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Nelson Rivera

Nelson Rivera

LICSW, LCSW

District of Columbia

Change-focused LICSW with practical skills

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At a glance

Credentials
LICSW, LCSW
License
LCSW, Florida / SW11119; LICSW, District of Columbia / LC200002823; LCSW-C, Maryland / 31833
Experience
20 years
Languages
English, Spanish
Location
District of Columbia

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational interviewing
    • CBT informed
    • Bilingual English Spanish

    About Nelson

    Nelson Rivera is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience. He holds a Master’s degree from New York University and brings a warm, direct style to sessions. Nelson works in English and Spanish and practices in the District of Columbia.

    Nelson often helps people managing addiction, depression, anxiety, and trauma histories. He also supports those facing relationship strain, grief, career crossroads, and caregiving stress. His work includes clients living with HIV/AIDS and people struggling with impulse or process addictions.

    He uses Motivational Interviewing to explore ambivalence and help people find internal reasons to change. He also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to look at how thoughts affect actions, and Trauma-Focused Therapy when past hurts affect daily life. Nelson adapts his approach to each person rather than sticking to labels.

    Sessions are described as interactive and straightforward. He focuses on practical steps people can take and on shaping a plan that fits real life. Nelson emphasizes respect, dignity, and compassion while keeping conversations goal-oriented.

    If someone is ready to make a change, he supports them in designing a life that fits better. He offers guidance and coaching alongside clinical work. Prospective clients are asked to confirm current session options before booking.

  2. How Nelson Uses Motivational Interviewing and CBT Online

    Nelson blends Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in ways meant to push practical change. Motivational Interviewing focuses on exploring a person's mixed feelings about change and finding their own reasons to move forward. This approach is often used for addictions, ambivalence about behavior, and when someone needs a nudge to start a new plan. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It helps people notice unhelpful thinking patterns and try new behaviors to test different outcomes. Trauma-Focused Therapy is used when past events still shape daily reactions, helping people make sense of those memories and reduce their impact. Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, challenges, and preferences and then try methods that fit. That plan can change as progress happens and new needs emerge. Because the biography does not list specific session formats, confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, cut travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can use these methods effectively at a distance while tailoring pacing and homework to each person’s life.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue

    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

    Listed in

    Florida, District of Columbia, Maryland

    Languages

    English, Spanish

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What kinds of concerns does Nelson help with?

    He works with addictions, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship strain, grief, caregiving stress, and related issues such as impulse or process addictions and HIV/AIDS concerns.

    How would you describe his therapy style?

    His style is warm, interactive, and straightforward; sessions focus on practical steps and clear conversation rather than labels.

    What experience does he bring to clinical work?

    He has over 20 years of experience working in behavioral health, substance use, and HIV/AIDS care, and he combines clinical work with coaching elements.

    What credentials and region are listed?

    He is a DC LICSW and a FL LCSW and practices in the District of Columbia.

    Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?

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

    What session formats are available?

    The biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current session options before booking.

    How does cost and billing work?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with him?

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

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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