When it comes to your life, you are not just the artist, but the masterpiece as well.
- Cleo Wade -
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Dr. Emily Engel - Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Charlotte, NC

Welcome

I am so glad you're here! Caring for your mental health is both courageous and well-deserved. Whether you seek a safe place to heal from past experiences, improve connection in relationships, cope with emotional challenges or grow more fully into yourself, I am honored to walk beside you.

As a clinical psychologist licensed in North Carolina and credentialled in various PSYPACT states, I am pleased to offer individual and family psychotherapy as well as consultative services to Charlotte, NC and beyond. I serve children (age 10+) through adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, emotional regulation, addiction, and women's issues. Beyond my private practice, I provide education, consultation and trauma response services to community members. It is my privilege to serve individuals from diverse backgrounds; I am a LGBTQ+ affirming and antiracist therapist with services available in English and Spanish.

Please feel free to explore this site and reach out if I can be of assistance. I look forward to connecting!
 

Warmly,

Dr. Engel

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.
- Carl Rogers

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About

Headshot Dr. Engel (she/her/hers) traces her interest in psychology back to her favorite subjects in grade school – History and English. Even as a child, the resilience of the human spirit individually and in community fascinated her. She pored over Anne Frank's diary, debated implications of child labor during the Industrial Revolution, and was inspired by Harriet Tubman's heroism. This curiosity led her to study Psychology, Sociology and Spanish at Villanova University, where Dr. Engel participated in a service learning community that provided care to families in need in Philadelphia, PA. Witnessing the interaction between academia’s social sciences and families’ own lived experiences in the face of adversity reinforced her drive to serve in a clinical capacity.
 
Dr. Engel earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University - C.W. Post in NY. As an intern at Queen’s Children’s Psychiatric Center, Dr. Engel worked with children and families in inpatient, school, and outpatient settings. At North Shore-Long Island Jewish Medical Center’s Division of Trauma Psychiatry, she provided evidence-supported interventions to crime victims, military and law enforcement individuals and their families who were experiencing a variety of anxiety, substance use and sleep difficulties. As a member of the Red Cross: Disaster Mental Health Institute, Dr. Engel also helped develop the C.W. Post Trauma Response Team, a community disaster response training program, and provided services for 9/11 families, first responders and other survivors of community tragedies. In fact, Dr. Engel’s trauma response work was honored by the American Psychological Association, Div. 12, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and Long Island Business News.

Dr. Engel was excited to move to Charlotte with her family, and has been in practice locally since 2010. A lifelong learner of her own development and craft; she strives to provide integrative evidence-supported approaches to clients while honoring their unique identities and values. With clients, Dr. Engel believes that each therapeutic journey is founded upon a collaborative, warm and respectful relationship. In session, she may be informal, encouraging, and/or challenging, and she always welcomes your feedback as you work toward your goals. Dr. Engel believes that each therapeutic journey is sacred, and is privileged to accompany you as you build a life of healing, growth, authenticity and meaning.

Outside of the office, Dr. Engel delights in nursing a cup of chai, snuggling her two rescue pups, Luna and Sunny, breathing in the outdoors on family hikes, and dipping her toes in the edge of the ocean.
Dr. Engel earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University - C.W. Post in NY. As an intern at Queen’s Children’s Psychiatric Center, Dr. Engel worked with children and families in inpatient, school, and outpatient settings. At North Shore-Long Island Jewish Medical Center’s Division of Trauma Psychiatry, she provided evidence-supported interventions to crime victims, military and law enforcement individuals and their families who were experiencing a variety of anxiety, substance use and sleep difficulties. As a member of the Red Cross: Disaster Mental Health Institute, Dr. Engel also helped develop the C.W. Post Trauma Response Team, a community disaster response training program, and provided services for 9/11 families, first responders and other survivors of community tragedies. In fact, Dr. Engel’s trauma response work was honored by the American Psychological Association, Div. 12, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and Long Island Business News.

Dr. Engel was excited to move to Charlotte with her family, and has been in practice locally since 2010. A lifelong learner of her own development and craft; she strives to provide integrative evidence-supported approaches to clients while honoring their unique identities and values. With clients, Dr. Engel believes that each therapeutic journey is founded upon a collaborative, warm and respectful relationship. In session, she may be informal, encouraging, and/or challenging, and she always welcomes your feedback as you work toward your goals. Dr. Engel believes that each therapeutic journey is sacred, and is privileged to accompany you as you build a life of healing, growth, authenticity and meaning.

