Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Cara Banafato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
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Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Cara Banafato

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
Call Me
Let's Connect (732) 490-1880
Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Available online only
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
My approach to therapy is down-to-earth and highly collaborative. I use a variety of evidenced-based modalities and tailor my approach to each individual. I have advanced training and experience in treating trauma, grief, and anxiety. Additionally, I specialize in working with fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community.
I believe you are the expert of your own experience, and I am here to support you in your goals and empower you with skills and strategies to navigate life's challenges. I believe humor is a helpful tool in the therapeutic process (and life in general), so you can expect moments of levity and laughter along the way!
I know how difficult it can be to take the first, second, or hundredth step in finding support. If you are reading to this point, chances are you are considering taking that next step. I welcome you to schedule a complimentary consultation to explore how I might be able to help.
Call or Cara Banafato now for a free 15 minute consultation - (732) 490-1880

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

(732) 490-1880
My website
I have immediate availability for teletherapy appointments on Fridays.
I specialize in Trauma and PTSD, Grief and Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) 
$120 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and families  
Let's Connect (732) 490-1880
Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

(732) 490-1880
My website
I have immediate availability for teletherapy appointments on Fridays.
I specialize in Trauma and PTSD, Grief and Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) 
$120 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and families  

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $120
  • Couple Sessions $120
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Cigna and Evernorth
  • Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Oscar Health
  • Oxford
  • UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
"
I partner with Headway, a secure platform that streamlines insurance, payment, and scheduling, so we can focus our scheduled time on you and your goals.
Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Cara Banafato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 490-1880
"
I partner with Headway, a secure platform that streamlines insurance, payment, and scheduling, so we can focus our scheduled time on you and your goals.
Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Cara Banafato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 490-1880

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of New Jersey / 44SC06227200 Cara Banafato
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 8 years
  • Attended Rutgers University School of Social Work, MSW, Graduated 2018
  • Additional Credentials

  • Membership with Assocation for Contextual Behavioral Science
  • Certificate from Rutgers University: Trauma Response and Crisis Intervention
"
I have experience in a variety of therapeutic settings (community-based, residential, and outpatient), which has allowed me to become a well-rounded therapist and build a strong foundation of clinical skills that will be useful in our work together.
Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Cara Banafato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 490-1880
"
I have experience in a variety of therapeutic settings (community-based, residential, and outpatient), which has allowed me to become a well-rounded therapist and build a strong foundation of clinical skills that will be useful in our work together.
Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Cara Banafato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 490-1880

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Grief
  • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Bisexual
  • Depression
  • Lesbian
  • LGBTQ+
  • Mood Disorders
"
During our initial sessions, we will discuss your concerns and assess for symptoms that may be interfering with your quality of life. Then we will discuss treatment options that can help you reach your goals. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic interventions that are proven to be effective.
Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Cara Banafato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 490-1880
"
During our initial sessions, we will discuss your concerns and assess for symptoms that may be interfering with your quality of life. Then we will discuss treatment options that can help you reach your goals. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic interventions that are proven to be effective.
Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Cara Banafato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 490-1880

Client Focus

Age

Preteen
Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Family

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Transgender Allied

Age

Preteen
Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Family

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Cognitive Processing (CPT)
  • EMDR
  • Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Trauma Focused
"
Treatment approaches are as varied as people are! Some individuals benefit from a "top-down" approach, focusing on how their thoughts impact their feelings and actions. Others prefer a "bottom-up" approach, starting with the somatic or "felt sense" of their emotions. We'll explore your preferences and needs to determine the best fit for you.
Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Cara Banafato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 490-1880
"
Treatment approaches are as varied as people are! Some individuals benefit from a "top-down" approach, focusing on how their thoughts impact their feelings and actions. Others prefer a "bottom-up" approach, starting with the somatic or "felt sense" of their emotions. We'll explore your preferences and needs to determine the best fit for you.
Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Cara Banafato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (732) 490-1880

Location

Primary Location

Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

(732) 490-1880
"
I have immediate availability for teletherapy appointments on Fridays.
Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Cara Banafato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call for a free consultation now - (732) 490-1880
"
I have immediate availability for teletherapy appointments on Fridays.
Photo of Cara Banafato, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Cara Banafato
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Call for a free consultation now - (732) 490-1880