Rachel A. Sackenheim, MSW, LISW-S

I am a licensed independent social worker supervisor (LISW-S) and school-based mental health therapist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, working primarily with young children in early childhood. I support their social-emotional development and help them navigate challenges such as anxiety, behavioral concerns and adjusting to changes in their lives.

From a young age, I have been passionate about helping people feel heard, supported and empowered to grow into their best selves. After beginning my career in adult mental health, I have been with Cincinnati Children’s since 2013, working in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics and with children facing serious medical conditions and their families.

In my practice, I believe children and families should have an active role in shaping treatment goals. Therapy involves understanding how thoughts, feelings and behaviors impact daily life, practicing coping skills and learning to navigate challenges. I use evidence-based approaches tailored to each child’s needs, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), solution-focused therapy (SFBT), behavioral interventions and aspects of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and play therapy. I take a flexible, individualized approach and collaborate with families, school staff, physicians and community agencies to create consistent support that promotes resilience, self-regulation and positive peer interactions.

I love working with children and watching them grow, and I am committed to fostering environments where they can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. I am also passionate about mentoring other providers and continuing my own professional development. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, good food, and nurturing friendships.