- Evidence informed
- Collaborative goal setting
- Skills focused
About Rita
Rita Mahon is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) based in Rhode Island. She focuses on helping people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, trauma and addiction. Rita emphasizes practical steps and compassionate support so people can start making small changes right away.
Rita has 18 years of experience in behavioral health work. She believes clients are the experts on their own lives and draws on that knowledge to set goals together. Sessions often include clear, actionable strategies aimed at reducing distress and improving daily coping.
Her approach blends evidence-informed methods and a client-centered stance. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to spot and change unhelpful thinking patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify values and take steps that match what matters to them.
Rita also integrates techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and existential ideas when they fit a person’s concerns. This variety lets her tailor sessions to issues like parenting strain, compassion fatigue, career stress, ADHD, body image or attachment worries.
She works with people facing life transitions, bipolar mood challenges, addiction recovery, and identity-related concerns. The work is collaborative: Rita helps set realistic goals, practices new skills in session, and checks progress over time. Anyone interested should review session options and scheduling details before booking.
Rita has 18 years of experience in behavioral health work. She believes clients are the experts on their own lives and draws on that knowledge to set goals together. Sessions often include clear, actionable strategies aimed at reducing distress and improving daily coping.
Her approach blends evidence-informed methods and a client-centered stance. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to spot and change unhelpful thinking patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify values and take steps that match what matters to them.
Rita also integrates techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and existential ideas when they fit a person’s concerns. This variety lets her tailor sessions to issues like parenting strain, compassion fatigue, career stress, ADHD, body image or attachment worries.
She works with people facing life transitions, bipolar mood challenges, addiction recovery, and identity-related concerns. The work is collaborative: Rita helps set realistic goals, practices new skills in session, and checks progress over time. Anyone interested should review session options and scheduling details before booking.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
18+ years
Credentials
Rhode Island
Languages
English
How Rita’s approaches translate to online care
Rita draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as central tools. ACT focuses on helping people name their values and take small steps that match those values even when feelings are difficult. CBT looks at patterns of thought and behavior and teaches practical skills to reduce anxiety, depression, and unhelpful habits.She also uses Client-Centered Therapy ideas to keep the relationship supportive and focused on each person's priorities. That means work is guided by the client’s goals and experience, and decisions about techniques are made together.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. Rita will discuss which methods fit a person's concerns and adjust plans as needs and goals change. This is a collaborative process where progress and strategies are reviewed regularly.
Confirm the available session formats before booking to know how she currently meets with people. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around work, parenting, or caregiving - for example a shorter check-in during a break, or reducing travel time. It also allows for practicing skills in the contexts where daily life happens, which many people find helpful.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Rita help people with?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting strain, bipolar concerns, ADHD, and related challenges.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is practical and collaborative. She uses client-centered conversation alongside skills and exercises to reduce distress and support change.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 18 years of professional experience in behavioral health settings.
What credentials and location apply to this therapist?
She holds a Rhode Island Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker credential, listed as LICSW, and practices in Rhode Island.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
How are sessions arranged and what formats are used?
Confirm current session options before booking to learn which formats she offers and how sessions are scheduled.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.