Karina Rivera
Pre-Licensed Professional, APCC 14780, supervised by Nora Katz, LCSW 112300
In-Person in San Diego, CA 92108
Online in California
You're holding a lot. The worry, the grief, the sense that you should have it figured out by now. Sessions with me are honest, unhurried, and surprisingly easy to talk through. We go at your pace. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can see if we are a good fit before committing to anything.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: LGBTQ+ clients.
Languages: English, Spanish
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
Approach Description: The work draws on how your thoughts, stories, and relationships shape the way you feel. I use cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-focused CBT, acceptance and commitment therapy, narrative therapy, attachment-based work, and mindfulness, and I stay grounded in what is realistic for your actual life. Motivational interviewing helps when part of you is ready for change and part of you is not sure.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $175 per session
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I offer a limited number of sliding-scale spots for clients who need financial flexibility. Please reach out to discuss availability and what may work for you.
- Accepts Insurance
- Optum, United and Cigna. Out of network. Superbills provided for out-of-network reimbursement.
Education & Credentials
Karina Rivera APCC 14780, supervised by Nora Katz, LCSW 112300
- Female
- License # APCC 14780 (supervised by Nora Katz, LCSW 112300)
- Licensed in California
- Practicing Since 2024
Karina Rivera Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in San Diego, CA 92108
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: Secure video sessions for anyone located in California
You might come in carrying anxiety that won't quiet down, or grief that doesn't fit neatly into your schedule, or a relationship dynamic that keeps repeating no matter how hard you try to change it. Maybe you've been managing on your own for a long time, and you're tired.
That's exactly who I work with.
In sessions, I'm warm and down-to-earth. Clients often say they were surprised that therapy felt comfortable, even interesting. I use humor when it fits, and I never lecture. Mostly I help you slow things down, look at what's actually happening, and find the strengths you may not be able to see in yourself right now. Change doesn't have to happen all at once. One small step, taken honestly, can open into something much larger.
I work with adults, young adults, teens, parents, and families, and I offer sessions in both English and Spanish.
I am a pre-licensed Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC 14780) at Inner Compass Psychotherapy, practicing under the clinical supervision of Nora Katz, LCSW 112300. Sessions are available in person in San Diego and by telehealth throughout California. The fee is $175 per session. Insurance is not accepted at this time; superbills are available for out-of-network reimbursement.
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. We'll talk about what's bringing you in and whether working together makes sense.