I have been fortunate to provide over 40 years of therapy for individuals experiencing a variety of mental health, substance use and co-occurring difficulties. Like many in the helping fields, my desire to 'help' others began in a community based substance use treatment center, completing training and then facilitating interventions for family members concerned for the wellbeing of loved ones. That experience led me down a highly satisfying lifetime journey- a journey which continues to be a passion for me. I am credentialed as a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner as well as Licensed and Drug Counselor in the state of Nebraska and was previously licensed for substance use counseling in Kansas. Prior to the last 26 years, I worked with individuals in residential treatment settings. Since 1995 I have been providing outpatient services through community-based programs.
I have work with individuals, couples, and families as well as facilitated groups for mental health and substance use/abuse. While I have served children, teens and adults, I currently focus on work with adults, utilizing principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma informed principles, and drawing from the many useful techniques which are considered "best practices". When possible, and only with client approval, I've found it helpful for many individuals to engage one or more persons from the client's support system in their growth journey. While a 'diagnosis' can inform and direct best practices, I've found it essential to remember that an individual is NOT their diagnosis and thus strive to offer therapy which addresses life skill building as well as tools and techniques which will effectively address the problems and/or symptoms which led the individual to consider therapy. I have worked along side individuals with a wide range of problems including depression, anxiety, relationship and family issues, substance use/abuse and physical and emotional trauma.
It is my belief that everyone should be treated with respect, compassion, sensitivity and honesty while working to reduce the stigma often associated with seeking help.
My own therapy style is warm and interactive and at the same time I work toward the importance of developing a strong trust relationship which allows for honesty and respectfully challenging individuals toward their identified goals. Treatment goals, while discussed together, are an initial focus, helping individuals to clarify and describe the changes they wish to work toward.
If you are ready to explore how to move from 'where I am now" to "where I want to be", I invite you to make contact. Change can be a frightening yet exciting journey and you no longer need to walk that road alone.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Codependency, Communication Problems, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Eating and Food-Related Issues, Guilt and Shame, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress, Smoking/Vaping Cessation, Women's Issues, Workplace Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Therapy
NE LMHP 1671
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Rita Ham. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Rita has helped me through one of the darkest times of my life. She was very compassionate and considerate and mindful of my personal values. She helped me look at my problems through a different lens and allowed me to process the situations I was facing . I am doing much better as a person, I am less tired, less anxious, and overall more optimistic about life. I have been able to set relistic goals for my self. She has given me the toolset to deal with any problem I might face later on. I would be forever grateful for her compassion and for her help.
Written on Aug 26, 2022 after therapy with Rita for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and grief
I feel extremely lucky to have found Rita. She helped me through a really rough patch with kindness and insight, and I continue to rely on our weekly sessions for support as I face new challenges.
Written on Jul 21, 2022 after therapy with Rita for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, coping with life changes, and adhd
Rita is a fantastic therapist! wholly competent and caring. My time with her was the best experience ive had with therapy thus far.
Written on Jun 01, 2022 after therapy with Rita for 1 month on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
Rita is a great therapist.
She is kind, patient and understanding.
Rita goes above and beyond by pointing out root causes of an issue and helping develop solutions.
Very attentive and detail oriented.
Highly recommend you ask for her help!
Written on Feb 01, 2022 after therapy with Rita for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I have only had a couple of appointments with Rita so far, but she has made me feel like I can count on her in that short time. She truly listens to me and helps me see things in a new perspective. She is trustworthy, reliable, and caring. Everything I’ve been looking for in a therapist!
Written on Dec 28, 2021 after therapy with Rita for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues