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Education and Credentials
- Master of Social Work, Clinical Concentration, Fordham University, New York
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology with minors in Sociology and Human Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Clinical Background
Darren Rafel has over a decade of clinical experience in child and family therapy, crisis intervention, and behavioral health. He has worked in community mental health settings with at-risk youth, conducted in-home crisis intervention, and facilitated individual and family therapy sessions. His practice includes direct experience with pet therapy as a clinical tool, making him particularly well-placed to evaluate the therapeutic value of emotional support animals.
How Darren Approaches Every Evaluation
I approach every ESA evaluation the same way I approach any clinical assessment. The patient's actual needs are always at the center. Pet therapy has been part of my clinical toolkit for years. I understand firsthand the therapeutic value animals can provide for individuals managing anxiety, trauma, and behavioral health challenges. My evaluations are thorough, clinically grounded, and compliant with HUD Notice FHEO-2020-01.
Darren Rafel, LCSW
Darren Rafel, LCSW. Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Areas of Clinical Focus
- Crisis intervention
- Child and family therapy
- Pet therapy
- Trauma
- Anxiety and depression
- Behavioral health
- ESA evaluations
States Where Darren is Licensed
- California
- New Jersey
- Texas
- Florida
- Arkansas
- Nevada
- Virginia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- South Carolina
- Utah
- Ohio
- Michigan
Each license verified directly with the issuing state board.
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48+ state-licensed mental health professionals across all 50 states.
