Rita Ham

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.