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Headshot of Kara Rafael, APN

Kara Rafael

Psychiatric Mental Health NP
8 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Women's issues
  • Medication management, Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a holistic, evidence-based approach to care. I work with children, adolescents, and adults across a wide range of diagnoses including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, mood disorders, and eating disorders. My background includes inpatient psychiatry and outpatient medication management. I value collaboration, transparency, and helping clients feel understood, empowered, and supported.

My approach to therapy

I take a personalized and solution-focused approach, combining medication management with lifestyle considerations such as sleep, nutrition, and daily structure when appropriate. My sessions emphasize shared decision-making—clients are involved in every step, and I always take time to explain options and answer questions. Care is never one-size-fits-all; it’s a collaborative process tailored to each individual’s goals and values.

What you can expect from me

Clients can expect to leave sessions with a clear understanding of their treatment plan, confidence in the direction we’re taking, and tools to support their daily functioning. I aim to create a space that feels open, validating, and productive—where progress is measured not just by symptom relief, but by feeling more in control of your mental health.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Hispanic, Woman
  • My style is
    Humorous, Holistic, Solution Oriented

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    8 years of experience
  • Training
    MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) at Monmouth University, Bachelor of Science at Drexel University
  • License type
    NP (Nurse Practitioner) (New York), APN (Advanced Practice Nurse) (New Jersey)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network, Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Women's issues
  • More specialties
    Substance use / addiction, Bipolar disorder, Eating disorders, OCD, Sleep disorder, Family issues, Stress management, Anger management, Panic disorders, Cultural & ethnic issues, Grief or loss, Physical health issues, Relationship issues, Identity issues, Trauma, PTSD, Chronic conditions
  • Therapy methods
    Exposure Response Prevention, Behavior Management, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Behavior Modification, Strength-Based, Positive Psychology, Humanistic
  • Care types
    Medication management, Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Children, Adults, Seniors, Adolescents
  • Languages
    English
  • Locations
    400 Cedar Avenue
    West Long Branch, NJ 07764
    Location 1 of 2