Biography

Jacquelyn Rivera, LCSW, PPSC, is the Program Director for the Suicide Prevention Center at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in Orange County. With more than 20 years of experience in suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed mental health care, she leads a multidisciplinary team providing high-quality suicide prevention and postvention services to individuals, families, and communities.

Jacquelyn specializes in suicide risk assessment, traumatic grief, youth and family mental health, and community-based crisis response. She has played a key role in developing innovative suicide prevention programs, strengthening partnerships with schools and community organizations, and expanding access to evidence-based mental health services throughout Southern California.

Her clinical training includes Cognitive Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CT-SP), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), SAFETY-A/B for suicidal youth, Seeking Safety, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). A nationally recognized trainer and speaker, Jacquelyn has delivered more than 300 trainings on suicide prevention, resilience, and mental health awareness.

Jacquelyn is committed to compassionate, culturally responsive care that helps individuals navigate crisis and rediscover hope. She believes that meaningful connection and evidence-based support can empower people to move toward healing and long-term resilience.

Publications

Contributor to educational media and conference presentations on suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

Certification

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC)

Master Trainer, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Southern California

Bachelor’s Degree, Loyola Marymount University