Rachel McGowan , LICSW

Rachel McGowan is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Massachusetts with 11 years of experience as a clinician and school social worker. She has supported people across a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, social skills development, Autism Spectrum Disorders, OCD, and ADHD. In addition, she spent four years working in a residential setting supporting individuals who had experienced physical, sexual, and emotional trauma.

She has a particular focus on children and adolescents, helping them identify triggers, build and practice coping strategies, integrate mindfulness into daily routines, strengthen self-esteem, and improve communication skills. Her practice emphasizes a warm, interactive style and a non-judgmental environment, guided by respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Rachel seeks to avoid stigmatizing labels and places the therapeutic relationship at the center of the work.

Her approach blends evidence-informed methods and is tailored to each client’s needs. Treatment planning is collaborative, with clear goals and practical strategies honed to the individual or family. Rachel also works alongside Bauer, a certified therapy dog who is a 2 year old Goldendoodle and who often helps clients feel more comfortable during sessions. She supports clients as they take steps toward meaningful change and greater well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches and Accessible Online Care

Rachel McGowan uses several complementary approaches that translate well to remote work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on meeting each person with empathy and respect, creating a supportive space where clients lead the pace of change and explore their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, and mood regulation. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and grounding practices that can reduce stress, improve emotional awareness, and support coping in day-to-day life.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Rachel works with clients to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and then adapts methods over time so therapy fits the individual or family. The aim is to build practical skills and strengthen relationships through an approach that feels like a good match.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for busy schedules, school or work constraints, and family routines. These formats make it easier for therapists and licensed professionals to meet consistently with adolescents, parents, and adults, and to practice new strategies between sessions.