Therapist profile
Nelson Rivera, LICSW, LCSW
LICSW LCSW - Addictions and Relationship Concerns
Continue with NelsonAbout
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Focused work
About Nelson
Nelson Rivera is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW, LCSW) practicing in the District of Columbia with over 20 years of experience. He has worked extensively with HIV/AIDS, substance use, behavioral health, depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish and he accepts international clients.
Rivera uses straightforward, interactive counseling. He focuses on how thoughts affect behavior and on practical steps people can take. He has helped people work through ambivalence using motivational interviewing and has used cognitive behavioral techniques to address mood and behavior patterns. He also brings experience supporting people who have experienced childhood trauma and how that can influence adult life.
His background includes a master’s degree from New York University and ongoing doctoral study in organizational psychology. Over two decades he has supported clients facing chronic medical diagnoses, career challenges, and substance use concerns. That experience informs his approach to complex, overlapping problems.
In sessions he tends to be direct and engaged. Conversations move between examining thoughts, trying new behaviors, and setting small goals. He also discusses coping strategies for stress, grief, and caregiver strain.
People looking to address addictions, relationship or intimacy issues, or identity-related concerns will find work focused on practical change. He adapts the discussion and treatment plans to each person’s needs rather than relying on labels. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How sessions work
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Nelson regularly uses cognitive behavioral techniques and motivational interviewing in his work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying patterns of thinking that affect feelings and behavior, then trying small, practical changes to shift those patterns. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative way of addressing ambivalence and helping people find reasons to change that matter to them.He also draws on trauma-focused methods when past events continue to affect daily life. Trauma-focused work looks at how traumatic experiences shape reactions and relationships, and it uses step-by-step strategies to reduce their hold on present functioning. These approaches are applied with attention to the person’s goals and pace.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. He will work together with clients to figure out which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences. That means trying techniques, checking in about what helps, and adjusting the plan as needed.
Session format details are not specified here, so confirm the available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example a shorter check-in between appointments, not needing to travel, or being able to attend from a quieter location. Licensed professionals often use that flexibility to maintain steady progress while juggling work, caregiving, and other day-to-day demands.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Florida, District of Columbia, Maryland
Languages
English, Spanish
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He works with addictions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and trauma among other concerns listed in his specialties.
What is his general therapy style?
His style is interactive and straightforward, focusing on thoughts and behaviors and using practical techniques to make changes.
How long has he been practicing?
He has over 20 years of clinical experience working in behavioral health, HIV/AIDS, and substance use contexts.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds DC LICSW and FL LCSW credentials and is based in the District of Columbia.
Does he offer sessions in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
What session formats are available?
Confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified here.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.