Riana Thomas is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a specialization in Adult Mental Health and Wellness. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from Charleston Southern University. With a background spanning substance use treatment, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention, Riana brings both clinical insight and lived compassion to her work. Her experience includes program leadership, harm reduction outreach, and community education across outpatient and community-based settings.

Riana is deeply committed to the healing power of group work. She brings a compassionate, science-based approach to group facilitation, drawing on her knowledge of neuroscience, behavior change, and emotional resilience. She specializes in helping clients rebuild self-trust, process shame, and strengthen their connection to purpose and community. Her groups often integrate psychoeducation with experiential learning and reflective writing, creating space for clients to feel seen and empowered in their recovery journey.

With authenticity, humor, and warmth, Riana meets clients where they are while holding space for who they can become. She believes recovery is not just about abstaining from substances it’s about reimagining identity, reclaiming agency, and restoring connection. At Lantana, she fosters a group environment rooted in curiosity, compassion, and radical self-honesty, helping clients develop the insight and tools needed for lasting transformation.