Riya Garapati

Riya Garapati is a clinical intern at Alder Grove Counseling, where she works with tweens, teens, and young adults navigating anxiety, self-esteem struggles, social skills challenges, depressed mood, disordered eating, and difficulties at school or work.

Riya holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, from Purdue University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Aurora University. Prior to joining Alder Grove, Riya interned with teens at the Alive Center, where she developed a deep appreciation for supporting young people through the unique pressures of adolescence.

In her work, Riya draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness practices, and a person-centered approach — meeting each client with warmth, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in their capacity to grow. She strives to create a space where young people feel truly seen, so they can build the self-understanding and skills to move through life’s challenges with more confidence and ease.

Outside of the office, Riya enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and traveling. She’s an avid runner currently training for her second half marathon. She often returns to a quote by Carl Rogers that captures her approach to growth and change: “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”