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Dr. Natalia Rivera, LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Natalia is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

4.5 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Natalia. View 43 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in North Carolina

Recent reviews

Dr. Rivera is hands down the best therapist I have had! I have been in therapy off and on since I was 12, and each time I am blessed to find therapists who are better for me at this point in my life. I have been working with Dr. Rivera for the past 3 - 4 years. Dr. Rivera makes the art of counseling seamless. She has a wonderful way of not only showing understanding and care towards my situations, but also promptly providing accountability. Dr. Rivera has made various suggestions to my treatment outside of therapy as well. Once I brought these suggestions to my psych provider, my life has changed for the better! Overall, I am blessed to have a holistic provider like Dr. Rivera in my corner. With both her guidance and the work I have put in, I have been able to successfully navigate graduate school, multiple family deaths, breaking of an engagement, my spiritual journey, my professional journey, and my overall journey as a human-being in this world. Thank you Dr. Rivera for taking me on as a client at a time I needed you the most. You are seriously one of a kind and a blessing to every client you work with!

Reviewed March 2024

Dr. Rivera is simply AMAZING, I’m so grateful for her

Reviewed March 2023

More about Natalia

  • 13 years' experience
  • Female
  • LCSW

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in North Carolina and Georgia with over 12 years of experience working as an active duty Army Officer in Military Treatment Facilities and community partners. In my 22 years as an active duty Army Soldier, I have worked with clients of different ages with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, self-harm, conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In the U.S. Army my specialty was combat and military sexual trauma-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Combat Operational Stress. I currently provide counseling services for individuals over 18 years of age, but I also provide behavior modification or Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy for children under 18 who are diagnosed with a neurological condition.

My counseling style is warm, humorous, and interactive. I am empathetic and nonjudgmental, and I strive to create a therapeutic environment rooted in acceptance, openness, and unconditional positive regard. However, I am also realistic and honest, and I will always tell you the truth, but in a kind and supportive way. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic or client-centered, reality and rational-emotive counseling. I will work collaboratively with you to create a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs and together we will track your progress and revise the treatment plan when necessary.

In our journey together, you will be the driver and I will be the passenger reading your map. Sometimes we may take a wrong turn and that is OK, but together we will use your map to get back on the track to the destination of your choice.

My regular schedule is:

Monday - Friday: 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM (EST)

Saturday & Sun: Out of the office (Appointments may be considered on a case-by-case basis)

I typically check my messages after 5 PM every day (sometimes more) and try to respond within 24 hours of your message, but this is not always possible, but I will do my best to give a timely response.

Please note: Periodically my schedule may change. I try to be as flexible as I can when there are specific appointment requests, and we can always discuss other convenient times when I may be able to open up a one-time slot on another day.

MY CANCELLATION POLICY

Just a quick message to inform you about my cancellation policy. Your appointments and well-being are very important to me, and I understand that sometimes, unexpected delays can occur, making schedule adjustments. If you need to cancel your appointment, I respectfully request at least three days’ notice. Appointments are in high demand, and your advanced notice will allow another client access to that appointment time.

Please note: It is Betterhelp’s cancellation policy that you cancel at least 24 hours before the appointment.

I look forward to working with you!

V/R

Dr. Natalia R. Rivera, DSW, LCSW, CADC

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Trauma and abuse Anger management Self esteem Depression Grief Sleeping disorders Parenting issues Coping with life changes Adoption and Foster Care Communication problems Control issues Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster Domestic Violence Drug and Alcohol Addiction Emptiness First Responder Issues Guilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / loneliness Life purpose Midlife crisis Military and Veterans Issues Multicultural Concerns Panic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stress Sexual Assault and Abuse Social anxiety and phobia Women's issues Young Adult Issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems

Licenses

Dr. Natalia Rivera's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1821458720.

  • LCSW · North Carolina · C009986 · Expires February 2025

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.

Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.

