialties:
Certified Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Certified in ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Certified in Family Intervention for Suicide Prevention Training
Certified in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Certified in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Processing Therapy
Certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Certified in Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health Assessment & Intervention
Training through The Gottman Institute; Relational Life Therapy; Brainspotting; Somatic Therapeutic Interventions; Gestalt and Psychodynamic modalities.
In addition to writing (most under a pen name) I am a visual artist whose work has been acquired by museum and private collections worldwide.
42-year-old husband & father of two, Great Falls, VA
“I am no stranger to therapy, but few have been as effective for me as Caren Ann. Some just sit there and nod, asking what I think, but Caren Ann is different. She asks the best questions, collaborates on problem solving in a way that empowers me, and calls me on my BS, somehow making me feel seen-not defensive. I don't know how she does it, but I'm relieved I got to work with her."
36-year-old big law attorney, Washington, DC.
“I was an A student growing up, a 'good girl' who became a woman burnt out and barely functioning. Caren Ann was the one who diagnosed my ADHD and helped me find-what she calls- my 'secret sauce': the tools, meds, and mindset I needed to ensure my success. She doesn't push any agenda-we were partners in rebuilding my life."
Parents of 20-year-old gender questioning college student, Arlington, VA
"When our child came home after
freshman year of college and told
us they were no longer our daughter, but non-binary with a new name and different pronouns,
we were at a loss. Caren Ann gave
us a safe space to ask questions, to
share our frustration and confusion
while at the same time offering us
information, resources, stories so
we could better understand. By coming to Caren Ann, we didn't burden our child and our relationship is stronger than ever."
FAQ's
Frequently asked questions
Privacy Policy
I am committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how I collect, use, and safeguard your data when you use this website. By using this site, you agree to the terms of this policy.
When you use this site, I collect information you provide, such as your name, email address, and phone number, through contact forms, booking systems, or other interactions.
I collect billing information, including name, address, and credit card details, to process payments.
I may collect health-related information only when necessary for providing therapy services and with your explicit consent.
I only utilize your information to provide and manage services, including scheduling and processing payments. It is also used to communicate with you, such as to respond to inquiries or send you information about services.
All information shared during therapy sessions is kept confidential. I will not share your information with anyone without your written consent, except as required by law or when necessary to prevent serious harm to you or others.
I use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
Please be aware that no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. I cannot guarantee the absolute security of your data, and you transmit information to me at your own risk. Also note emails are not encrytped or secure.
I may use trusted third-party service providers for technical and organizational purposes, such as website hosting, payment processing, and email marketing. I take reasonable steps to ensure these third parties are compliant with data protection regulations and only use your information for the purposes we specify.
You have the right to request access to or correction of your personal information. You can opt out of receiving marketing communications by following the instructions in the emails we send. You have the right to revoke your consent at any time by contacting us in writing at Caren@AppelPsychotherapy.com.
Contact
Licensed in Washington DC, Virginia and soon, New York.
