Rita Mahon , LICSW

Rita Mahon is a licensed clinical social worker in Rhode Island who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, and relationship or intimacy concerns. She works with people who are managing trauma, addiction, mood concerns, parenting strain, and identity issues including LGBT-related challenges. Rita speaks plainly and focuses on practical steps people can use right away.

Rita believes each person is the expert on their own life. She aims to create a supportive space where clients can name what matters most and try approaches that fit their goals. Conversations focus on clear, usable skills and on understanding patterns that get in the way of feeling steady.

Her work draws on proven strategies such as cognitive behavioral techniques and acceptance-based approaches. She also uses client-centered methods to keep sessions grounded in the person’s values and priorities. This blend helps people learn new coping tools and re-evaluate difficult thoughts and behaviors.

With 18 years of experience as an LICSW, Rita has supported people through loss, trauma, career transitions, and parenting stresses. She pays attention to how past relationships shape present struggles and offers concrete steps for change. Sessions are often a mix of skill-building, reflection, and planning for small, doable shifts.

People who choose Rita can expect a collaborative process. She helps set clear goals and checks in about what’s working. The focus is on steady progress rather than quick fixes, and on building skills people can use beyond therapy.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on helping people notice what they value and take small actions toward those values even when uncomfortable feelings appear. It can help with anxiety, stress, and life transitions by shifting focus from avoiding feelings to building a meaningful life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is about spotting and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It provides concrete skills for managing mood, anxiety, and coping with everyday challenges through practical exercises and homework between sessions.

Client-Centered Therapy centers the conversation on the person’s experience and priorities. The therapist follows the client’s lead, listening closely and reflecting so people can better understand their own goals and choices.

Rita approaches these methods collaboratively. She will work with each person to find which style or combination fits best based on goals, needs, and personal preferences. That process often begins with a conversation about what is most urgent and what kind of tasks feel doable.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone meetings, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for a shorter check-in. Live chat and text allow ongoing brief check-ins and flexible communication between scheduled conversations. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to keep consistent progress.