Meet Our Compassionate Clinicians
Our team at Grounding Roots Counseling provides personalized mental health therapy for individuals, adolescents, couples, families, and first responders. We specialize in trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and addiction counseling, helping you navigate life’s challenges, stressors, and transitions while building resilience and emotional well-being. Whether you’re seeking support for general mental health concerns, child and adolescent counseling, or individual and couples therapy, our clinicians provide compassionate care in a safe, confidential environment. With convenient telehealth options, you can access therapy from the comfort of your home, making it easier to prioritize your mental health no matter your schedule or location.
Mariesa Croteau, LMHC, owner
Mariesa Croteau, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor with over 10 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Lesley University, where she focused on holistic and trauma-informed approaches to therapy.
Mariesa is passionate about helping clients navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, attachment struggles, and mood or personality concerns. She has worked in both residential and public school settings and brings a deep understanding of how early experiences and relationships shape emotional well-being.
Her approach is strengths-based and trauma-informed, using Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC)along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Mariesa believes in creating a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their feelings, discover personal strengths, and build tools for lasting growth. She is dedicated to walking alongside her clients as they make meaningful connections between their mind, body, and emotions, helping them feel more grounded, resilient, and whole.
Stephen Ricco, LCSW, MS, LCDP, LADC1, CCS
Stephen is a fully licensed clinical social worker specializing in addictions, couples therapy, adolescent therapy, and mens mental health.
He works with partners experiencing communication breakdown, trust issues, emotional disconnection, and recurring conflict, helping them rebuild healthy patterns and deepen emotional connection. With adolescents and teens, Stephen provides supportive, developmentally attuned therapy for anxiety, depression, school stress, family conflict, identity development, and behavioral concerns. Stephen takes a trauma-informed approach to therapy, recognizing how early life experiences shape present relationships, emotional regulation, and coping patterns. He integrates evidence-based modalities including CBT, motivational interviewing, internal family systems, and narrative exposure therapy, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs. Stephen earned his Master of Social Work from Rhode Island College, along with a Master of Science from Salve Regina University and a Bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University. His clinical background includes extensive experience in addiction treatment and substance use recovery, with certifications in Chemical Dependency across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine. This foundation allows him to effectively support individuals and families impacted by addiction, trauma, and relational strain. In his work with couples, Stephen focuses on attachment patterns, conflict resolution, emotional safety, and restoring intimacy. In his work with teens and young adults, he prioritizes building trust and equipping clients with practical coping skills to navigate stress, peer dynamics, and family relationships. Stephen is committed to holistic, compassionate care and remains actively engaged in the recovery community and faith-based support initiatives. He brings authenticity, steadiness, and real-world understanding to every session.
Grounding Roots Counseling, LLC is seeking licensed mental health professionals to support the growing needs of our clients. We provide credentialing services, referrals, and electronic records and billing so that the clinician can focus their energy on their clients. Clinicians are able to enjoy the flexibility of making your own schedule and working remotely.
Interested candidates should send their resume to Therapy@grounding-roots.com
