Meet Rithy Vang
LCSWA
HE/HIM
In-Person & Virtual
TEENS & ADULTS, COUPLES
Hi, I’m Rithy—pronounced as ‘Rit-Tea’. As an openly proud gay man and a first- generation Asian American (Cambodian & Hmong), I deeply recognize how mental health is woven into our identity, culture, and sense of belonging. My own journey has shown me how identity can sometimes act as a barrier to accessing therapy—whether due to stigma, cultural expectations, or a lack of representation in the field. My passion for mental wellness is rooted in the belief that people are the experts in themselves, and therapy should honor their wisdom, strengths, and lived experiences.
With over six years of experience in health and human services, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals from a wide range of backgrounds—including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals, and people from diverse socioeconomic, educational, and intersectional identities. I help clients navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Above all, I’m committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and affirming space where people can show up fully as themselves..
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MY SPECIALTIES
Areas of Expertise
My intention is to meet you where you are in your mental wellness journey and build on
your strengths. Together, we will create meaningful change at a pace and capacity that
feels right for you. I believe healing happens in a space where you feel truly seen,
heard, and valued. With that in mind, I take a holistic, person-centered approach,
promoting an affirming and supportive atmosphere—especially for those exploring
LGBTQIA+ identity, relationships, anxiety, and life transitions. I tailor therapy sessions to
your unique needs, using modalities like Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT),
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Mindfulness, and Psychoeducation.
RELATIONSHIPS & IDENTITY
LIFE TRANSITIONS
ANXIETY
Rithy's Story
I was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and moved to North Carolina in 2012. At the age of 21, I came out as gay to my family, a pivotal moment that shaped my understanding of identity, resilience, and self-acceptance. Through my own journey, I realized that mental health is something every person has and experiences, and how important it is to nurture our mental health. This understanding led me to pursue a career in social work, earning my BSW in 2019. Since then, I’ve built experience in youth & family services, sexual health services, neurodivergent services, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. Furthermore, I went on to earn my MSW in 2025, allowing me to enhance my commitment to providing inclusive and affirming mental health care.
My journey led me to where I am today: providing affirming and compassionate mental health care at Little Seed Counseling. Much like a seedling needs the right environment
to grow, mental wellness thrives when it is nurtured with patience, care, and support.
Beyond my work, I love to cook. Cooking is my self-care activity, and I cook most of my meals. Southeast Asian coconut curry is my go-to comfort meal! I love gaming, both board games and video games—mainly RPGs. I also engage in sports—volleyball, kickball, and dodgeball. I love spending quality time with my partner, family, and friends.
A fun fact about me is that I come from a huge, blended family, where I have six older siblings and eight younger siblings.
Education
Master of Social Work
Joint program from North Carolina A&T State University and UNC-Greensboro,
2025
Bachelor of Social Work
UNC-Charlotte, 2019
Licensure
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (pending)
Training & Modalities
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Mindfulness
Psychoeducation