Services offered
Live Chat
Messaging
Sharitza Rivera, LCSW
Stress, Anxiety
Relationships
Career difficulties
Depression
Coping with life changes
Live Chat
Messaging
About me
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 8+ years of experience from Chicago and I am currently completing my PhD in Social Work. My current full-time role is at university where I support first-generation and low-income students. I also am an adjunct professor. I have worked in community non-profits, elementary, high school, and college settings. I am certified in motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral treatment, and dialectal behavioral therapy and am a certified rape crisis counselor in Illinois. I have worked with a variety of clients with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, self-harm, career/workplace stress, family dynamics, relationship issues, discrimination, identity development, financial issues, life purpose, and adjustment.
I grew up working-class - and I am the first person to graduate from college in my family. I identify as female, cisgender, and Puerto Rican. I am a progressive and identify as Christian - but I am open to working with other faiths and political backgrounds. I believe a person's identities matter - and can impact the client experience, therefore I am upfront about my social identities and privileges. I believe clients are the experts of their experience and I view their selection of me as their clinician as an honor and privilege. My counseling style is eclectic and I meet the client's where they are at. I combine solution-focused, acceptance and commitment, dialectal behavioral, trauma-focused, and critical race theory into my approach. I will tailor the approach based on your needs.
I take clients via messaging, live chat, and phone (no video at this time). I am available for messaging Monday - Thursday, and available for live chat or phone sessions in the evenings Monday - Thursday (exceptions will be made for special circumstances.)
Searching for and finding the right therapist is not an easy task. I commend you for taking this step on your journey - and if you choose to work with me, I am excited to take the journey with you.
Professional experience
12yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety
Relationships
Career difficulties
Depression
Coping with life changes
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Anger management, Self esteem, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Emptiness, Family Problems, First Responder Issues, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Money and financial issues, Multicultural Concerns, Postpartum Depression, Self-Harm, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
License information
IL LCSW 149018632
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Sharitza Rivera. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She is wonderful. She has always listened and helped guide me in understanding myself in a way that is not bossy, imposing or pushy, but instead gentle and caring. She understands the direction I am personally trying to go and helps steer me in a non loving way. I am thankful I have had her as my therapist.
Written on Dec 17, 2021 after therapy with Sharitza for 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
Sharitza is personable but professional. She cares about the whole person not just the issues you’ve come to her about. She asks questions with integrity and listens. I appreciate her so much.
Written on May 23, 2021 after therapy with Sharitza for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and adhd