Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 40 insurances. Specializes in Depression, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Self Esteem and 7 more.
(she/her)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with specialized training from the San Diego LGBT Center. I have worked across a range of clinical settings, including substance use treatment, community mental health, and outpatient therapy, which has allowed me to support clients with diverse backgrounds and complex life experiences. I bring an empathetic, kind, and nonjudgmental approach to my work, and I believe therapy works best when clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where clients can explore challenges at their own pace, build insight, and move toward greater emotional clarity and self-tr
Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other in a calm, supportive, and pressure-free way. We’ll start by talking about what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping for, at a pace that feels comfortable for you. There’s no expectation to share everything at once—this time is about helping you feel safe, heard, and understood. I’ll ask gentle questions to better understand your experiences, strengths, and current challenges, and we’ll begin to explore what support might look like for you. Together, we’ll discuss your goals and what you want therapy to feel like moving forward. Most importantly, the first session is about building trust and creating a space where you don’t have to filter yourself or have all the answers. You’re welcome to show up exactly as you are.
I believe that everyone can benefit from support at different points in their lives, and I approach therapy with humility, curiosity, and respect for each person’s unique story. My work is informed by both professional training and lived experience, which allows me to offer empathy that feels genuine rather than scripted—without requiring clients to explain or justify themselves. I have experience working with diverse clients across a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and challenges, and I strive to meet people where they are. Clients often share that I am easy to talk to, warm, and approachable, which helps create a space where difficult topics can feel less overwhelming. I value collaboration and authenticity, and I aim to support clients in feeling understood, supported, and empowered as they move toward meaningful change.
I work best with clients who are open to showing up consistently and approaching therapy as a collaborative process. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what you want to work on—just a willingness to reflect, be curious about yourself, and take small steps at your own pace. My ideal clients are those who are ready to engage in meaningful work, even when it feels uncomfortable at times, while also honoring their own limits. If you’re interested in building insight, developing healthier patterns, and creating change that feels sustainable rather than rushed, we may be a good fit. Therapy with me is not about being pushed—it’s about being supported as you move forward in a way that feels right for you.
Cash - $150 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
Evernorth
Geisinger - Commercial
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Highmark
Highmark - Medicare
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UPMC Health Plan
My approach is warm, collaborative, and integrative, tailored to each client rather than using a one-size-fits-all model. I draw from DBT, EMDR, ACT, IFS, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and psychodynamic approaches to help clients better understand themselves, regulate difficult emotions, heal from painful experiences, and create meaningful change. I balance practical coping skills with deeper exploration, while providing a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel understood and move toward a life that feels more authentic and manageable.
1 rating with written reviews
August 24, 2025
Risa is warm and provides a safe space to bring ease during our session.