Licensed to practice in California and accepts 7 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 9 more.

Claudia Rivas

(she/her)

LCSW, 24 years of experience
Warm
Empowering
Authentic
VirtualAvailable

I am currently accepting new clients, but I do not use online self-scheduling. Please use the 'Message' button on my profile to contact me directly for a brief consultation and to schedule your first appointment. Hello! I'm Claudia, a clinical social worker who has worked in the helping profession since 1993 and in the mental health field since 2001. I pride myself in creating a safe, supportive space where you can explore, heal, and resolve your concerns. I use a trauma-informed approach and a racial/social justice lens when working with individuals, couples and family members. I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Somatic Experiencing interventions to foster self-awareness, promote emotional healing, and support embodiment/the felt sense.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

I like to use our first session as an opportunity to get to know each other and establish a strong foundation for our work together. During this session, I focus on gathering pertinent information about your challenges and biopsychosocial history. This is also a great time for you to ask any questions you may have about my experience and what to expect in future sessions. Additionally, we'll begin discussing and developing treatment goals to guide our work moving forward.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe the therapy session is your space and time, allowing you the opportunity to direct the session. As an active participant, I engage with you by offering thoughtful reflections and insights to support your journey. I am committed to creating a safe and open space. Additionally, my practice is trauma-informed, ensuring that I approach our work with sensitivity and an understanding of how past experiences may influence your present healing.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I have over 20 years of experience working with various ethnicities, gender identities and sexual orientations. I provide services in English and Spanish, and sometimes Spanglish. My ideal client is someone who is interested and ready to learn about themselves and can feel comfortable in the discomfort. Someone who is open to learning how to connect with themselves via different facets, such as sensation, emotion, meaning, or something else.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

Grief

Postpartum

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I have completed CBT training and have 15 years of implementing CBT interventions into therapy sessions. I also take on-going trainings in CBT to continue my education and knowledge in this framework.

Somatic

I completed a three-year training program in Somatic Experiencing® and have integrated this framework into my therapeutic practice for the past nine years. To ensure my practice remains informed by the latest developments, I actively engage in ongoing somatic training and regularly receive Somatic Experiencing® sessions to deepen my knowledge and clinical expertise.

EMDR

I am recently trained in EMDR and continue to participate in consultations to deepen my understanding.

, 15 ratings

1 rating with written reviews

August 13, 2025

What stood out for me in this session is how intently you listen to me with compassion and understanding. Not always trying to solve my issues but giving me good advice. Thank you

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 19 with Claudia