Therapist profile
Nelson Rivera, LICSW, LCSW
District of Columbia
LICSW therapist - addiction and trauma focus
Continue with NelsonKey details
- CredentialsLICSW, LCSW
- LicenseLCSW, Florida / SW11119; LICSW, District of Columbia / LC200002823; LCSW-C, Maryland / 31833
- NPI1528380359
- Experience20 years
- LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
- LocationDistrict of Columbia
About
- Addictions
- Trauma
- Motivational interviewing
About Nelson
Nelson Rivera is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of experience in behavioral health. He practices in the District of Columbia and works with English and Spanish speakers. Nelson lists a wide range of concerns he helps people with, including addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship and family stress, grief, and anger.
He has long experience supporting people affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use, and chronic medical conditions. Nelson also works with those who carry childhood trauma into adulthood and wants to understand how earlier experiences affect current patterns. His background includes a master’s degree from New York University and ongoing PhD study in organizational psychology.
Nelson uses straightforward, interactive conversations in session. He focuses on how thoughts shape behaviors and on practical steps people can try between sessions. He names Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing as approaches he uses to help people move past ambivalence and change unhelpful patterns.
Sessions aim to look at specific problems like impulsivity, process addictions, relationship conflict, or stress at work. He also addresses concerns such as low self-esteem, guilt and shame, and issues related to sexual orientation and prejudice. The work tends to be practical and goal-oriented, with room to talk through what matters most to the client.
If someone is ready to begin, Nelson asks them to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. The practice accepts international clients and offers services in both English and Spanish.
How sessions work
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Nelson commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. CBT helps people notice and test unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors to reduce anger and anxiety. Motivational Interviewing focuses on resolving mixed feelings about change and can help when someone feels stuck or resistant to changing impulsive reactions.Deciding which approach fits best is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to choose methods based on their goals, what has or hasn't worked before, and personal preferences. That way sessions focus on practical, achievable steps rather than on labels.
Confirm the exact session formats and scheduling options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - for example it can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins during a lunch break, or remove the need to be on camera for every session. Licensed professionals can adapt their methods to remote conversations so therapy stays focused on real-life changes and managing anger in daily situations.
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 anger-related problems does he address?
He works with anger connected to relationship conflict, workplace frustration, built-up resentment, and related issues like impulsivity and grief.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses a straightforward, interactive approach that focuses on how thoughts influence behavior and practical steps to change patterns.
How much experience does he have?
He brings 20 years of experience in behavioral health, including work with HIV/AIDS, substance use, and trauma.
What credentials and location does he hold?
He is a DC LICSW and a FL LCSW practising from the District of Columbia.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can people outside the US work with him?
Yes, he accepts international clients.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a 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 unsafe, use the crisis numbers.