Hi, I’m Rachel Espinosa, tLMHC

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Mental Health Therapist

NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

About Me

Hi, there! I’m Rachel (she/her), fellow human and mental health therapist

My path to becoming a therapist came from a deep appreciation for how challenging, and how beautiful, life can be. I believe therapy is most meaningful when it’s collaborative and grounded in trust—and that real healing happens with compassion and curiosity. I view therapy as a flexible process in which we work together to explore your goals at your own pace. I value the strength it takes to show up for yourself. Therapy with me is not about labeling or fixing—it’s about deepening your understanding of yourself, building insight, and developing tools to help you navigate life with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion.

I am committed to fostering a brave and affirming space for individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including those who are LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent. Whether you’re navigating OCD, trauma, identity exploration, life transitions, or looking for a space where you can feel truly seen and heard, I’m here to support you.

I offer in-office and Telehealth appointments from Monday through Thursday 8AM- 4PM and Fridays 8 AM-2 PM.

Clinical Areas

  • Generalized anxiety

  • Social anxiety

  • Panic disorder

  • Obsessive compulsive disorder

  • Alcohol & substance Use

  • Depression / persistent low mood

  • Grief & loss

  • Relationship concerns

  • Identity exploration and identity development

Below is a list of common mental health concerns I work with in practice. This list is not exhaustive, and if you don’t see your specific concern listed here - that’s okay. Everyone comes to therapy with a unique story, different needs, and different stages of readiness. 

  • Coping Skills

  • LGBTQ+ related stressors & experiences

  • Life transitions

  • Neurodivergence (Autism & ADHD)

  • PTSD / developmental trauma / trauma

  • Racial identity stress and BIPOC-related experiences

  • Self-esteem and self-worth concerns

Passion Areas

  • Supporting individuals as they find their identity, values, and goals for the future

  • Helping clients reclaim their life from OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and social anxiety with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Affirming and exploring LGBTQ+ identity development, self-acceptance, and experiences of belonging

  • Developing a stronger sense of self-worth and self-compassion

  • Reducing shame and breaking cycles of self-criticism

  • Providing neurodivergent-affirming support for individuals navigating identity, burnout, and daily life challenges

  • Creating a safe and supportive space to process trauma, reduce its ongoing impact, and move forward with greater confidence and self-compassion.

My passion areas reflect the themes I feel most drawn to and most energized by in my work with clients.

Modalities & Education

I’ve worked with individuals (ages 12+ up) across a range of settings including private practice, inpatient hospitalization, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). I bring that experience into creating a supportive and attuned space for every person. These experiences shape my approach to creating a supportive and attuned space for each person I work with.

My approach is rooted in person-centered care and grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own life. I have specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and I integrate techniques from evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), tailoring our work to what resonates with you.

I provide services under the supervision of Ali Simpson, LMHC. 

  • Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling / Drake University

  • Bachelors of Arts in Psychology / Grand View University

Outside the Therapy Office

Outside of work, I enjoy walking my dog, Lenny, spending time with loved ones, discovering new coffee shops, and cheering on my favorite sports teams. I also love traveling, exploring farmers markets, running, practicing karate, painting, jumping on trampolines, photography, enjoying ice cream, and listening to music.