Rina (Esterina) Carriera

Welcome — I'm Rina and I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who genuinely loves people and feels deeply honored to walk with you as you embark on your mental health journey. For me, therapy isn’t just a profession — it’s a passion and my purpose.

I have a Bachelor's of Arts and Sciences degree in Psychology and a Master's of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling.

With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, I bring warmth, empathy, and an open-minded approach to every client I meet. Early in my career, I worked in the nonprofit sector, helping to build strong, supportive relationships between children and mentors to foster resilience and personal growth. I also completed an internship with a kinship care program, where I had the privilege of supporting caregivers of all kinds as they navigated the unique challenges of raising children.

I later spent 5 years specializing in crisis management and family support on a pediatric psychiatric unit, working closely with children and teens ages six through seventeen during some of their most critical times.

I feel serving diverse populations promotes my growth as a therapist and therefore I went on to spend 7 years in a private practice setting, supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and elderly clients as they work through a wide variety of challenges.

Additionally, I have 3 years of experience in a large outpatient hospital setting, broadening my work with clients facing diverse and complex needs.

My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, openness, and collaboration. I believe that each client is the expert of their own life, and my role is to walk alongside them with compassion, understanding, and encouragement.

I tailor my work to meet each person’s unique needs, drawing from a range of evidence-based practices while always honoring the individual’s lived experience. I strive to create a warm, supportive space where clients feel safe to explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change.

Whether I'm working with individuals, couples, or families, I focus on empowering clients to recognize their strengths, deepen their self-awareness, and create lasting, positive growth.

I believe that healing happens in a safe environment, creating an authentic connection, and I consider it a true privilege to hold space for your story, your struggles, and your growth.

Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where you can explore who you are and what you need.

I tailor our work to you — your pace, your goals, and your truth. I believe you already carry the strength within you to move toward healing.

My job is to guide you and help you uncover it. If you’re ready to take that first step, I’d be honored to meet you!