Jerry Rivera, LCSW, earned both his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of South Florida. He began his clinical career with Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, where he completed his internship working with adolescents involved in the Department of Juvenile Justice, focusing on anger management and substance use disorders. He also gained experience supporting children and families, including foster care services, through the Department of Children and Families.
Jerry continued his work with Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, advancing into leadership roles including Clinical Team Leader for an adolescent residential program and Director of Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in rural communities such as Arcadia and North Port. In these roles, he provided direct care and oversaw clinical services for individuals with severe and persistent mental health conditions.
For the past 13 years, Jerry has worked in private practice with Comprehensive MedPsych Systems, providing therapy to adolescents (13+) through older adults. His areas of focus include depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief and loss, substance use, and life transitions. He also has experience supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as providing couples counseling.
A Florida native, Jerry brings a unique background to his clinical work. He began his professional career as a performer at Walt Disney World, where he worked as a dancer in the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Pleasure Island, and international tours representing Disney worldwide.