What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.40
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“If you're reading reviews because you're nervous about starting therapy, here's what I can tell you about Rio. He listens with care and deep attention, asks the questions that actually gets you somewhere and has the ability to say the hard thing kindly. If you're on the fence, reach out.”
Daniel O.October 9, 2026Video visit
About Rio Bauce
Focus areas
Addiction Therapy
Social Anxiety
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Therapy
Men's Mental Health Issues
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Psychodynamic
Emotionally Focused
Relational
Motivational Interviewing
Identity
Gender
MaleSexuality
GayFaith
BuddhistEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Getting to know Rio Bauce
Anxiety that never switches off. The same argument on repeat. Substance use you’d rather not be lectured about. I work with adults and couples, many of them LGBTQ+, who look steady from the outside and feel worn out inside.
I came to this work through HIV medical social work, sitting with people at the hardest point of a diagnosis. That shaped how I approach substance use, sex, shame, and the things people are used to being judged for. I work from harm reduction rather than abstinence, and you won’t be lectured here. In session you’ll get CBT when you need tools now, Motivational Interviewing when you know what you want and can’t get moving, and psychodynamic work when the same thing keeps happening and neither of us thinks that’s random. Most people get a blend. With couples, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy to work on communication, conflict cycles and intimacy, including with couples who are separating. I’m trained in collaborative divorce.
I’m in network with Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Harvard Pilgrim in California and Massachusetts. If you’re paying privately, sessions are $225, with superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Couples therapy is private pay at $300. A Fulbright year in Spain is where my Spanish comes from, and I offer sessions in Spanish.
Everything is online. If this sounds like the right fit, book a first session and we’ll find out together. Licensed in California, Massachusetts and New York.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Starting therapy is a strange mix of hopeful and exhausting, and the first session is often the hardest part. You don't need a clear goal or a tidy story. Most people arrive knowing something is off and not much more than that.
I'm warm and fairly direct. I'll ask questions, I'll notice patterns out loud, and I'll push a little when pushing is useful, but you set the pace, and nothing gets forced. There's usually humor in my sessions; therapy that takes itself too seriously tends to stall.
I work often with LGBTQ+ adults, people whose anxiety is invisible to everyone around them, and people carrying relationship patterns they can see clearly and can't seem to change. If substance use is part of your picture, you can say so plainly. I'm not going to hand you an ultimatum.
We'll check in regularly about whether this is working. If it isn't, I'd rather hear it and adjust than have you quietly disappear.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
The first two or three sessions are for orientation. What brought you in, what you're hoping changes, what therapy has been like before if you've done it. I'll ask about history, but we're not excavating everything up front.
After that, a session usually starts with whatever is live: something from the week, a pattern you noticed, a feeling you can't place. My job is to help you slow it down enough to see it clearly, then figure out what to do with it. Some weeks are practical and skills-focused. Others are slower and more exploratory. Both are the work.
Some people come for a specific transition and finish in a few months. Others stay longer and go deeper. Both are legitimate, and I'll be honest with you about which I think you need.
We'll revisit direction every few months so this doesn't drift.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
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: $225 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $225-300 for 50 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
More information on payments and coverage
Individual sessions are $250 and couples sessions are $300, both 50 minutes. Superbills provided for out-of-network reimbursement — many PPO plans reimburse 50–80%. HSA and FSA cards accepted.
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
- Fulbright Scholar, Spain
- Former NASW-CA Board Member (Elected)
- Presenter, NASW-CA Annual Conference
NPI number
1396328761
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.40
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
5 reviews
Most relevant
If you're reading reviews because you're nervous about starting therapy, here's what I can tell you about Rio. He listens with care and deep attention, asks the questions that actually gets you somewhere and has the ability to say the hard thing kindly. If you're on the fence, reach out.
October 9, 2026Daniel O.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 1 month agoRebecca B.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 6 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More 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 Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. 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?
5 patients have reviewed Rio Bauce. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.4/5. 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.