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LCSW

Maria Rivera, LCSW

  • Experience15 years
  • LocationNorth Carolina
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Addictions
  • Therapy approachesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Client-Centered Therapy
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About Maria

Maria Rivera is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in North Carolina with 15 years of professional experience. She blends evidence-informed methods to support people coping with stress, anxiety, addictions, mood concerns such as depression and bipolar, and life transitions.

Background and approach

Her approach emphasizes clients' strengths and personal expertise in their own stories, helping them build skills for managing anger, grief, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and symptoms associated with ADHD. She integrates cognitive behavioral techniques and acceptance-based strategies alongside motivational interviewing and solution-focused methods to tailor treatment to each person's needs.

Maria also addresses a wide range of related issues including attachment and communication problems, body image and eating concerns, chronic illness and caregiver stress, and the impacts of trauma and abuse. The tone of her work is collaborative and respectful, aimed at helping people notice practical changes and move toward goals that matter to them.

Those seeking practical tools and supportive guidance will find a therapist who values courage in starting therapy and centers the client’s perspective. Maria offers a steady, strengths-based partnership to navigate coping, recovery, and meaningful change.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Care



Maria commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, and coping with stress. ACT emphasizes accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values and taking committed actions toward what matters, often helping with avoidance, emotional regulation, and life transitions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Maria works with clients to explore which strategies fit their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, and she adapts methods over time based on what proves most helpful. The aim is to co-create a practical plan that reflects the client’s priorities and builds on their strengths.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for scheduling and allows clients to engage from locations that suit them. These formats make it possible to maintain continuity of care during busy periods or life changes while still accessing licensed professionals who use structured, evidence-informed techniques to support progress.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does she commonly address?
Maria works with stress, anxiety, addictions, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar, ADHD, trauma and abuse, relationship difficulties, grief, anger, parenting and a range of related concerns.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is collaborative and client-centered, combining cognitive behavioral strategies, acceptance-based techniques, motivational interviewing and solution-focused tools to help clients set goals and build coping skills.
How long has she been practicing?
She brings 15 years of professional experience working with a variety of mental health and life challenges.
Where is she licensed to practice?
She is licensed in North Carolina as an LCSW with the license number NC LCSW C007456.
Does she provide services in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available?
Maria offers a range of online session formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What do I need to do to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger management

Also works with

Family conflictsGriefEating disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Licensed

North Carolina

Languages

English

About

Maria Rivera is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in North Carolina, with 15 years of experience, not currently accepting new clients.