Dr Shelia Rivers

Biography for Dr. Shelia Rivers, DSW, LCSW, MPH

I am Dr. Shelia Rivers, DSW, LCSW, MPH – licensed clinical social worker, mental health consultant, and trauma expert for women. I have been a mental health professional for 15 years. My professional repertoire includes being the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Therapist of Rivers Psychotherapy Services, published author, Adjunct Professor at Tulane University, Public Speaker, Expert Mental Health Consultant, Social Work Intern Supervisor, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Mississippi and the State of Louisiana. My private practice protocols include providing counseling services for individuals, children & adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. I am the founder of the holistic wellness program, Girl Get Your Life Together. This program provides a supportive psychoeducational environment for women to discuss sensitive issues related to experiencing and coping with stress, learning more about mental health disorders, address emotional issues, and challenge unhealthy coping skills. Girl Get Your Life Together program is built on the 8 dimensions of wellness: emotional, soul, body, finance, environmental, occupational, social, and intellectual. I am also the author of “She Is “and “The Power of Hope” and contributing author of “Unboxed” and “Uncommon Courage.”

I’ve served on the Mississippi Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 2021-2022. I was voted “Top Doctor on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the Psychotherapist category. In 2020, I was invited to serve as a Board Advisory Member for Unite Empowerment in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 2019, I was a speaker at the Success Women’s Conference. In 2019, I was also nominated for “Most Successful Black Owned Small Business and Most Successful Mental Health Provider.” In 2018, I was presented with an award as a Success Woman Influence Leader on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Over the years I have been involved with numerous organizations supporting the gift of Helps.

My academic preparation includes Doctor of Social Work from Tulane University, a Master of Public Health with Healthcare Executive Management emphasizes, Master of Social Work, and Bachelor of Psychology. My education provides me with a broad and coherent knowledge of health care policy and executive administration, social and human services, and general psychology along with insight into the cognitive and affective processes that underlie individual human development and behavior. Additionally, it has provided me with greater skills in critical thinking, communication, and collaboration and information utilization.

Through my experience, I have demonstrated my ability to provide consultation to medical and mental health providers, teachers, families, and administrators; complete comprehensive psychological evaluations of adults, children and adolescents who present with social, emotional, academic and behavioral difficulties; and in providing direct counseling and intervention to adult, children and adolescents. My areas of concentration consist of strength perspective, empowering and emotionally supporting women and their families, trauma survivors, and program evaluations. I am versed in evaluating the outcomes of services to ensure their effectiveness. Overall, my background reflects my ability to lead and maintain a strong commitment to professional standards. I am passionate about my gifted path and make a conscious effort to provide an opportunity for growth throughout my journey. I am forever “Empowered to Make a Difference.”