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Nelson Rivera

Therapist · District of Columbia

Nelson Rivera

LICSW, LCSW

Change-focused LICSW guiding practical steps

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  • Warm and direct
  • Works in English and Spanish
  • Focus on addiction

About Nelson

Nelson Rivera is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of experience. He brings a warm, interactive, and straightforward style to sessions. He focuses on practical change and helps people work through issues such as addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, and career concerns.

He has worked extensively in HIV/AIDS care, substance use, and broader behavioral health settings. He uses approaches that look at thoughts and behaviors and how they affect daily life. He also helps people who feel stuck by addressing ambivalence and motivation to change.

Nelson tailors conversations and treatment plans to each person’s needs. He avoids labels and favors an adaptive, down-to-earth approach. Expect discussions that aim to clarify goals and test new ways of coping in everyday situations.

His background includes a master’s degree from New York University and current doctoral candidacy in organizational psychology. That mix of clinical and organizational experience informs how he thinks about work, career, and life transitions.

Sessions are offered in English and Spanish, and he accepts international clients. If you want to explore changes around career, relationships, or managing stress and addiction, he offers practical guidance and supportive accountability.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoaching

Additional focus areas

Caregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexualityWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

Florida, District of Columbia, Maryland

Languages

English, Spanish

How Nelson’s approaches guide online care

Nelson commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to help people make practical changes. CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and helps people test new ways of coping with anxiety, depression, or mood issues. Motivational Interviewing focuses on resolving mixed feelings and increasing a person’s own motivation to change, which is useful for addictions, ambivalence about career moves, or lifestyle shifts.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. Nelson works with each person to decide what methods fit their goals, values, and daily life. He adapts conversations and plans as things change, so the approach can shift over time based on what helps most.

The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people continue work between appointments, try strategies in real contexts, and keep momentum toward career or recovery goals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Nelson commonly address?

He helps people with addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, career challenges, grief, and stress-related problems.

How would you describe his therapy style?

His style is warm, interactive, and straightforward. He focuses on thoughts and behaviors and uses practical conversation to support change.

What is his professional background?

He has 20 years of clinical experience working in HIV/AIDS, substance use, and behavioral health, and he holds a master’s degree from New York University.

What credentials and location are listed?

He is listed as DC LICSW and FL LCSW and practices from the District of Columbia.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Spanish, and he accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

How does cost and subscription work?

Fees vary by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

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