Nelson Rivera, LICSW, LCSW

Licensed in Florida · 20 years in practice

Nelson Rivera is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience helping people navigate addictions, trauma, and mood challenges.

License and registration

LCSW, Florida: SW11119 · expires March 2027
LICSW, District of Columbia: LC200002823 · expires August 2027
LCSW-C, Maryland: 31833 · expires October 2026
NPI: 1528380359 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 20
Languages: English, Spanish

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check any license with the state board and any NPI with the national registry.

About Nelson

Nelson Rivera is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience helping people navigate addictions, trauma, and mood challenges. He offers direct, warm support that focuses on practical change. Sessions are straightforward and aimed at helping people take the next step in their lives.

He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to look at how thoughts shape behavior and feelings. He also uses Motivational Interviewing to help people work through mixed feelings and find motivation for change.

Background and approach

Trauma-Focused Therapy guides work with past hurts that still affect daily life. Nelson has a long history supporting people affected by HIV and substance use as well as those coping with depression, anxiety, relationship strain, and grief. He adapts his approach to each person's goals rather than relying on labels.

Over two decades he has seen many pathways to recovery and change. His style is warm, interactive, and straightforward. He listens with respect and invites clear, doable steps.

Sessions aim to reduce overwhelm and increase practical skills for managing stress, cravings, or emotional pain. Nelson works in English and Spanish and practices in the District of Columbia. He describes therapy as a collaborative process where the person and therapist build a plan together.

For many people he helps, the goal is not perfection but greater control, clearer choices, and more meaning in daily life.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Nelson lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Addictions
LGBT
Trauma and abuse
Depression
Compassion fatigue
Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Grief
Intimacy-related issues
Anger management
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Coping with life changes
Coaching
Caregiver issues and stress
Communication problems
Drug and alcohol addiction
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
HIV / AIDS
Impulsivity
Infidelity
Isolation / loneliness
Life purpose
Men's issues
Mood disorders
Prejudice and discrimination
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Self-harm
Self-love
Sex addiction
Sexuality
Workplace issues
Young adult issues

Approaches Nelson names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

How Nelson Uses Evidence-Based Approaches Online

Nelson uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. CBT often involves setting small goals, testing new actions, and tracking what changes in mood or stress. Motivational Interviewing helps when someone feels stuck or unsure about change; it focuses on drawing out personal reasons for change and building motivation one step at a time.

Choosing the right approach is part of therapy and happens together. Nelson will talk about options and tailor the work based on the person's goals, history, and preferences. That collaborative decision helps make sessions more relevant and easier to use in everyday life.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different rhythms and needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation for skills work and deep discussion. Phone sessions can work well when bandwidth is low or a shorter check-in fits better. Live chat and text messaging are useful for brief check-ins, ongoing coaching, or when writing out thoughts feels more helpful. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or busy schedules.

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Questions people ask

What concerns does Nelson commonly help with?

He helps with addictions, trauma and abuse, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, and work or career stress.

What is Nelson's general therapeutic style?

His style is warm, interactive, and straightforward. He focuses on clear steps and practical change rather than labels.

What background and experience does he bring?

He has 20 years of experience working with HIV/AIDS, substance use, and behavioral health and has supported people through trauma and life transitions.

Where does Nelson practice and what credentials does he hold?

He practices in the District of Columbia and holds DC LICSW and FL LCSW credentials.

Can sessions be conducted in other languages or internationally?

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

What session formats are available?

He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How does payment and cost work?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

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