Licensed clinical social worker recordDistrict of Columbia
Nelson Rivera, LICSW, LCSW
District of Columbia
Licensed social worker - Addictions and trauma
Continue with NelsonCredentials check
- Credentials
- LICSW, LCSW
- Licensed in Florida
- LCSW, licence SW11119
- Licensed in District of Columbia
- LICSW, licence LC200002823
- Licensed in Maryland
- LCSW-C, licence 31833
- NPI
- 1528380359
- Experience
- 20 years
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Location
- District of Columbia
These details come from information Nelson supplied to BetterHelp. A licence can be checked with the social work board of the state that issued it, and an NPI with the national registry.
AAbout
- Addictions
- Trauma work
- CBT and MI
About Nelson
Nelson Rivera is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in DC and Florida with 20 years of experience. He works with people facing addiction, HIV/AIDS, mood disorders, trauma, and relationship or career concerns. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish and he has a long history supporting clients through life changes and chronic health challenges.
Rivera draws on straightforward, interactive conversations. He focuses on how thoughts influence behavior and uses practical strategies to change patterns that get in the way. Motivational interviewing is part of his approach when someone feels unsure about change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques are used to identify unhelpful thinking and try new responses.
He has worked extensively in HIV/AIDS and substance use settings and brings that experience to clients dealing with grief, shame, or isolation. He also addresses caregiving stress, communication problems, and process addictions such as gambling or problematic sexual behaviors. People come for help with anger, intimacy-related struggles, and managing work or career stress.
Rivera describes his style as direct and adaptive. He avoids labels while building practical plans with each person. Therapy conversations aim to be clear and action-oriented, with steps people can use outside the session.
If someone prefers Spanish, Rivera can work in that language. He accepts international clients, and the first step is to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial meeting to discuss goals and fit.
BHow sessions work
How his approaches translate to online work
Nelson uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot and change thoughts that lead to unwanted behaviors. CBT sessions typically involve setting clear goals, practicing new ways of thinking, and trying small behavioral experiments between meetings.He also uses Motivational Interviewing to address mixed feelings about change. That approach focuses on conversation that helps people resolve ambivalence and build commitment when they are ready to move forward. Trauma-Focused Therapy is used for people affected by past trauma, emphasizing safety, pacing, and processing memories at a manageable rate.
Choosing an approach is collaborative. He will review your concerns, goals, and preferences and suggest ways to proceed. The plan can shift as you learn what helps most.
Confirm the specific session formats before booking since the biography does not list formats. Online sessions can help fit therapy into busy schedules by reducing travel time, making it easier to attend short check-ins during work breaks, or offering quieter surroundings when needed. Discuss practical scheduling and format options during the intake to find what works with everyday life.
CAreas of focus
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Florida, District of Columbia, Maryland
Languages
English, Spanish
DQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He works with addictions, HIV/AIDS, trauma and abuse, mood disorders, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, and caregiving stress among other concerns.
How would you describe his therapeutic approach?
He uses direct, interactive conversations that focus on how thoughts affect behavior. Techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing alongside trauma-focused work.
How much experience does he have?
He has 20 years of experience working in behavioral health, including extensive work with HIV/AIDS and substance use.
What are his credentials and where is he licensed?
He holds the credentials LICSW and LCSW and is licensed as DC LICSW and FL LCSW, practicing from the District of Columbia.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can people outside the US work with him?
International clients are accepted; confirm any location-specific details during intake.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?
Cost varies with location, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988. More crisis numbers