Outside of the office, Dr. Engel delights in nursing a cup of chai, snuggling her two rescue pups, Luna and Sunny, breathing in the outdoors on family hikes, and dipping her toes in the edge of the ocean.
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There is no wholeness outside our reciprocal humanity.
- Bryan Stevenson

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Psychotherapy

Dr. Engel is pleased to provide evidence-supported psychotherapy services to children (ages 10+), adolescents, adults and families. Beginning at the initial consultation, she collaborates with clients about their treatment goals and plan. With children, therapy may involve play while therapy with teens may incorporate games and frank discussion. With clients of all ages, Dr. Engel seeks to develop a trusting, authentic relationship in which clients can explore, improve relationships, and make desired life changes.

Areas of Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma/Grief
  • Addiction
  • Coping with Chronic Medical Conditions
  • Relationship Issues
  • Life Transitions
  • LGBTQ+ Issues
  • Body Image
  • Women's Issues

Therapeutic Modalities

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Family Systems Theory
  • Mindfulness
  • Attachment Theory
  • Minority Stress
  • Relational Cultural Theory

Fees

Fees: Dr. Engel's practice is private pay, and fees are due at the time of service. Fees are set depending upon the psychological service(s) provided and time spent as well as therapist degrees, expertise, advanced training/certifications and specialized experience. Please note that payment is ultimately your financial responsibility. More information can be found in Dr. Engel's consent for services paperwork as well as the Good Faith Estimate as required by the “No Surprises Act.”

Insurance: Dr. Engel does not contract with managed care companies, and is considered an “Out-of-Network” provider. Benefits of seeking Out-of-Network care include increased confidentiality and access to a greater scope of providers offering integrated, specialized and effective care. In-Network services can be restricted by length, type of intervention and other criteria of third party payers that may not be most effective or in the individual client's best interest. Of course, it is always your right to seek services with an In-Network or managed care provider, which can be a more affordable and accessible option for your family.

For Dr. Engel's practice, payment is due at the time of session. Clients with insurance coverage may then request a statement of payments to submit to their insurance provider for Out-of-Network reimbursement. Before utilizing this option, clients should inquire with their insurance provider about their Out-of-Network mental health benefits as well as other payment options such as a health savings or flexible spending plan. If you have any questions about navigating your benefits, please feel free to ask Dr. Engel.

Be patient toward all that is unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves...Live the questions now.
- Rainer Maria Rilke

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Presentations & Consultation

Dr. Engel is available to provide community education and consultation services around a range of mental health topics. She offers formal presentations as well as more informal discussions in a variety of contexts such as schools, parent groups, physicians' offices, places of worship, treatment centers, and other community organizations. Sample topics include:

  • Crisis and Tragedy in Schools: Preparedness, Response and Recovery. In a fearful time of school shootings, suicides, drug overdoses, and natural disasters, this talk seeks to support and prepare educators, providers and caregivers for tending to the emotional needs of youth. Provides education about child responses to extreme stress and tips for adults on responding to trauma and encouraging recovery.
  • Girls Rising: Empowering a Next Generation. Lecture for parents or students themselves regarding body image, gender issues and sexualization of girls. Tips for developing positive self- and body-image in girls.
  • Release the Pressure: Mindfulness for Teens. This is an interactive talk for middle and/or high schoolers that introduces the concept of mindfulness and mental wellness with relatable conversation and a (self-contained but messy!) demonstration. A hit for breaking up the school day!
  • Sexual Development & Youth: Uncomfortable Yet? Talk presents information to parents, caregivers or teachers about sexual development in youth (spanning birth to early adulthood). Addresses issues such as sexuality within our homes and culture, relationship dynamics, sexual identity and sexual abuse with guidance to adults on encouraging healthy sexual development in youth.
  • Substance Abuse & Stress: A Family Experience. This lecture includes an overview of the family dynamics associated with addiction including members' roles and common reactions. Presents a family's guide to participating in recovery.
  • Tech-Savvy Perspectives on Bullying. Lecture focuses on the roles of all involved in bullying and presents guidance for preventing and responding to bullying in schools, churches and the community.
  • When Bad Things Happen: Community Trauma Preparedness and Response. Provides education about community responses to trauma, and how to prepare for and respond to local crises and disasters. Includes introduction to Psychological First Aid.

Feel free to contact me for additional information about topics, fees or to schedule a talk.

Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage.
- Brené Brown

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Trauma Preparedness, Response & Recovery

It is Dr. Engel's sincere passion and privilege to facilitate others' healing from various traumas and tragedies. She offers trauma preparedness, response and therapeutic services to community members following a range of traumas and crises (e.g., suicide, tragic loss, sexual abuse, shooting, natural disaster, racial trauma, combat, first responders, school violence, etc.).

