Darren Rafel, LCSW. Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Education and Credentials

• Master of Social Work, Clinical Concentration, Fordham University, New York
• Bachelor of Arts, Legal Studies, minors in Psychology and Sociology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
• Active LCSW licenses in 13 verified states: CA #112127, NJ #44SC05705300, TX #109146, FL #SW20838, AR #12505-C, NV #10442-C, VA #0904014755, IL #149028674, IN #34010324A, SC #16096, UT #14192736-3501, OH #2506321, MI #6801119440

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.

ESA Evaluation Approach

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

Specialties

• Crisis intervention
• Child and family therapy
• Pet therapy
• Trauma
• Anxiety and depression
• Behavioral health
• ESA evaluations

States Licensed

California, New Jersey, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Nevada, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina, Utah, Ohio, Michigan.