Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D.

Natalie Rice-Thorp, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in California who provides compassionate and effective therapy to adults and emerging adults. Dr. Rice-Thorp is passionate about treating trauma, anxiety, stress, and managing life transitions. She is experienced in providing care to students and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Dr. Rice-Thorp provides in-office and teletherapy services for adults, and emerging adults.

Areas of Specialization

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Life transitions, change
  • Post Traumatic Stress/PTSD
  • Transitioning Age Youth (TAY)
  • Trauma
  • University students, staff, and faculty

My Philosophy and Approach

I provide evidence-based therapies in a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework that emphasize recovery within one’s own value system. I believe that all people have the capacity for growth and change and deserve to live authentic, fulfilling lives.

I am passionate about helping clients heal from trauma and specialize in Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which are both cognitive-behavioral treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and considered best practices for the reduction of trauma-related symptoms. I was trained by the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System (VA), which has cutting-edge research on the treatment of PTSD.

My approach is culturally informed, and I work well with clients from diverse backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. As a Latina woman I have a special interest in working with clients within the BIPOC community.

What You Will Experience Working With Me

I provide warm and compassionate care using action-oriented therapies for clients who are affected by trauma or experience general anxiety and stressors. In our work together you will learn how to lower your body’s fight-or-flight response and focus on the mind-body connection. The methods I use include mindfulness-based practices, guided imagery, relaxation techniques, cognitive strategies, behavioral practices, and understanding one’s value system.

I offer unique perspective and insight into the lives of emerging adults and students, which I developed from years working in university counseling centers. I help my clients maximize their academic and social potential, learn more about themselves and develop insight into their patterns of behavior. I am also skilled in helping soon-to-be empty nester parents as they transition into new relationships with their adult children.

Education & Training

  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno

Professional Affiliations & Duties

  • Guest Lecturer, UCSD CAPS and CSPP at Alliant International University
  • Alumni Mentor, Triton to Work Match Program, UCSD

For a copy of Dr. Rice-Thorp’s Curriculum Vitae, click here.

To view blog articles written by Dr. Rice-Thorp, click here.