Reviews for Dr. Natalia Rivera

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

4.5

43 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Great Recommend Amazing Professional Grateful Helping Wonderful Helped The best Genuine

Dr. Rivera is hands down the best therapist I have had! I have been in therapy off and on since I was 12, and each time I am blessed to find therapists who are better for me at this point in my life. I have been working with Dr. Rivera for the past 3 - 4 years. Dr. Rivera makes the art of counseling seamless. She has a wonderful way of not only showing understanding and care towards my situations, but also promptly providing accountability. Dr. Rivera has made various suggestions to my treatment outside of therapy as well. Once I brought these suggestions to my psych provider, my life has changed for the better! Overall, I am blessed to have a holistic provider like Dr. Rivera in my corner. With both her guidance and the work I have put in, I have been able to successfully navigate graduate school, multiple family deaths, breaking of an engagement, my spiritual journey, my professional journey, and my overall journey as a human-being in this world. Thank you Dr. Rivera for taking me on as a client at a time I needed you the most. You are seriously one of a kind and a blessing to every client you work with!

Reviewed March 2024

Dr. Rivera is simply AMAZING, I’m so grateful for her

Reviewed March 2023

Dr. Natalia has a real-world view of the problems we face in today's society. She is very capable of seeing different sides of the same problem and bringing people together to focus on solutions. I particularly enjoy the lack of psychological jargon, slogans, and off-the-shelf solutions. She is creative in her examples and brilliantly infuses humor when broaching challenging subjects. Dr. Natalia's life experience coupled with her genuine desire to help people makes her an ideal mental health professional for most of us. She is however not for everyone! If you are not genuinely seeking growth, change, or improvement and are ready to do the work towards agreed-upon goals, she will recommend another professional for your journey.

Reviewed September 2022

You're the best therapist I've ever had. And I appreciate all you have helped me through! Very much made a mark in my life

Reviewed August 2022

She do an amazing job! She knows what She is doing!

Reviewed August 2022

Natalia is just was I was looking for in a therapist. She listens, gives sound advice, and helps you create a structured plan for yourself. I would definitely recommend her to my loved ones.

Reviewed May 2022

She has been a great support through some of the toughest times. I highly recommend Natalia and BetterHelp.

Reviewed May 2022

It’s only been three weeks and I am enjoying our sessions thus far. I look forward to our continuous sessions and getting me to my place of healing.

Reviewed May 2022

This is my first time having a therapist and I honestly can’t ask for someone better. Natalia is not only professional and knowledgeable, she is very relatable. She is helping me view things in a different way and making me realized I have the power to turn around things. She is GOLD!

Reviewed May 2022

Natalia is an amazing, thoughtful, intelligent and honest therapist. She opens my eyes to many different kinds of point of views and helps me tremendously. I fully recommend working with her.

Reviewed March 2022

Natalia has been such a great help to me. She has taught me great coping strategies. She listens when I talk and responds as if she has truly heard and understood what I said. I don't think I would have made it through my ordeal if I had not found Natalia as my therapist.

Reviewed February 2022

She is dedicated, sharp, direct, and passionate. She is ready to help at a moments notice and sees things through to completion. I’m lucky to get to work with her.

Reviewed February 2022

She’s wonderful

Reviewed January 2022

Wouldn't have gotten through this crazy year without Natalia. So grateful for her!!

Reviewed January 2022

Natalia is everything I needed in a therapist. She makes me feel heard and helps in exactly the right ways. Couldn’t recommend her enough.

Reviewed December 2021

She is a great and thoughtful Therapist.

Reviewed November 2021

I truly enjoy my experience on this app and meeting Natalia. She and I have a great relationship and I have been able to find more ways to navigate the changes in my life with confidence and patience. I have made big changes in perspective as well as uncovered some more work to do that will benefit my continued growth.

Reviewed September 2021

Natalia is very open and caring. I was glad that I had selected her for my therapist. She has been open and honest and I look forward to our sessions.

Reviewed September 2021

She’s the best

Reviewed August 2021

I have only had three sessions with Natalia but I have learned so much already. I love her funny not so serious approach it makes you calmer and it makes the session more enjoyable. I also love that she really tells you how it is. SHE IS GREAT!!!

Reviewed August 2021

Natalia is very funny and it feels good to laugh and make light of the situations we speak about. I love that Natalia holds me accountable which is important to me in a counselor.

Reviewed July 2021

A therapist who will listen to all your concerns and help build a plan to tackle them just for you.

Reviewed July 2021

Natalia has been so incredibly helpful to me. She's empowered me, helped me with my anxiety and gives me tools to help myself. She's smart, funny, relatable and I feel heard when I'm in session with her.

