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 is amazing!
Written on Apr 25, 2024 after therapy with Rita for 5 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
Thank you for always making yourself available when you can you’re the best!
Written on Mar 14, 2024 after therapy with Rita for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and addictions
Rita is professional but yet personal. Very good to get along with and visit with.
Written on Mar 06, 2024 after therapy with Rita for 5 months
Rita is amazing, she is so intelligent and intuitive, I am so grateful I got matched with her.
Written on Feb 16, 2024 after therapy with Rita for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and parenting issues
Rita is caring and nonjudgmental. She listens, she is patient and kind. Exactly what I needed.
Written on Aug 29, 2023 after therapy with Rita for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, parenting issues, and self esteem
Always kind and compassionate. Prompt in answering messages and truly cares.
Written on Aug 09, 2023 after therapy with Rita for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, and self esteem