Reach Hearts, Teach Minds, and Inspire Growth.
Sarah Rivera
Sarah Rivera, LPC-S, is a licensed counselor and speaker for women's conferences, churches, and ministry leaders. Her talks bring mental health and biblical wisdom into the same room, without shame and without pretending one cancels out the other.
Keynote Speaker | Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
Meet Sarah Rivera
Sarah Rivera, LPC-S, is a licensed counselor, speaker, and the founder of La Luz Counseling in San Antonio, Texas. She has practiced as a mental health professional since 2010 and has delivered more than 65 keynote talks, workshops, and trainings to churches, nonprofits, ministry teams, leadership groups, and community organizations across Texas.Her work sits where faith and mental health meet. Sarah speaks honestly about anxiety, burnout, trauma, leadership, and the emotional weight people carry, in a way that holds room for both their faith and their well-being. Audiences leave understanding more about how their minds work and feeling less alone in the things they have been carrying quietly.La Luz means "The Light," and the name reflects what Sarah believes about healing: it happens in spaces where shame does not get the last word. Whether she's speaking at a women's retreat, training a ministry team, or coaching a pastor through burnout, the goal is the same. Equip people with practical tools and honest language for what they are actually walking through.Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and serves on the Prayer Team Board for South Texas Youth for Christ.
Booking Made Simple
Based in San Antonio, Texas. Available for local, regional, and select national events, including:
Conferences and retreats
Leadership trainings and workshops
Church services and ministry events
Panels and seminars
Virtual speaking engagements
Talks That Spark Real Conversation
Every keynote is tailored to your audience and event. These are the talks Sarah is most often invited to deliver.
Signature Talk 1: Strong but Struggling
Understanding anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion through faith and mental health.
Many women carry anxiety, pressure, and emotional exhaustion while trying to hold it all together. This talk helps audiences see how faith and mental health actually work together, with practical tools for what to do when you are running on empty.
Signature Talk 2: The Mental Load Women Carry
Why so many women feel exhausted, and what to do about it.
Women carry invisible emotional responsibilities that leave them drained mentally, physically, and spiritually. This session names those hidden stressors and walks through what healthier boundaries, self-care, and sustainable rest actually look like, without guilt.
Signature Talk 3: Faith, Burnout & Leadership
Helping ministry leaders thrive without losing themselves.
Ministry leaders and helping professionals are expected to pour into others while quietly running on empty themselves. This session gives leaders practical tools for sustaining their own emotional health while still showing up for the people they serve.
Signature Talk 4: Loving Jesus While Struggling Mentally
Breaking the silence around faith and mental health.
Many Christians quietly struggle with anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion while feeling ashamed for needing support. This talk addresses that shame directly, with honest language about what mental health looks like inside the life of faith and what healing actually requires.
From the People in the Room
Sarah is a trusted voice at the intersection of faith and mental health. A Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with 15 years in practice and more than 65 speaking engagements across Texas, she equips women, churches, and ministry leaders with practical tools for navigating anxiety, burnout, and emotional wellness. Her work is grounded in both clinical expertise and biblical wisdom.
"Sarah modeled clarity, empathy, and encouragement throughout the session. Her language was invitational, and her tone fostered open discussion."
Valerie Simonoff,
COO She Is Society
"She integrated the Lord into it, backing it up with scripture, and the component of prayer."
Kate G.
“Top notch! Well informed and prepared! Great job keeping our team engaged!”
Angela L.
“Sarah’s presentation exceeded my expectations! She is so knowledgeable and helpful.”
Madelyn P.
“Absolutely AMAZING. 10/10”
Cassandra H.
"Sarah made everything very practical, and I appreciated her openness and honesty."
Chuck S.
"I liked how Sarah could relate to working with inner city kids. That's where I am placed, and it just looks different when working with those kids. I feel seen and heard after this presentation."
Sarah R.
Empowering Ministries
Your ministry is dedicated to serving others, but who is supporting you? Struggling staff, overwhelmed congregants, and clients facing deep mental health challenges need more than just encouragement; they need practical, faith-based strategies to thrive. That’s where I come in.
Mental Health & Biblical Wisdom
Mental Health Training for Non-Profits & Christian Ministries
Through dynamic speaking engagements and interactive training, I provide actionable tools your team can implement immediately, grounded in both mental health expertise and biblical principles.
Each session includes:
1.5-hour in person interactive training with hands-on learning.
Practical, immediately implementable takeaways
Biblical and clinical integration for holistic growth
Q&A session for real-time support
1-hour pre-meeting with Sarah for customized planning.
Ongoing email support for 30 days post-session.
Small Teams
Up to 15 people
$500 per topic
Medium Ministries
16-35 people
$3,000 for a bundled training
Large Organizations
36+ people
$6,000 - $12,000 for customized training
Sarah Rivera Speaks
Thank you for reaching out.
I'm grateful you thought of me for your event. Your inquiry just hit my inbox, and I'll be in touch within 3 business days so we can talk through what you're planning and what would serve your audience best.Talk soon,
Sarah
