Clinicians

Laura Rioux, MSW, LICSW

ABOUT

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker who provides individual, relationship and family counseling for teens to adults.  I strive to create a safe and collaborative space for my clients.  I encourage my clients to explore their experiences, perspectives and personal identities in ways which they can attach to the world around them to develop insight, heal, improve relationships and experience personal growth and empowerment.

I enjoy working with individuals from varied and diverse backgrounds. I respect the values, beliefs, rituals, culture and orientation that each person brings to therapy. My areas of focus are anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma healing, identity development, sexual orientation, adolescent launching and cultivating self-compassion.  I draw from a variety of theoretical perspectives, including relational, family systems, mindfulness cognitive behavioral theory and a strength-based model grounded in motivational interviewing and resiliency.  I try to make therapy not only a space for growth, but also a place my clients look forward to attending.

Experience & Education

A longtime love for helping others began as a teenager, when I volunteered at a local homeless shelter and worked summers with children at the YMCA.  I obtained my Bachelors of Social Work in 1993 from the University of West Florida.  After graduation, I spent three years working at a mental health hospital, and another six years working as a care coordinator and child welfare specialist at a not-for–profit organization.  I obtained my Masters of Social Work in 2002, and began counseling children and adults.

Throughout my career, I have developed and presented workshops for colleagues and community members in efforts to increase understanding regarding certain mental health issues, as well as the needs of underrepresented or exploited groups.  I have developed and facilitated over 20 workshops on such topics as complex trauma, attachment issues, loss/grief, mood disorders, human development, LGBTQ issues, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and community violence.  I have also developed and operated an Adventure-Based Counseling Program for youth, designed to engage participants in activities that promote positive and nurturing interactions with one’s environment and others.

Insurance

I am a Preferred Provider with Aetna, Cigna, First Choice, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Premera, and Regence.  Please call for inquiries regarding additional insurance plans.

Self-Pay

A Good Faith Estimate of expected charges will be provided when scheduling an appointment or upon request for self-pay clients.

Cancellation Policy

Must cancel 24 hours before the appointment to avoid $100 fee.