Dr. Engel was fortunate to be trained in mental health first responding through the Red Cross: Disaster Mental Health Institute, Dr. Thomas Demaria, Director of the World Trade Center Family Center and C.W. Post Trauma Response Team, and the Division of Trauma Psychiatry at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York. In addition, Dr. Engel’s past trauma response work has been recognized by the American Psychological Association, Div. 12, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum and Long Island Business News.

In preparation for and following a crisis, it is often helpful for the community to receive professional guidance to best enhance recovery in survivors. Dr. Engel meets with affected children, parents, staff members, leadership, etc, and supports each of them in their roles. Services include Psychological First Aid, organizational consultation, psychoeducation and crisis counseling.

For many, more personalized psychotherapeutic approaches allow for greater healing. Individual offerings include Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy for PTSD, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS). All approaches are evidence-based and incorporated into healing work that is collaborative, validating and empowering.

Dr. Engel welcomes you to contact her for more information.

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
- Maya Angelou

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Telepsychology

At this time, Dr. Engel provides all psychotherapy services via telepsychology. Online therapy offers a safe and convenient alternative to in-person services which allows clients to access specialized care within the privacy and comfort of their own home or local environment. While online therapy depends on individual preferences, research shows that, in most cases, it is equally effective to in-person treatment for trauma, anxiety, depression and substance abuse, among other issues. In fact, therapists have found benefits for children, adolescents and adults alike with clients reporting an equivalent therapeutic alliance and high satisfaction with treatment.

Dr. Engel provides telepsychology services to clients in North Carolina and the following PSYPACT participating states:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

PSYPACT states may change. Please verify your state's current participation at psypact.site-ym.com

Dr. Engel uses a secure, HIPAA compliant videoconferencing platform, doxy.me, and will provide instructions for use prior to your first online appointment.

The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.
- Carl Jung

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Testimonials

"As a psychiatrist in practice for over 20 years, I consider finding a therapist like Dr. Engel to be a gift. People come to us in their darkest hour, opening their hearts in hopes we will help them find some relief from suffering. It's a sacred space to be invited into and when you find a therapist who joins you and the patient in that space fully aware of the responsibility it requires and prepared for the work, it's the exception rather than the rule. Emily's training and experience have given her a keen eye for the trauma that so often gets overlooked in our patients, and she knows how to collaborate with each patient to find the right way forward for that individual, vs having a 'one size fits all' solution. She also approaches the work with a team-based sensibility and is fabulous to collaborate with. As a result, Emily's patients get better - they find relief from suffering as well as more presence, peace and meaning in their lives and relationships."

John Santopietro, MD, DFAPA
Former Chief Clinical Officer, Behavioral Health, Atrium Health
Senior Vice President and Physician-In-Chief, Behavioral Health Network, Hartford HealthCare
Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine

"As principal of a high school, I have had a long-time collaboration with Dr. Emily Engel in order to help students and the Charlotte community. Over the years, I have referred many teens to Dr. Engel who have struggled with trauma, addiction, anxiety, eating disorders, and depression. I always know that families are in capable hands when I send them to Dr. Engel. I have been very impressed with her approach and have observed positive results from the students that she has worked with. Dr. Engel has also provided ongoing training to our families and staff related to trauma, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and navigating issues surrounding COVID. She has been a tremendous resource for our school community. I am grateful for her partnership in serving students and families in the local area."

Doug Corwin
Former Head of School, TrinityPrep School

"For many years now, I have had the pleasure of working with and referring to Dr. Engel. Her attention to detail and desire to provide intentional care is unparalleled. While trauma is an area of expertise for Dr. Engel, I have admired her understanding and treatment of many additional areas including substance use disorders. Dr. Engel has always been willing to coordinate care, working with additional providers (medical and therapeutic), family members, and others to provide the most comprehensive and effective care for her clients. My experience of her work is that Dr. Engel uses a culturally competent and systemic approach, providing a safe space for clients to learn about themselves in the context of their environments and grow."

Kelly Little MSW, LCAS, CCS-I
Clinical Supervisor, Dilworth Center

"Dr. Emily Engel is an asset to the Charlotte psychological community. She and I have worked closely for many years, and I hold her in the highest regard. She demonstrates excellence in her practice, and has the integrity of work to engage treatment that is focused on the needs of the client and founded in empirical validation. I would not hesitate to refer my closest family member to her care."

Kristin L. Daley, PhD, DBSM
Licensed Psychologist, Diplomate of Behavioral Sleep Medicine, BASE Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Consulting

"I have known Dr. Engel for over 4 years and have shared many mutual patients over time. She is a dedicated, insightful, and compassionate professional, one who dives deep into complex situations and provides real-life hands on strategies to patients and their families. Dr. Engel has a unique ability to connect with patients through multiple therapy techniques CBT, DBT and relational psychotherapy. She is also excellent at always taking the time to collaborate with other providers. Patients I have referred to her have reported improvement as early as after 3 months of weekly sessions and parents have commented 'I have my child back'. I recommend Dr. Engel without hesitation to any pediatric/adolescent patient struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic medical concerns, and trauma."

