Carla Rivera (she/her)

MSW, LCSW, CDP, CSTIP
Accepting Clients

Hi, I am Carla. I am a US Army Veteran. I earned a BS in Psychology, a Masters' in Social Work, and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Wilmington, NC

Services
  • Individual
  • Couples

About My Clients

Feeling trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors that impact your life, career, or relationships? Eager to enhance your mental well-being and reach your full potential? Experiencing anxiety, depression, or communication difficulties? Seeking empathy? Enjoy humor when it's fitting? Want to feel at ease while processing your emotions? I understand how you feel, and I'm here to help you discover the tools that best suit your life, so you can get back on track and achieve your goals.

My Background and Approach

My path to becoming a licensed clinical social worker was like a Choose Your Own Adventure book – full of twists and turns, ups and downs, and a whole lot of unexpected detours. But hey, isn’t that what makes life interesting? It all started with a rough childhood that left me with a lot of trauma, but also a deep well of empathy. Joining the Army helped me build my self-esteem and confidence, but it was working as an addiction therapist that really showed me my true calling. I worked to achieve a BS in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work and earned my LCSW following my schooling. From there, I worked with dementia clients and became a Certified Dementia Practitioner, engaged with families and couples and became trained in EMDR and a Family Centered Treatment Supervisor to break generational trauma and improve communication. And now, as a certified sex therapist, I’m helping couples tackle the thought of sex being "taboo" and normalize sex issues, preferences, and lifestyles.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I truly believe that my clients are the experts of their own lives. I respect your knowledge, experiences, and opinions, and I’m here to support you in achieving your goals, whatever they may be. I’m not one to shy away from a challenge. If you ask me to push you outside your comfort zone, I’m more than happy to oblige. If I sense that you might be holding back, I’m not afraid to gently nudge you to explore those difficult emotions. I’ll always do it with empathy and compassion – I’m not here to judge or criticize. I believe that humor can be a powerful tool in the therapeutic process. When appropriate, I’ll use humor to lighten the mood and help you feel more at ease. And sometimes, when the moment calls for it, I’ll use silence as a therapeutic tool. This gives you the space and time to process your thoughts and feelings without interruption or distraction. If you’re ready to take that next step in your personal growth and healing, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Oscar
  • Optum
  • Oxford Health Plan
  • United Healthcare
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Multifaith

At A Glance

  • Experience: 9 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $100 - 175/session

Info

910-442-8334 Email Carla
322 South College Rd. #1036
Wilmington, NC 28403

Reach out to Carla