Meet Your Therapist

Stephanie Santiago Rivera

Bilingual mental health advocate and telehealth provider.

Stephanie Santiago Rivera
A Strong Foundation

Counseling Psychology

Hi, I’m Stephanie!
 
I’m a bilingual mental health counselor providing virtual therapy to clients in Washington and Alaska.
 
Life can feel overwhelming when you’re navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, major life transitions, or simply trying to reconnect with yourself. Therapy can be a space where you don’t have to figure everything out alone.
 
My approach is warm, collaborative, and supportive. I work with adults, couples, and children, creating a space where clients can feel heard, understood, and comfortable showing up as themselves. Together, we can explore what’s been weighing on you, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.
 
Outside of the therapy room, I believe in practicing what I encourage my clients to do: making space for rest, connection, and the things that bring us joy. You’ll usually find me walking my dog, going to brunch, traveling, or spending quality time with my family.
 
You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to ask for support.
 
If you’re wondering whether therapy might be the right fit for you, I offer a free 15-minute consultation where we can connect, talk about what you’re looking for, and see if working together feels like a good fit.
 
Ready to take the first step? Let’s connect. 💛

My Journey

Background & Academic Journey

My path into the mental health field began with a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology, followed by a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. My education and clinical experiences strengthened my passion for understanding the experiences that shape who we are, how we connect with others, and how we navigate difficult seasons of life.
 
I am currently continuing my professional and academic journey by pursuing a doctorate in Counseling Psychology.
 
As a bilingual counselor, I’m especially passionate about creating a therapeutic environment that feels genuine, culturally responsive, and approachable. I believe therapy should feel like a collaborative process where you can explore difficult experiences without judgment while developing a deeper understanding of yourself.
 
My goal is not to tell you how to live your life, but to help you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and feel more confident navigating what comes next.

Areas of Care

How I Can Support You

I have provided therapy to clients, adults, and children of all ages diagnosed with PTSD, depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, nonverbal communication delays, ADHD, academic underachievement, and mood disorders.

I take a compassionate, developmentally informed approach when working with younger clients and their families, helping them navigate emotional, behavioral, and communication challenges while building resilience and emotional awareness.

Supporting Adults

Empowering Adult Healing

In my work with adult clients, I’ve supported individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, and intimacy-related concerns. I’ve worked with people experiencing the impact of childhood trauma, relational abuse, burnout, and chronic worry, helping them regain stability and reconnect with their sense of self. I believe in empowering clients by offering tools for emotional regulation, boundary setting, and improved self-understanding.

Therapeutic Process

Personalized Therapy Approaches

I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based interventions, solution-focused therapy, play therapy, and person-centered therapy. Each treatment plan is tailored to the client’s specific goals, cultural context, and readiness for change. I value a collaborative relationship where clients feel seen, respected, and supported.

Beyond the Therapy Room

Committed to Community Care

Outside my clinical work, I remain actively involved in community outreach, volunteering with organizations such as La Fondita de Jesús to support individuals experiencing homelessness, and participating in hurricane relief and food insecurity initiatives across Puerto Rico. These efforts reflect my belief that mental health care should be inclusive, accessible, and grounded in empathy.

Ready to Connect?

Your Journey Forward

Whether you are looking for a therapist to support your child, navigate a personal crisis, or explore your emotional landscape more deeply, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.