Liya Beyderman, MD
Pediatric Neurologist, Board Certified in Adult and Pediatric Epilepsy

"Dr. Engel has been a valued colleague for many years. She's exceptionally knowledgeable in her application of DBT for anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction recovery. She's an identity affirming psychologist who skillfully supports the entire family system, especially when difficult behaviors and tensions arise. I have the deepest of respect for Dr. Engel and have every confidence in recommending working with her."

Leia Charnin, PhD
Licensed Psychologist, Clinical Director of ChangeWell Psych

Be patient toward all that is unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves...Live the questions now.
- Rainer Maria Rilke

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I get started?

You already have! I encourage you to first explore this website to gauge if you (and/or your child) might be interested in working with me. If you have any questions or are interested in setting up a first appointment, I invite you to contact me via the form at the bottom of this page. I will then respond to you via email at my earliest convenience to answer any questions and go over details of my practice including setting up the appointment, creating a TherapyPortal account and completing initial paperwork. Finally, I want to assist you in connecting with the right provider for you, so if I am not the best fit, I'm happy to direct you to others who may be more aligned with your needs.

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What happens in the first session(s)?

Once we review the paperwork you completed, we will begin an initial consultation process. This will allow me to perform a preliminary assessment of your (and/or your child's) needs and strengths, review any previous care you've already completed, and understand your goals. If appropriate, I will request your permission to speak with any other relevant providers to coordinate care. Finally, I will share my initial impressions and recommendations for therapy. It is a collaborative and reciprocal process where you also decide if I'm the best fit for you (or your child) moving forward.

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How often do we meet?

Session frequency is meant to correspond with the level of support needed to make progress toward your goals. Most clients begin therapy attending sessions once weekly, while others benefit from support twice weekly to start. As individuals make progress and build desired skills, we typically reduce the frequency of meetings as needed for maintenance and further growth.

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Does virtual therapy work?

It does! While there are pros/cons to both in-person and virtual therapy (also called telehealth or telepsychology), virtual therapy offers numerous benefits. Many clients attend therapy from the comfort of their own home, while others opt to attend sessions from a private space during their work/school day. Virtual therapy reduces some obstacles to care (goodbye commute!) with flexibility, convenience and personalization.

While it is not for everyone, research shows that participants in telepsychology enjoy equivalent reductions in anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, and substance abuse, among other issues. They also boast strong alliances with their live therapists and high client satisfaction. Having therapy while snuggling a cherished pet is an added bonus!

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What are your fees?

All sessions are 53-60 minutes including check-out and transition time. The first appointment is $275 and subsequent sessions are $225. Fees are due at the time of session. Additional details can be found above.

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Do you accept insurance?

Dr. Engel is an independent provider and “out-of-network” (OON) with insurance companies. This allows her to better protect client confidentiality and focus on providing high-quality and effective treatment without the interference of for-profit managed care. Prior to getting started, you are encouraged to check your benefits to be best informed of your financial options and responsibilities. Dr. Engel is happy to provide a statement for clients to file for reimbursement with their insurance company based on any OON benefits you may have, and you are welcome to pay with a HSA/flexible spending card. For more information, see above.

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What if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?

Session time is reserved exclusively for you. Your appointment represents an investment in our shared work together – in committing Dr. Engel's availability, education and training with your motivation and resources for change. As such, please provide at least 24 hrs notice when needing to cancel/reschedule an appointment to avoid a cancellation fee. Your understanding is so appreciated.

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What do I do if I have a mental health emergency?

My highest priority is your safety and wellbeing. If you experience a mental health emergency, please dial 911, proceed to your nearest emergency room, or contact one of the following crisis resources:

  • Atrium Behavioral Health Center (BHC): 704-444-2400
  • Mecklenburg Co. Mobile Crisis: 704-566-3410
  • Novant BHC: 704-384-4255
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Dial 988 (https://988lifeline.org/) or 800-273-8255
  • Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741

Additional specialized resources can be found here.

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What are your hours?

Appointments are by appointment only. Dr. Engel sees clients Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am-5:30pm, and Fridays 9:00am-1:00pm.

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Resources

Suicide Prevention & Crisis Support

Trauma, Grief & Loss

Mental Health

Mindfulness

Identity & Social Justice Issues

The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.
- Carl Jung

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Contact

Beach Stones

Email

DrEngel@DrEmilyEngel.com

Phone

(704) 668-1931

Fax

(704) 626-6454

Telepsychology

By appointment only

Get in Touch

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