Raquel Rivera
raquelrivera@SanDiego.edu
(619) 260-4655
Clinical Director
Clinical Director, Counseling Center
- PsyD, Clinical Psychology
License/Certifications: Licensed Clinical Psychologist California #25908/PsyD
Clinical Interests and Areas of Expertise: Assisting students coping with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma, interpersonal issues and identity exploration utilizing evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, IPT, ACT, Affirming and Mindfulness-based approaches.
My approach in therapy: I utilize a collaborative approach balancing validation with change strategies, while also considering identities and cultural factors impacting current experiences. The therapeutic relationship is of the utmost importance to facilitate trust and change.
Supervision Approach: I practice from a combination of competency-based, developmental and multi-culturally informed approaches. Being collaborative and creating a solid foundation of trust and safety are essential to effective supervision. I welcome feedback to continue to improve upon my supervisory skills. I aim to provide training focused on evidence-based case conceptualization to inform intervention selection to obtain optimal treatment outcomes. The therapeutic relationship, parallel processes, consideration of cultural factors and client identities and the intersectionality of the therapist and client identities are also essential components of supervision.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: I am committed to being a lifelong learner of inclusivity, social justice, and allyship. I practice awareness of my own privileges, implicit biases and blind spots with humility and am committed to being open to change to increase cultural competency. I aim to provide compassionate support with respect for each individual’s lived experience. I consider how systemic racism, oppression and experiences of marginalized populations play a role in mental health concerns and overall wellbeing.
Personal Interests: My golden retriever (Robin), music, concerts, family, friends, cooking and reading.
Additional Responsibilities/Designations: Clinical Director of Counseling Center, supervision to trainees, individual therapy to USD students, triage, on-call/after hours support, outreach to campus community, collaboration, consultation and support to academic and administrative campus partners.