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LICSW

Rachel McGowan, LICSW

  • Experience11 years
  • LocationMassachusetts
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Depression
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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About Rachel

Rachel McGowan is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 11 years of clinical experience in Massachusetts.

Background and approach

She draws on an integrative, client-centered framework that blends cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior skills, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing to help people address stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and a wide range of mood and trauma-related concerns.

Her background includes work as a clinician and a school social worker as well as four years in a residential setting supporting people who have experienced physical, sexual, and emotional trauma. Rachel aims to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore triggers, build coping skills, and practice new strategies to improve self-esteem, communication, and day-to-day functioning.

She emphasizes collaboration in setting treatment goals and tailoring approaches to each person’s needs. Her style is described as warm and interactive, and she integrates evidence-based tools with mindfulness to support emotion regulation, reduce panic and social anxiety, and address attachment or family-related difficulties.

Beyond clinical interventions, Rachel values the therapeutic relationship as the foundation of progress. She also incorporates a certified therapy dog, Bauer, who often helps make sessions feel more comfortable for clients seeking support and change.

Evidence-Based Approaches Offered Online

Rachel frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, panic, and mood symptoms. CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors to reduce distress and improve functioning. She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills that are useful for intense emotions and relationship challenges. Mindfulness practices are integrated to build present-moment awareness and support coping with stress and impulsivity.

Finding the right mix of methods is part of the collaborative process in her work. She will talk with clients about their goals, preferences, and daily challenges and then tailor a plan that draws from these approaches so clients learn skills that fit their lives.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to consistently practice skills between sessions, access care from home in Massachusetts, and adapt therapy to changing needs while maintaining regular contact with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Rachel commonly address?
She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma and abuse, relationship and family problems, eating concerns, anger, self-esteem, and coping with life changes.
What therapeutic styles does she use in sessions?
Her approach is integrative and client-centered, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness techniques, and motivational interviewing to match each client’s needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Rachel has 11 years of experience as a clinician and school social worker, including four years working in a residential setting with people who experienced trauma.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds the MA LICSW credential with license number 117126 and practices in Massachusetts.
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available with her practice?
Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and availability.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session based on therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyDepressionADHD

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Family problemsMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

11+ years

Licensed

Massachusetts

Languages

English

What Rachel can help with

Rachel McGowan works with clients on stress and anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

Rachel works with clients with concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and social skills.

How Rachel approaches therapy

Rachel's clinical approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Rachel is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker practicing in Massachusetts.

Therapy style

Rachel aims to provide a non-judgmental and comfortable space to help guide clients to work through their challenges.