Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Samantha N Rivas
Psychologist, PsyD
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Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD

Dr. Samantha N Rivas

Psychologist, PsyD (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
2 Endorsed
Not accepting new clients
Call Me
Let's Connect (650) 860-4660
Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD
Currently unable to accept new clients
San Mateo, CA 94403
I offer Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, a specialized approach to support parents and kiddos in building secure attachment bonds. This work involves addressing the emotional needs of both parent and child during the critical early stages of development, helping families navigate the challenges of parenting with insight and compassion. In my work with adults, I focus on understanding the dynamics that shape your relationships, whether with partners, family members, or colleagues. I aim to help you foster deeper connections, improve communication, and resolve conflicts, ultimately building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
My therapeutic approach combines psychodynamic, CBT, PCIT, and attachment-based methods to support healing and growth in both adults and families. I tailor therapy to your unique situation and goals to explore patterns of behavior, communication, and emotional expression that can impact connection. PCIT nourishes the relationship to foster health behaviors.
As someone deeply committed to supporting both adults and families, I bring a compassionate, holistic approach to therapy. I understand that each individual and family is unique, and I strive to create a safe, curious and collaborative space where you feel heard and understood. I aim to help create meaningful change it's personal growth or family bonds.
Call or Dr. Samantha N Rivas now for a free 15 minute consultation - (650) 860-4660

My Practice at a Glance

Currently unable to accept new clients

San Mateo, CA 94403

(650) 860-4660

Pasadena, CA 91101

My website
I offer virtual sessions on Mondays. Please see my Headway account to book your free consultation.
$200 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and families  
Let's Connect (650) 860-4660
Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD

My Practice at a Glance

Currently unable to accept new clients

San Mateo, CA 94403

(650) 860-4660

Pasadena, CA 91101

My website
I offer virtual sessions on Mondays. Please see my Headway account to book your free consultation.
$200 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and families  

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $200
  • Couple Sessions $250

Payment Methods

American Express, Apple Cash, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • Blue Shield
  • BlueCross and BlueShield
  • Carelon Behavioral Health
  • Cigna and Evernorth
  • Magellan
  • Optum
  • Oscar Health
  • Oxford
  • Quest Behavioral Health
  • UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
  • Out of Network
"
Insurance is supported through Headway. Private pay is accepted via Squarex ACH payments, Credit/Debit.
Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Samantha N Rivas
Psychologist, PsyD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (650) 860-4660
"
Insurance is supported through Headway. Private pay is accepted via Squarex ACH payments, Credit/Debit.
Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Samantha N Rivas
Psychologist, PsyD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (650) 860-4660

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / PSY33928 Samantha N Rivas Morgan
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • Attended California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Psy.D., Graduated 2021
  • Additional Credentials

  • License: Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology 4199 / 2025
  • Membership with American Psychological Association C2405010025 / 2024
"
I am licensed in CA and TN. I have almost 10 years of experience helping youth and families who feel disconnected from one another, from a trauma-informed lens.
Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Samantha N Rivas
Psychologist, PsyD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (650) 860-4660
"
I am licensed in CA and TN. I have almost 10 years of experience helping youth and families who feel disconnected from one another, from a trauma-informed lens.
Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Samantha N Rivas
Psychologist, PsyD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (650) 860-4660

Specialties and Expertise

Expertise

  • Behavioral Issues
  • Caregivers
  • Child
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Family Conflict
  • Foster Care Involved Youth
  • Life Transitions
  • Mood Disorders
  • Parenting
  • Substance Use
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Women's Issues
"
PCIT is a very specific type of therapy that focuses on building the parent-child relationship by teaching effective parenting skills. Families should anticipate parents participating in weekly sessions with their child and practicing learned skills between sessions. During sessions, I provide live coaching and feedback on new skills.
Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Samantha N Rivas
Psychologist, PsyD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (650) 860-4660
"
PCIT is a very specific type of therapy that focuses on building the parent-child relationship by teaching effective parenting skills. Families should anticipate parents participating in weekly sessions with their child and practicing learned skills between sessions. During sessions, I provide live coaching and feedback on new skills.
Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Samantha N Rivas
Psychologist, PsyD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (650) 860-4660

2 Endorsements

Dr. Rosie Perales Hernandez
Dr. Rosie Perales Hernandez
PsychologistMSPhD
Dr. Rivas is an empathic, personable, and talented psychologist who uses a client-centered approach to create a supportive space that fosters self-exploration and meaningful action toward individual and family goals.
Maryke Van Zyl
Maryke Van Zyl
PsychologistPhD
Dr. Samantha Rivas Morgan brings warmth, curiosity, and humor to her work, helping clients feel at ease while exploring life's challenges. Her grounded, thoughtful approach makes therapy both supportive and genuinely engaging.

Client Focus

Age

Toddler
Children (6 to 10)
Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Family

Age

Toddler
Children (6 to 10)
Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Family

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Attachment-based
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
  • Family Systems
  • Integrative
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Multicultural
  • Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)
  • Person-Centered
  • Psychodynamic
  • Reality Therapy
  • Relational
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
I work with individuals, dyads and families who are having challenges with feeling understood, heard, or validated in their day-to-day world. With PCIT, I provide parents with concrete strategies to improve their child's behaviors while also improving the relationship. In all couples and family work, I emphasize attunement, empathy, and communication to improve interpersonal connections.
Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Samantha N Rivas
Psychologist, PsyD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (650) 860-4660
"
I work with individuals, dyads and families who are having challenges with feeling understood, heard, or validated in their day-to-day world. With PCIT, I provide parents with concrete strategies to improve their child's behaviors while also improving the relationship. In all couples and family work, I emphasize attunement, empathy, and communication to improve interpersonal connections.
Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Samantha N Rivas
Psychologist, PsyD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (650) 860-4660

Location

Primary Location

San Mateo, CA 94403

(650) 860-4660

Additional Location

Pasadena, CA 91101

(650) 860-4660
"
I offer virtual sessions on Mondays. Please see my Headway account to book your free consultation.
Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Samantha N Rivas
Psychologist, PsyD
Call for a free consultation now - (650) 860-4660
"
I offer virtual sessions on Mondays. Please see my Headway account to book your free consultation.
Photo of Dr. Samantha N Rivas, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Samantha N Rivas
Psychologist, PsyD
Call for a free consultation now - (650) 860-4660