Marissa Rivera, LPC-S, QTAP
Founder, Chingona
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Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (Texas): #71270
Queer and Trans Affirming Professional (QTAP), 2021
M.A., Counseling Psychology, St. Edward’s University
B.A., Psychology, Cognitive Science, Rice University
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Board of Directors, SIMS Foundation (2020-current, President)
Board of Directors, Austin IN Connection (2017-2020)
I am fascinated by the human mind. One of my prized childhood possessions was a 1995 issue of National Geographic with a cover story about the brain (oh I know, 100% nerd). My passion for learning about the human mind eventually led me to study Psychology and Cognitive Science at Rice University.
It was there where I also began my own journey in therapy. As a high-achieving, first-generation college student from a working class background, I often felt like an imposter among my peers and struggled with severe panic attacks. Finding the right therapist was my first step in changing my relationship with anxiety and clarifying my values and goals.
Prior to being in private practice full-time, I spent the first 8 years of my career providing therapy in residential treatment and high school settings. During that time, I also began training other mental health professionals and writing policy.