What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
About Rio Bauce
Focus areas
Abandonment issues
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Therapy
Academic Stress
Men's Mental Health Issues
Addiction Therapy
Social Anxiety
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Psychodynamic
Identity
Gender
MaleSexuality
GayFaith
BuddhistEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Getting to know Rio Bauce
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS: Licensed Therapist – Adults & Couples: Anxiety, Relationships, Identity. Primarily private Pay with limited Blue Cross-Blue Shield/United Healthcare/Aetna/Harvard Pilgrim/Tufts openings.
I am a licensed clinical social worker providing virtual therapy to adults in California and Massachusetts. My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed, and rooted in creating a supportive space for clients navigating identity, relationships, anxiety, and major life transitions.
My approach is relational and integrative, drawing from psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. I focus on helping clients deepen self-understanding, strengthen emotional resilience, and develop practical tools to manage stress and create meaningful change.
Clients often describe me as warm, grounded, and authentic. I aim to balance thoughtful, reflective work with moments of humor and genuine connection. In our sessions, we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you while building insight, confidence, and self-trust.
I’m currently accepting new clients and offer sessions through Headway as well as private-pay options. If you’re looking for a collaborative, compassionate therapist who brings care and clarity to the work, I’d be honored to support you.
Whether you're experiencing communication issues, conflict cycles, intimacy concerns, or navigating life transitions, I help couples build clarity, connection, and practical tools you can use immediately.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Starting therapy can feel hopeful and overwhelming at the same time. My goal is to make the process feel grounding, collaborative, and genuinely human. I bring warmth, curiosity, humor, and honesty into the room, and I work to create a space where you can show up as yourself—without pressure or judgment.
My style is relational and trauma-informed. I’m not just interested in reducing symptoms; I’m here to help you understand your patterns, connect more deeply with your emotions, and move through stuck places with clarity and self-trust. I frequently work with LGBTQ+ adults, people navigating identity or relationship challenges, and those feeling weighed down by anxiety, burnout, or past relational wounds.
In sessions, I hold space for whatever you’re carrying while also offering gentle, thoughtful challenge when it’s helpful. I draw from psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, somatic awareness, and cognitive tools, depending on what best supports your goals. We’ll check in regularly to make sure our work feels aligned and meaningful.
My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you can breathe, reflect, and explore what’s possible—not just what’s difficult. If you have questions about my approach or what you’d like to focus on, I always welcome those in our first consultation.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Our first few sessions are about getting to know each other and building a foundation for the work. I’ll ask about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping to explore, and any past experiences with therapy. You don’t need a perfect narrative or a clear goal—many clients arrive unsure of where to start, and we can figure that out together.
A typical session is a blend of conversation, reflection, and gentle exploration. You might share something that happened during the week, a pattern you’re noticing, or an emotion that feels confusing or heavy. My role is to help you slow down, make sense of your experience, and connect the dots. I offer questions, observations, and tools to support more clarity, resilience, and groundedness.
My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and flexible. I draw from psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, somatic awareness, and CBT-informed strategies, depending on your needs. Some sessions may feel more exploratory or emotional; others may be more structured and skills-focused.
I check in regularly about how things are feeling—what’s resonating, what isn’t, and where we might shift. Whether we’re working short-term around a specific transition or building longer-term insight and healing, I want therapy to feel like a space where your full self is welcome. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you and build direction together over time.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
UnitedHealthcare
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $175 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $175 for 50 minutes
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- California State University, East Bay, Master's in Social Work
- Pitzer College (Bachelor's)
Professional memberships
- National Association of Social Workers
Awards and publications
- NASW-CA Board Member (Elected)
- Fulbright Scholar
- Presenter, NASW-CA Annual Conference
NPI number
1396328761
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
2 reviews
Most relevant
Less than 6 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
How soon can I make an appointment with Rio Bauce?
Generally, Rio Bauce has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Rio Bauce's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Rio Bauce accepting new patients?
Rio Bauce generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Rio Bauce's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Rio Bauce accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Rio Bauce is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Rio Bauce online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Rio Bauce using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Rio Bauce work with?
Rio Bauce works with Therapy with Rio.
What are common reasons for patients to see Rio Bauce?
Rio Bauce frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Rio Bauce on their profile.
What languages does Rio Bauce speak?
Rio Bauce speaks English and Spanish.
How do patients rate Rio Bauce in reviews?
2 patients have reviewed Rio Bauce. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.