Rita Simmonds, LMHC
New York LMHC specializing in trauma recovery
- EMDR trained
- Christian-informed when requested
- Collaborative client-led care
About Rita Simmonds
Rita Simmonds is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York who focuses on compassionate, whole-person care for people facing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and struggles with self-esteem. She brings EMDR training to her work, and weaves evidence-based techniques with a supportive stance to help clients process difficult experiences and build emotional resilience.
Rita creates a calm, nonjudgmental space where individuals can safely explore feelings, patterns, and relationships that shape their life. Her practice attends to concerns such as social anxiety, loneliness, questions about life purpose, and attachment-related challenges, while supporting ongoing personal growth and recovery from past wounds.
She offers a Christian-informed perspective for clients who find faith meaningful, and that lens is always guided by the client rather than imposed. Rita pays close attention to the emotional experiences of both women and men, including those navigating pregnancy, life transitions, and evolving personal identity.
Across therapy sessions she emphasizes collaboration, practical coping strategies, and communication skills that foster self-compassion and healthier relationships. Rita partners with each person to identify goals, practice new ways of responding, and move toward a more authentic and meaningful life.
Rita creates a calm, nonjudgmental space where individuals can safely explore feelings, patterns, and relationships that shape their life. Her practice attends to concerns such as social anxiety, loneliness, questions about life purpose, and attachment-related challenges, while supporting ongoing personal growth and recovery from past wounds.
She offers a Christian-informed perspective for clients who find faith meaningful, and that lens is always guided by the client rather than imposed. Rita pays close attention to the emotional experiences of both women and men, including those navigating pregnancy, life transitions, and evolving personal identity.
Across therapy sessions she emphasizes collaboration, practical coping strategies, and communication skills that foster self-compassion and healthier relationships. Rita partners with each person to identify goals, practice new ways of responding, and move toward a more authentic and meaningful life.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Existential Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Rita Simmonds have?
Rita Simmonds has 5 years of experience.
Is Rita Simmonds a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LMHC, which stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor. License details: NY LMHC 016428.
In which languages does Rita Simmonds provide therapy?
Rita provides therapy in English.
Where is Rita Simmonds located?
Rita is located in New York.
How can I work with Rita Simmonds as my therapist?
You can work with Rita Simmonds through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Rita Simmonds work with international clients?
Rita Simmonds does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Rita Simmonds cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approaches for Effective Online Care
Rita draws from several established approaches to tailor online therapy to each person. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding the client from their own perspective, offering empathy and acceptance so people can explore values, identity, and personal goals in a supportive setting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns with practical strategies and skills, and is often useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Rita is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a structured approach for processing traumatic memories and reducing their ongoing emotional impact.
Choosing the best approach is part of the therapeutic process. Rita works collaboratively with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and then adapts methods so treatment fits the individual rather than forcing a single model.
Online therapy offers flexibility and easier access to care. Through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, clients can connect from home, while balancing work, family, and life transitions. These options make it simpler to attend sessions consistently and to apply skills between meetings, supporting progress in a way that suits each person’s schedule and lifestyle.