Rebekah Karel,
LMSW, RPT

Child and Adolescent Clinical Director | Therapist

Hi! I’m Rebekah, a mental health therapist specializing in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families who are struggling with ARFID (avoidant restrictive feeding intake disorder). Even if you do not have a formal diagnosis of ARFID, I will be able to help you assess if that is what you or your child are struggling with. Additionally, ARFID has a strong correlation with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As each of these co-occurring presentations of ARFID are different, I switch up aspects of my treatment approaches to match the needs of the person and family. I am neuro-affirming and identify with having ADHD myself!

Currently there are mixed treatment methods for the mental health component of ARFID as the diagnosis is still fairly new. Some intervention models and theories I pull from in my therapeutic work include polyvagal theory and creating a felt sense of safety through somatic interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), consensual and playful exposure and response prevention (ERP), adlerian play therapy, emotion focused family therapy (EFFT), and various expressive-arts interventions such as art, games, and movement. As I am a registered play therapist (RPT) it is important to me that I teach skills and psychoeducation through playful, hands-on approaches that don’t feel scary and instead feel empowering. Therapeutic play helps the person express, regulate, and label their emotions in a safe and fun way. I also take a strengths-based approach and look to see what strengths you and your family already have and utilize those strengths and interests in treatment.

In my therapeutic work I often take a family approach as caregivers are navigating meal times right alongside their child. For some clients, it is also important for them to receive additional treatment for the medical complexities associated with this diagnosis. Some individuals with ARFID need to work with a medical doctor, a feeding-specialized speech language pathologist (SLP), a registered dietician, or an occupational therapist (OT) who is well-versed in the sensory integration piece of the diagnosis. If a client is not currently receiving these services and I feel that the person’s symptoms necessitate bringing these providers on board I will help point families in the right direction to get them connected to those supports.

As I am licensed in Michigan I am able to bill insurance for individual and family therapy sessions in-person or virtually within the state. For caregivers, adolescents, or adults outside of Michigan I am able to provide coaching or consultation using private pay rates. 

While I have experience working with children and families of all faith beliefs (or non-belief), I am also able to incorporate Christian faith into sessions at your request. 

I would be honored to walk alongside you and your family! Thanks for taking this brave step on the road to healing.

Insurances Accepted

  • Aetna

  • ASR

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Blue Care Network
    Blue Cross Complete

  • Cigna

  • Priority Health (Commerical/
    Medicare/Medicaid)

  • McClaren

  • Molina

  • Straight Medicaid

  • United/Optum

  • Oscar

  • Out of Network

  • Private Pay

Office Location:

Child and adolescent office - Cascade

5360 Cascade Ave SE,
Grand Rapids, MI, 49546

Speaking Engagements

Rebekah is a passionate and engaging speaker who would be happy to present for your group on a variety of childhood mental health topics including ARFID, childhood anxiety, parenting the ADHD child, and the power of play therapy. Rebekah also has experience working in the schools and is happy to present a topic of your choice at your school’s next professional development. Rebekah also has a history of presenting for churches and other faith-based agencies and would love to chat about the intersection of and mental health.

Ready to get started? 

Fill out the contact form and our team will answer any questions and help get you scheduled.