Thanks to Liz K-R, I may be the healthiest and happiest I have been since we started, 2+ years ago. She brings consistent professionalism and her relevant personal journey to the sessions which has inspired me to believe in myself and take better care of my mental and physical health. And, she's really cool.
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Liz
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About Liz
Liz Kariotis-Rice is a Clinical Social Worker trained with a psychodynamic focus at New York University. She has expanded beyond that lens to a more humanistic, strength-based, and solution-focused one, based upon her experience working with a very diverse range of clients in settings ranging from community health centers to major hospitals to outpatient addiction treatment centers to street outreach and drop-in centers for the homeless. Her passions include working with people who have challenges in any of the following areas: sexuality, gender, ADHD, addiction, HIV, fertility, adoption, and parenting, and my professional experience includes but is not limited to helping people struggling with grief/loss, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
When working with Liz, it is paramount that clients understand therapy is a process that requires work from both the client and the therapist, and the work is not limited to just within the session for the client. She encourages clients to take as much responsibility as they can when caring for their physical, emotional, and spiritual health because while the therapist can certainly provide wisdom, guidance, and redirection, ultimately the strength, courage, and power to heal are within each and every individual client.
Liz's personal approach is to see beyond diagnoses and problems, and her style is transparent and somewhat nontraditional. She hopes through her work with individuals to be able to bring out their strengths behind the struggles, to point out the achievements where they see shortcomings, and to instill hope, no matter how dire the straits and bleak the outlook may look. Her therapeutic superpower is her ability to engage, connect, and build rapport with a wide range of people.
"If you are looking for a therapist who has many years of personal and professional experience with LGBTQ+ issues, addiction recovery, ADHD, grief/loss, infertility, adoption, and parenting, feel free to reach out to me," says Liz. "When I am not spending time with my four young children, four dogs, and two cats, I'm cooking, gardening, cycling, doing carpentry and art projects, listening to music, playing and watching sports, or enjoying the comfort of friends and fellowship."

"As a woman in long-term recovery, a parent in a same-sex committed relationship who went through years of infertility and has four adopted children, and an adult with ADHD, I have a wealth of personal and professional experience in treating addiction, ADHD, LGBTQ+ issues, HIV, grief and loss, and many other mental health challenges. "
What clients say
These testimonials are from real clients who completed a satisfaction survey after their sessions and agreed to share their feedback. Results may vary.
Thanks to Liz K-R, I may be the healthiest and happiest I have been since we started, 2+ years ago. She brings consistent professionalism and her relevant personal journey to the ....
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Liz
Liz is amazing, caring, and holds me accountable. Her expertise in addiction and all things lgbtqa have helped me in some areas of my life as I maneuver through sobriety. I appreci....
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Liz
Liz is awesome, I've met with her weekly for almost the last year and she has helped me work through a variety of issues. I would highly recommend Liz & Thriveworks to friends & fa....
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Liz
Liz is compassionate and so thoughtful in her feedback. I'm so grateful for her insights.
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Liz
Get to know Liz
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
I chose to be a counselor after I had a powerful relationship with a counselor I saw when I was in college; and I thought to myself then, "I want to provide that kind of undivided attention, bountiful love, and unconditional positive regard for someone else one day." It was a transformative relationship for me, and one I would have benefitted from a decade earlier. I am a firm believer in getting what you need when you need it; and this was certainly the case for me because I needed the help then and I got it. It was only a couple of years after finishing college that I pursued my Master's in Social Work at NYU. Unfortunately this therapist who had inspired me to pursue this field, passed away before I finished my degree, but I hope he knows now how instrumental he was in shaping my career.
What’s one thing you wish all clients knew?
That we have no magic wand...the beautiful sculpture is within you, and we as therapists just chip away at the marble to see what is underneath and to help you see the beauty that is buried beneath all of the exterior walls.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
Because I love Thriveworks' mission, how and why it was founded, and how much it has grown. I also was looking for the freedom to make my own schedule, see as many clients as I am comfortable seeing, and be able to work from home because I have a very busy life with four young children and six pets. Therefore, working from home is a necessity for my family right now.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
You can expect me to be friendly, engaging, warm, humorous, laid back, and very transparent. You may be surprised by the comfort level you feel, no matter how wound up you might feel going into our first meeting. One of the things I do best is set the stage for a very open, non pressured, safe dialogue in which you will be able to learn about me while I get to know me. You WILL NOT get a blank slate in me. You will get honesty, tact, sincerity, and genuine care about your well-being and growth.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
Understand what brought them in and help them feel comfortable, safe and understood. Hopefully, in the end, they will want to return for session two, which would be a major accomplishment.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 16 years
- Graduating institute
- New York University
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work
