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.
Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
Rita Ham brings 40 years of experience providing therapy to people facing a range of mental health, substance use, and co-occurring challenges. Her interest in helping others began in a community-based substance use treatment center, where she completed training and led interventions for family members worried about loved ones. That formative work set her on a long and continuing professional path rooted in substance use treatment and behavioral health.
She holds Nebraska licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (NE LMHP 1671) and is also credentialed as a licensed drug counselor in Nebraska; she was previously licensed for substance use counseling in Kansas. Prior to the most recent 26 years of her career, she worked with individuals in residential treatment settings. Since 1995 she has provided outpatient services through community-based programs.
Rita has worked with individuals, couples, and families and has facilitated groups addressing both mental health and substance use concerns. While her experience spans children, teens, and adults, she currently focuses on adult clients, applying cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed principles, and a range of evidence-based techniques commonly regarded as best practices. When appropriate and with client approval, she invites members of a client’s support system to participate in the therapeutic process.
She approaches diagnosis as a tool to guide care while emphasizing that a person is not defined by a diagnosis, and she aims to blend symptom-focused interventions with life-skill development and practical tools. Rita’s work has addressed depression, anxiety, relationship and family difficulties, substance use and abuse, and both physical and emotional trauma.
Her therapeutic stance is warm and interactive, grounded in respect, compassion, sensitivity, and honesty. She places a high priority on building a trusting relationship that allows for candid discussion and respectful challenge toward agreed-upon goals. Treatment planning is collaborative, with initial efforts aimed at helping clients clarify the changes they want to make.
Rita welcomes contact from those ready to explore moving from “where I am now” to “where I want to be.” She recognizes that change can be both frightening and exciting, and she offers support so people do not have to face that journey alone.
Many people wonder whether remote therapy truly helps. For common concerns – such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or navigating life changes – online therapy is generally as effective as traditional in-person care for most individuals.
One major benefit is convenience. Clients can choose the format that fits their needs and comfort level, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This flexibility often makes it easier to integrate therapy into a busy schedule.
Therapists who provide online care are licensed professionals, and clients may switch to a different therapist at any time if they prefer a different fit. For many people, remote sessions offer a practical, accessible route to consistent support and progress.
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