About

Annette Rios-Barrera, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker in Texas with 23 years of professional experience. She provides trauma-informed support with a strong focus on relational healing for people navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, identity exploration, and the real-world complexities that show up in close relationships.

Her work is attentive to the many ways connection and loss can shape a person’s life. Annette supports clients in the LGBTQ+ community, people in polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationships, and those facing grief, including pet loss. She also helps individuals and families working through conflict, stress, and intimacy-related concerns, meeting each client with compassion, clarity, and respect for their unique story.

Annette approaches therapy as a collaborative process shaped around each person’s values and goals. Together, the work may include building emotional safety, strengthening self-awareness, rebuilding trust, and developing steadier ways to respond to life changes so clients can feel more aligned and resilient in their relationships and daily lives.

As a certified laughter yoga instructor, she can also incorporate a gentle sense of joy when it feels supportive, honoring the idea that healing can include playfulness and mindfulness alongside deeper reflection. Annette offers a grounded space for nuanced experiences and ongoing self-discovery.
Location:
Texas, United States
Years Experience:
23
Gender:
Female
Languages Spoken:
English, Spanish
Therapist of Color:
Yes
Communication Options:
Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Specialties

Primary area of focus:LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief
Other areas of experience: Stress, Anxiety, Career difficulties, Depression, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, Blended family issues, Body image, Cancer, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Eating and food-related issues, Family of origin issues, Fatherhood issues, Fertility issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, HIV / AIDS, Hoarding, Immigration issues, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Intellectual disability, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Narcissism, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Phobias, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Self-harm, Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Therapeutic approach:Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Method, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Systemic Therapy

Credentials & Verification

  • Credentials: TX LCSW 53659
  • NPI Number: 1891147039
  • License: LCSW (Texas)

Therapeutic Tools That Translate Well to Online Care

Annette Rios-Barrera draws from evidence-informed approaches that can work well in an online setting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients notice unhelpful thought patterns and practice new ways of responding, which can be especially useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on making space for difficult thoughts and feelings while moving toward personal values, supporting clients who want more steadiness and direction during life transitions or relational strain. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early and current relationship experiences shape connection and trust, which can be helpful when working through family conflict, intimacy concerns, grief, or identity exploration.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Annette collaborates with clients to understand what they want from therapy, what has or has not worked before, and what feels most supportive right now. The pace and focus can be adjusted over time as goals become clearer and new needs emerge.

Online therapy adds flexibility without losing structure. Sessions can take place through video calls or phone sessions, and support may also be available through live chat or text-based messaging. This range of options can make it easier to stay engaged in therapy while balancing work, family responsibilities, travel, or changing schedules.

How much experience does Annette Rios-Barrera have?

Annette Rios-Barrera has 23 years of professional experience providing therapy and clinical support.

Is Annette Rios-Barrera a licensed therapist?

Yes. Annette Rios-Barrera is licensed as an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in Texas. License number: TX LCSW 53659.

In which languages does Annette Rios-Barrera provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English and Spanish.

Where is Annette Rios-Barrera located?

Annette Rios-Barrera is located in Texas.

How can I work with Annette Rios-Barrera as my therapist?

You can work with Annette Rios-Barrera through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, depending on what fits your needs and scheduling.

Does Annette Rios-Barrera work with international clients?

Yes. Annette Rios-Barrera works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Annette Rios-Barrera cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the “Start Therapy” button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the “Start Therapy” button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.