Profile / United States
Maria Rivera, LCSW
North Carolina
LCSW - Anxiety and Addiction support
See online therapy options- CBT methods
- ACT strategies
- Motivational interviewing
About Maria
Maria Rivera is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina with 15 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, trauma, and abuse. She focuses on clear, practical steps to reduce distress and improve daily functioning. Maria speaks English and works with adults on a range of concerns related to mood, behavior, and life transitions.
In sessions she treats symptoms of depression, bipolar concerns, and ADHD using structured methods that address thoughts and actions. She also supports people dealing with grief, parenting stress, eating and body image worries, and chronic illness or pain. Her work includes attention to attachment, abandonment, adoption and foster care matters, and blended family stress.
Her approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and client-centered methods. She uses motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques when helping people set goals and make practical changes. Conversations tend to target unhelpful thinking, small behavior experiments, and clear coping strategies.
Maria aims to help people notice patterns that keep problems going and then try different responses. Sessions are practical and goal oriented with an emphasis on immediate, usable strategies. She encourages people to use their strengths to handle tough situations and to build skills for everyday life.
People considering therapy are invited to review options on the site, answer a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an initial session. The process begins with a simple plan and step-by-step work toward whatever goals the person sets.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Maria uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change thought and behavior patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and problematic habits. CBT work online can include identifying specific worry patterns, practicing new responses between sessions, and tracking progress with homework tasks.She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which focuses on clarifying values and taking committed action even when difficult feelings are present. ACT sessions often involve brief exercises in awareness and value-guided goal setting that can be done during or between online meetings.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Maria will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress is made. That way the work remains practical and focused on real-life changes.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm available session options before booking. Many people find online sessions helpful because they fit more easily into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Discussing preferred rhythms and tasks in the first meeting helps shape how the online work will run.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
North Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, and related issues.
How does she use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
She uses CBT to identify unhelpful thoughts and test different responses through small behavior experiments and practical coping skills.
What is her professional background?
She has 15 years of professional experience working in behavioral health settings and related clinical roles.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She holds an LCSW credential and is licensed in North Carolina.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions arranged and paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin?
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 you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.