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Headshot of Rita Wagner, LCSW

Rita Wagner

Therapist
6 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
  • Individual therapy, Family therapy

Great to meet you!

I work with adults and seniors navigating life's transitions, especially those entering what I like to call "seniorhood," people stepping into a stage of life they haven't quite figured out yet. After years in community mental health, I bring a steady, non-judgmental presence and genuine care for wherever you're starting from. I'd love to be part of your next chapter.

My approach to therapy

My style is warm but direct. I follow your lead, and give you something concrete to try between sessions. I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and strength-based approaches to build practical tools. Grief, caregiving strain, and the identity shifts of aging are areas I know well, professionally and personally.

What you can expect from me

In our first session, we'll talk through what's bringing you in and what you're hoping will be different. I'll ask questions, and together we'll build a plan that's specific enough to follow but flexible enough to adjust. You can expect sessions that feel collaborative, not clinical, and a therapist who tells it to you straight.

About me

  • I identify as
    Black or African descent, Woman
  • My style is
    Challenging, Solution Oriented, Warm

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    6 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at Southern Connecticut State University
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (Connecticut)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Curative

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
  • More specialties
    Eating disorders, Stress management, Anger management, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care, Men's issues, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Trauma, PTSD
  • Therapy methods
    Strength-Based, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Positive Psychology, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Focused Therapy (FFT), Humanistic, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Behavior Modification, Motivational Interviewing, Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Attachment Based, Trauma Focused CBT, Structural Family, Cognitive Processing (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy, Behavioral, Behavior Management, Attachment Based Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Family therapy
  • Ages served
    Seniors, Adults
  • Languages
    English