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Rachel McGowan, LICSW

Compassionate LICSW supporting children and families
  • Child and adolescent focus
  • Trauma informed care
  • Therapy dog co clinician

About Rachel McGowan

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

Rachel has a particular interest in working with children and adolescents, helping them recognize triggers, build and practice coping strategies, integrate mindfulness into daily routines, strengthen self-esteem and confidence, and improve communication skills. Her approach blends warmth and interactivity with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and she aims to avoid stigmatizing labels while centering the therapeutic relationship as the foundation of change.

Her clinical work draws on multiple modalities tailored to each client’s needs, combining client-centered collaboration with evidence-informed techniques to create a practical treatment plan and pursue individualized goals. Rachel often brings her certified therapy dog, Bauer, a 2-year-old Goldendoodle, who can help young people feel more at ease during sessions. She provides services in English and is licensed in Massachusetts as an LICSW - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Rachel is not currently accepting new clients.

Areas of Expertise

Also Specializes In

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 Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Rachel McGowan have?

Rachel McGowan has 11 years of experience as a clinician and school social worker.

Is Rachel McGowan a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LICSW credential, which stands for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Her Massachusetts license number is MA LICSW 117126.

In which languages does Rachel McGowan provide therapy?

Rachel provides therapy in English.

Where is Rachel McGowan located?

Rachel McGowan is located in Massachusetts.

How can I work with Rachel McGowan as my therapist?

You can work with Rachel McGowan through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text based messaging.

Does Rachel McGowan work with international clients?

Rachel McGowan does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Rachel McGowan 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, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. 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.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Rachel McGowan integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) into her online practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a collaborative, empathetic relationship where the client’s goals guide the work and the therapist offers support and reflection to foster self understanding and growth. CBT helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical skills to change behaviors and manage symptoms such as anxiety and depression. DBT emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, offering concrete tools for those struggling with intense emotions or relationship challenges.



Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Rachel works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time so the treatment plan remains focused and responsive.



Online therapy with Rachel is available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to fit therapy into daily life, access licensed professionals from home or school, and continue consistent care even when in person visits are not possible.

Ready to start therapy with Rachel McGowan?

Take the first step toward a better you.