Reviewed July 2021

I have been really happy with Natalia. She has been very supportive of me. I am so glad to have connected with her. Anita Sunseri

Reviewed July 2021

Natalia has gone above and beyond for me as a client. Not only did she help me navigate an impossibly stressful time in my life, she did so with compassion, care, humanity, and a much-needed sense of humor. She has always made me feel seen, heard, and — above all else — genuinely accepted for exactly who I am. I literally cannot recommend her enough to anyone considering her as a counselor. If you want a genuine human being in your corner who is dedicated to helping you reach your goals, Natalia is that person.

Reviewed June 2021

I enjoy talking with Natalia Rivera. I have been to other throughput my life and none have compared to her and that is good.

Reviewed May 2021

Natalia has helped me see parts of myself that I did not realize before. I feel more able to understand my thought processes and how to work through them. I look forward to our conversations every week.

Reviewed May 2021

Love Natalia! She is down to earth , supportive and helping me build confidence in myself. Really enjoying our talks and her guidance

Reviewed May 2021

I recently started working with Natalia but it has already been a fantastic expirence. She listens to everything I have to say and really provides me with an honest perspective and useful solutions. She always has me laughing which is a solution in its self. I greatly look forward to our sessions and I am excited to keep working with her. She is also great a responding to messages and is transparent with her policies.

Reviewed April 2021

She was so nice and really listened to me as I was talking and working through things, she asked me questions I hadn’t thought to ask myself.

Reviewed April 2021

She is warm and friendly very easy to talk too !

Reviewed April 2021

So far this has been amazing. My counselor did miss a meeting this morning but honestly doesn’t bother me much. She’s a busy woman and it’s an exception that is well worth her services.

Reviewed April 2021

Natalia is very professional and easy to talk to

Reviewed April 2021

She was amazing I can’t wait to speak to her again

Reviewed March 2021

Natalia is the therapist everyone needs. She strikes that perfect balance of expert professional who can get you pass the surface level and to the deep issues you need to address and an amazing best friend who cheers you on to pursue your wins and successes. I am thankful to have her as my therapist at such a pivotal moment in my life. Big fearless decisions take clarity and someone helping you assess the pro and cons...I am grateful to Natalia as the expert helping me find courage and clarity to make BIG FEARLESS DECISIONS!!!

Reviewed March 2021

Natalia is wonderful, she is patient and kind. I am so grateful for even the short time we’ve had together!!!

Reviewed March 2021

I have enjoyed talking with Natalia. She has been a great sounding board for me. I look forward to talking with her in future sessions.

Reviewed March 2021

Natalia has been a wonderful counselor. I have a strong personality and I feel that she was able to match me so well, challenge me, and offer me new insights into situations I was dealing with in my life. She listened to me and we laughed together, and I always looked forward to our sessions. She helped me face situations honestly and made me hold a mirror up to myself. I wish she could be my counselor for the rest of my life. I would recommend her to anyone in my life (and in fact, I have!)

Reviewed March 2021

Natalia is a wonderful counselor. She is patient, empathetic, but also tough to provide a mix of guidance and accountability. Natalia is warm and real. Her approach is personalized, multi-faceted and highly effective. She has been able to guide me through challenging times and assist me in finding the strength. I highly recommend her. Thank you Natalia.

Reviewed February 2021

I have social anxiety and she did her best to work with me in the level of comfort that I'm okay with. With a sprinkle of Marvel/DC rivalry debate and humor, she was able to have me open up when I'm ready.

Reviewed February 2021

I love her. We clicked instantly. She talks to you unbiased and is 100% real no sugar coating!

Reviewed January 2021

Happy that I’ve met her. Excited for the process

Reviewed January 2021

Natalia is great! I was kind of shocked that we instantly clicked. I feel like she completely gets where I’m coming from and what my concerns are. I’m extremely happy to have gotten here for my counselor.

Reviewed January 2021

How was your experience with Natalia?

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Natalia Rivera offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Dr. Natalia Rivera works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Dr. Natalia Rivera speak?

Dr. Natalia Rivera speaks English.

How many years of experience does Dr. Natalia Rivera have?

Dr. Natalia Rivera has 13 years of experience.

Where is Dr. Natalia Rivera licensed to practice?

Dr. Natalia Rivera is licensed to practice in North Carolina.

Does Dr. Natalia Rivera accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Dr. Natalia Rivera does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Dr. Natalia Rivera offer?

Dr. Natalia Rivera offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

How can I communicate with Dr. Natalia Rivera?

Dr. Natalia Rivera can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Dr. Natalia Rivera?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
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Phone
Video

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.