Rio Frohoff 

Services Offered

• In-person & virtual therapy
• Sports psychology
• Health psychology 
• College preparation 
• Executive function coaching 

Client Focus

I provide both in-person and virtual therapy services to clients of all ages and issues. I use a combination of therapeutic modalities and will mix interventions based on need. I always take a client-centered approach, focusing on what my clients bring into session each time we meet. I practice a generalist approach and am ready and willing to help anyone who wants to step into the therapy space. I particularly enjoy a motivated client who needs a safe space to process, grow and thrive. 

Best Practices

Clients have shared that they have an improved ability to take on life’s challenges after working with me. They’ve shared their triumphs over performance anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by school and overcoming relational issues. I allow my clients to be themselves in a completely accepting, nonjudgmental space that offers them an opportunity to grow and gain perspective. Newfound perspectives have helped my clients improve their frustration tolerance and grow in their problem-solving abilities across areas of life. 

Building Trust 

I build trust with my clients by showing up in the therapy space as my authentic self. As I’ve learned throughout my training, the best therapy comes from genuineness, empathy and unconditional positive regard for each client. For me, those qualities show up with humor, comfort and an engaging, goal-oriented approach. 

A Therapist’s Work

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my clients meet their goals. Whether they want to play better in their sport, overcome health challenges, improve their grades or make it through a tough life transition, I feel so lucky to be a part of their process. The hardest part of being a therapist is compartmentalizing. We care so much for our clients that it can be challenging to leave therapy at the office. 

Finding Support

I could not be this far into my career without the unwavering support of my parents, friends and family. They allow me the space to grow as a person and clinician while reminding me to enjoy all the fun life has to offer. Through the best and worst of times, my family is always there to reignite my fire and push me to be my very best. I love them dearly. 

Educational Journey

My journey to becoming a psychologist has included a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and a master’s degree from Pepperdine University. I am completing my doctorate in clinical psychology at Azusa Pacific University. I have trained in both private practice and hospital settings. I was recently a health and neuropsychology extern at MemorialCare Miller Children’s Hospital, and I am a neuropsychology extern with Hoag Memorial Hospital. 

Clinical Specialties

I chose to specialize in neuropsychology, health psychology and sports psychology because each one holds a key passion of mine. For neuropsychology, my deep desire to understand the inner workings of the human brain, neuronal connections and functional neuroanatomy is very exciting. For therapy, I love both sports psychology and health psychology because I have used both. I was a five-year NCAA Division I student-athlete, and sports psychology helped me make it through college athletics. As a Type 1 diabetic, I love helping clients with acute and chronic health conditions process and overcome their health challenges from a holistic lens. 

Career Goal 

My short-term goal is to complete my program and graduate as a doctor of clinical psychology in the coming years. My long-term goal is to become a licensed, board-certified clinical neuropsychologist who offers both assessment and therapy services in either a private practice or hospital setting. I love the field of psychology and hope to teach workshops and classes and create free resources to help the South Bay continue a tradition of excellence.  

Photographed by Kat Monk