Julia Rivera

Bilingual Therapist – English & Spanish

Expertise:

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Stress and academic pressure
• ADHD 
• Self-esteem
• Relationship and family challenges
• Grief and loss
• Trauma and healing
• Life transitions and adjustment
• Culturally responsive care
• Accepts clients 6 years and above 

Julia is a warm and compassionate Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW #115939) who enjoys supporting adolescents, young adults, and families as they navigate life’s challenges, relationships, and transitions. She has experience working across school-based, community mental health, and medical settings and currently works closely with teens and their families in a high school setting.

Julia’s therapeutic style is warm, personable, and collaborative. She believes therapy can provide a safe space for difficult conversations while also making room for humor, connection, and moments of lightness. As a bilingual Spanish-speaking clinician, Julia is passionate about providing culturally responsive care and creating an environment where clients and families feel understood, respected, and supported.

Drawing from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, DBT-informed skills, and other evidence-informed approaches, Julia helps clients recognize their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and feel more confident navigating life’s challenges. Her additional training includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Foundational Training, UCSF’s Core Seminar Series in Adolescent Health, and RISE (Recognize, Intervene, Support, Empower) training focused on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. These experiences further inform her developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive approach to working with adolescents, young adults, and families.

Outside of work, Julia enjoys traveling and spending time with her Shih Tzu.

Education:

Master of Social Work (MSW) — California State University, East Bay

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Minor in Spanish — Sonoma State University

Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) — School Social Work

Connect with Julia