Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here.
My name is Annette, and I’m a licensed therapist based in Texas with 23 years of professional experience. My pronouns are she/her.
I specialize in trauma-informed care and relational healing, supporting clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, identity exploration, and the complexities of human connection. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, in a polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationship, facing grief or pet loss, or working through family conflict, I hold space for your unique story with compassion and clarity.
I know that healing looks different for everyone. That’s why our work together is tailored to your goals and values. We’ll focus on creating emotional safety, rebuilding trust, and cultivating self-awareness so you can feel more aligned and resilient in your life and relationships.
As a certified laughter yoga instructor, I also bring in a spark of joy when it feels supportive, because healing doesn’t have to be heavy all the time. Playfulness, mindfulness, and holistic care are all part of the journey we’ll walk together.
If you're seeking a therapist who understands nuance, validates your lived experience, and empowers you to move forward, you’ve found a safe place. I’m honored to support your growth and self-discovery.
Professional experience
23 yrs in practice
LGBTQ+RelationshipsFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy
Additional areas of focus:Stress, Anxiety, Career difficulties, Depression, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Avoidant personality, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Blended family issues, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Fertility issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Immigration issues, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Intellectual disability, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Phobias, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Smoking / vaping cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Annette Rios-Barrera. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She's very responsive. She's very engaged. She also sends me resources when I don't have the capacity to be able to schedule meetings. And she really is about helping my growth in my mental health with tools, and with kind words, she always checks in on me. And I highly recommend her
Written on Nov 13, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Anette has always made me feel safe in sharing my feelings and perspectives. She never makes me feel judged. She always has so many tools and resources to offer me, I never feel like I'm left without direction after a session.
Written on Nov 12, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and parenting issues
Annette has been amazing. Always sharing new information to help guide me towards balancing mental health and my marriage. She’s ready to help me fight my fight. And I appreciate her support.
Written on Sep 19, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, anger management, and adhd
I have only been with Annette for two weeks and she has helped me already with understanding my attachment style and childhood trauma.I have a long way to go, but I'm feeling hopeful that with her help I will be able to overcome allot of things in my life that have kept me stuck. She is so kind and gentle. She has been so easy to talk to and responds to messages in between sessions. Also she has provided me with tools and resources for me that have been very helpful. I look forward to working with her more.❤
Written on Aug 05, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, anger management, and compassion fatigue
Easy to talk to, listens to my concerns, and provides guidance and literature that is helpful
Written on Aug 04, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Annette not only has the general expertise all therapists should, but also has an understanding of different cultures and age groups. I feel seen, heard, and understood by Annette and feel very lucky to have her!
Written on Jul 29, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Wonderful
Written on Jul 01, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes
I've been working with Annette for a few months and she's been absolutely wonderful. I get reminder texts throughout the week and in the hours and minutes leading up to my sessions and it guarantees I don't miss any time with her. I always get external material to review and read from her regarding our conversations in ways that really shows she not only understands me, but is also experienced and caring enough to give me more tools and material to help myself with between sessions. I never looked forward to therapy as I haven't had a therapist in years, but she quickly ate through and reshaped a lot of my prejudices and expectations and it's been for the best.
Written on Jun 12, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Annette is a great listener. I have only had a few sessions with her so far and I have already noticed a difference in my relationship from the few task she has given me. I look forward to working on myself with her help along the way.
Written on May 18, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Annette is a caring, compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced therapist who offers helpful insights and guidance to address the wide variety of challenges I have been facing. Highly recommended!
Written on Apr 29, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, anger management, career difficulties, and coaching
Annette is a great listener and her ability to understand what is needed for my mental health is changing how I move in the world. I always look forward to meeting with her.
Written on Apr 22, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
She's the best therapist I've ever had!
Written on Apr 13, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Annette is amazing. Not only does she listen well, but she's also so good about getting me to really talk through my thoughts until I figure out what I'm really worried about. She offers expert advice, and the worksheets she sends are always spot-on with what I need to work on. She's exactly what I need!!
Written on Apr 12, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and adhd
I’ve only been working with her for a couple of weeks and while initially struggling to find an appointment (because of my own schedule) she never stopped reaching out to see how I was doing.
Written on Apr 09, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions, lgbt, and intimacy-related issues
Thanks Ann for your support since Nov 2024. Your support helped us to navigate our tough time. Really appreciate your support and guidance. Very importantly understanding our point of view and providing apt inputs
Written on Mar 05, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and anger management
Annette has been extremely helpful in helping me navigate difficult times in my life. I look forward to my sessions and am thankful for her.
