Carissa Rice, LCSW · Indianapolis
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Indianapolis. For twelve years I've helped families get schools to see their child clearly — through IEP meetings, behavior assessments, and when it comes to it, due process.
How We Help
Whether your child is gifted, has learning differences, ADHD, autism, or simply isn't thriving, I meet you where you are and walk with you every step of the way.
By The Numbers
Disability is not rare, and it is not one-dimensional. Every classroom includes students with a wide range of learning, emotional, physical, and developmental needs.
Students Served
Nearly 7.9 million U.S. children ages 3-21 received special education services under IDEA in 2023-24.
In Public Schools
95% of students served under IDEA attend public schools.
Learning Disabilities
32% of students receiving services have a specific learning disability.
Autism Representation
Students with autism now represent 12% of students with disabilities—up from 1.5% in 2000-01.
Over 100,000 students are restrained or secluded in U.S. public schools each year. 80% of students subjected to physical restraint and 77% subjected to seclusion are students with disabilities.
When systems fail to understand behavior, students with disabilities bear the greatest cost.
About Carissa
Most parents I meet aren't trying to fight their school. They're trying to be understood by it. My job is to make sure the people in that room see your child the way you do — and that what they agree to actually gets written down, and actually gets done.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with dual master's degrees in Social Work and Nonprofit Management, and twelve years of experience supporting students with autism, ADHD and learning differences. Because I'm a clinician as well as an advocate, I can assess what is driving your child's behavior and then argue for what that assessment shows.
I work with families throughout Indiana — in IEP and case conference meetings, through evaluations and behavior plans, and when it comes to it, in due process hearings.
Testimonials
“Carissa's gentle and patient approach is calming for Lily who has learned to depend on Carissa's wisdom and advice. Even when we are not with Carissa, Lily will say, 'What would Carissa say?' We even joke that we should get 'WWCD' bracelets, or 'What Would Carissa Do?' reminders. Carissa's strength comes from her true passion for the special needs population. She works tirelessly to monitor situations and protect her clients.”
— Anonymous Client Review
“We found Carissa's assistance during a time in which our family was struggling to maintain a healthy relationship with our son's school. Carissa provided a positive and refreshing approach to both holding our son's school accountable while suggesting viable practices to aide in providing our son a successful school atmosphere. I know our son and our family as a whole has greatly benefitted by simply knowing her.”
— Anonymous Client Review
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're looking for support for your child, exploring services, or you just have questions, I'm here.
“A person's a person, no matter how small.”
— Dr. Seuss
Behavior Support · September 15, 2026
A functional behavioral assessment asks what your child's behavior is for — not just what it looks like. Here's how to request one in Indiana, the four words that change what you're entitled to, the timelines the school has to meet, and what to do when the FBA comes back thin.
IEP Support · August 31, 2026
A practical, parent-tested checklist for what to gather before an IEP or case conference committee meeting — the paperwork to request ahead of time, what belongs in your folder, the part only you can bring, and what to ask for before you leave the room.