Rita Simmonds, LMHC - Therapist in New York

About Rita

Rita Simmonds is a licensed mental health counselor based in New York who supports people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, and struggles with self-esteem. She uses practical, evidence-informed methods to help clients manage overwhelming feelings and develop better coping skills.

Rita welcomes clients who want a straightforward, compassionate approach and sometimes integrates a Christian-informed perspective when clients ask for faith to be part of the work. Rita draws on five years of clinical experience and training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, to address distress tied to past events.

Background and approach

She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thinking and build healthier habits. Her style is collaborative and grounded in client-centered principles, which means sessions focus on each person’s priorities and pace. Common topics she addresses include mood concerns, trauma and abuse, addictions, parenting stress, sleep and eating challenges, relationship and intimacy issues, and career transitions.

Rita also works with concerns such as attachment wounds, abandonment, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and body image. She pays attention to how life changes and role stress affect daily functioning. Sessions are offered in English and available through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Rita holds a New York licensed mental health counselor credential - NY LMHC 016428 - and has practical experience combining talk-based strategies with targeted modalities like EMDR. People who want clear, steady support and tools to handle difficult emotions may find Rita’s approach helpful. She aims to collaborate on goals, build stronger coping skills, and support gradual, meaningful change.

How Rita Uses Evidence-Based Approaches Online

Rita regularly combines EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy depending on client needs. EMDR is a trauma-focused method that helps people process distressing memories and reduce their intensity. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns.

She approaches these methods in a collaborative way. Together with each person she will discuss goals, try out techniques, and adjust the plan based on what works. Finding the right fit is part of the process and clients are invited to share preferences and concerns so the work reflects their values and pace.

Online sessions can be held by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to offer more flexibility. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, continue support during transitions, and use short check-ins or longer talks as needed. Licensed professionals can adapt EMDR, CBT, and client-centered work to these formats while focusing on practical, goal-oriented steps.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Rita focus on?

She addresses stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, low self-esteem, depression, addictions, LGBT issues, relationship and intimacy matters, eating and sleeping problems, parenting stress, anger, career concerns, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapeutic style?

Her work is collaborative and client-centered, using practical techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy alongside EMDR and existential approaches when helpful.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Rita has five years of professional experience working with the range of concerns listed in her profile.

What are her credentials and where is she located?

She is a licensed mental health counselor - NY LMHC 016428 - and practices from New York.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Rita offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as ways to connect.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with Rita?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 5 years
Licensed: New York
Languages: English

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