Written on Feb 17, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Annette is exactly who I needed in this journey. I don’t feel judged, she’s down to earth and funny! You owe it to yourself to stick with BetterHelp. I have had nothing but positive experiences!
Written on Feb 09, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Annette listens very well and offers support and resources for any concerns. She has a plethora of experience and outreach to various people across different backgrounds so she's incredibly relatable. I always look forward to our sessions and it's helped me a lot.
Written on Feb 08, 2025 after therapy with Annette for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
She is awesome and collaborative, compassionate but firm
I didn’t know what therapy would do for me - but it has been a real help with annette
Written on Dec 21, 2024 after therapy with Annette for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues
Annette is a great listener who offers practical advice and tools to help me meet my goals.
Written on Nov 27, 2024 after therapy with Annette for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, grief, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
They're amazing and so helpful, very grateful to have found them
Written on Nov 06, 2024 after therapy with Annette for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
Annette is a skilled and caring therapist, would highly recommend her to anyone!
Written on Oct 19, 2024 after therapy with Annette for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Annette is an incredible therapist and person. No matter how I am feeling going into my sessions with her, I always come out feeling stronger and more capable. These past few years have been some of the toughest in my life - but the support and encouragement that she offers is helping me gain the confidence and motivation to better myself and make a full recovery. I am so grateful for her, and for the BetterHelp app.
Written on Oct 03, 2024 after therapy with Annette for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Annette was amazing when it came to listening to my needs as well as being able to guide me into making decisions to better myself rather then telling me what to do. Annette offers a huge range of expertise to help with a variety of decision and allows you to be open and honest about everything as she creates a safe and comfortable environment for anyone chatting with her.
Written on Jul 02, 2024 after therapy with Annette for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Im very happy to be working with Mrs. Rios
Written on Jun 09, 2024 after therapy with Annette for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
I have been seeing Anette for four weeks, and she has already helped me a lot. From our first session, I felt safe and comfortable talking to her.
Anette listens very well and understands my problems deeply. She is kind, caring, and gives me new ways to think about my issues. She is both professional and friendly, which makes our sessions effective and pleasant.
What I like most about Anette is her practical advice. She doesn't just listen; she gives me useful tools and techniques to manage my stress and improve my mental health. I can use these tools in my everyday life, and they really help.
Anette is very dedicated to her work. She always remembers what we talked about before and follows up on it. This makes me feel supported and important as her client.
In just four weeks, I have already noticed big improvements in how I feel and think. Anette's help has been very important in dealing with my difficult emotions and situations. I am thankful for her support and look forward to continuing my sessions with her. I highly recommend Anette to anyone looking for a thoughtful, caring, and effective therapist.
Thank you, Annette, for your great work and dedication.
Written on Jun 01, 2024 after therapy with Annette for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion f
Wonderful and compassionate listener and provider of the most sage wisdom
Written on May 30, 2024 after therapy with Annette for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and adhd
Insightful, professional and extremely helpful. I’ve only had a couple of sessions and already feel a difference interms of my mental health
Written on Apr 26, 2024 after therapy with Annette for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Annette is everything I could have asked for in a therapist. I was never quite sure how therapy would work for me, but Annette has made the experience so comfortable and enjoyable. I have always felt respected, supported, and understood. She has helped me through some very difficult times and given me the tools to cope with whatever life brings. I look forward to my sessions with her every week and I would recommend her to anyone!
Written on Feb 02, 2024 after therapy with Annette for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Annette is very thorough and thoughtful with her clients, I’m so glad to have found her
Written on Jan 13, 2024 after therapy with Annette for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Caring, knowledgeable, professional, and bilingual.
Written on Oct 31, 2023 after therapy with Annette for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Ms. Barrera is super friendly as well as understanding of my problems. It’s really great being able to speak with them regarding my current situations.
Written on Sep 14, 2023 after therapy with Annette for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Annette is a great counselor. Annette is holistic in her approach and has a variety of knowledge to share as a counselor. Spirituality is infused into our daily lives and Annette is able and willing to have spiritual conversations. She is able to provide spiritual tools if desired. Annette provides practical worksheets and film recommendations for reflection and contemplation. Annette has a heart filled approach to counseling and her guidance feels from the heart. Annette provides an abundance of hope and encouragement. Annette is available through all types of sessions including chat, phone, and video. Thank you Annette!
Written on Sep 09, 2023 after therapy with Annette for 2 weeks
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