Works with
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LICSW, LCSW
- Licensed in
- Florida, District of Columbia, Maryland
- Years in practice
- 20
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Nelson
Nelson Rivera is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of experience. He draws on practical, down-to-earth methods to help people manage stress, anger, substance use, and relationship struggles. He offers sessions in English and Spanish and sees clients in the District of Columbia and internationally.
Nelson's approach is warm, interactive, and straightforward. He pays attention to how thoughts can drive behavior and uses clear, hands-on techniques to change unhelpful patterns.
Background and approach
He often blends cognitive behavioral work with motivational interviewing to help people move past hesitation and take steps they actually want to try. He has a long background supporting people affected by HIV and AIDS, addiction, and trauma. That experience informs his work with mood disorders, grief, self-esteem, and coping with major life changes.
He is comfortable addressing issues related to sexual orientation and the stress that can come from prejudice and discrimination. Sessions focus on practical skills and real-life goals. Nelson adapts the conversation and plan to each person's needs.
He avoids labels and centers the client's priorities when deciding what to work on together. People who choose Nelson can expect direct guidance, collaboration, and an emphasis on small, achievable steps. He recognizes the courage it takes to seek support and aims to help people redesign their lives in ways that feel more manageable and meaningful.
What Nelson works with
Everything Nelson lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Nelson's practice.
- 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 lists
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Approaches that guide online work and practical support
Nelson commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors to change mood and reactions. CBT is often useful for anxiety, depression, anger, and habit-related struggles.He also integrates Motivational Interviewing to address ambivalence and strengthen motivation for change. This approach is helpful when someone is unsure about changing substance use, patterns of behavior, or life routines and wants to find their own reasons to move forward.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Nelson will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't worked before to decide which techniques to use. He adapts the plan over time based on progress and feedback from the person he is working with.
Online therapy offers flexibility in how sessions happen. Video calls let the therapist and client use visual cues and longer sessions, phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited, and live chat or text-based messaging can be useful for brief check-ins or when writing feels easier. These options make it simpler to fit sessions around work, caregiving, or travel while keeping the focus on practical steps and skills.
Questions people ask about Nelson
What concerns does Nelson typically address?
He works with a wide range of issues including addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, anger, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, self-esteem, and coping with life changes.
What is his therapeutic style like?
His style is warm, interactive, and straightforward. He focuses on changing thoughts that influence behavior and uses practical techniques to help clients take actionable steps.
How much experience does he bring to sessions?
He has 20 years of experience working in behavioral health, including substantial work with HIV/AIDS, substance use, and trauma.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
He holds DC LICSW and FL LCSW credentials and practices from the District of Columbia.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish, and he also accepts international clients.
In what formats can sessions be scheduled?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different needs and schedules.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the process for getting started?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.