Dr. Angel Rivera, M.D.
Bilingual Psychiatrist · Telemedicine Specialist
Focused on enhancing patient outcomes through the use of telemedicine and telepsychiatry.
About
Dr. Angel Rivera is a bilingual psychiatrist with over 15 years of diverse clinical experience spanning forensic psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, correctional medicine, crisis intervention, and telepsychiatry. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine and completed residency training at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where he developed expertise in geriatric psychopharmacology and psychosocial treatment frameworks.
Throughout his career, Dr. Rivera has served in high-acuity clinical environments including maximum-security state prisons, county correctional facilities, and crisis stabilization units. He has held leadership roles including Chief Medical Officer at Thrive Talk, a telehealth mental health platform. His forensic psychiatry background includes comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnostic clarification, medication management, and discharge planning in correctional and forensic settings.
Dr. Rivera is a member of the Florida Medical Association and is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing him to provide culturally competent psychiatric care to diverse patient populations. His commitment to improving access to mental health services drives his focus on telemedicine and telepsychiatry as tools for reaching underserved communities.
Areas of Expertise
Psychiatry
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment
Telepsychiatry
Remote patient care via telemedicine platforms
Forensic Psychiatry
Forensic evaluations and correctional settings
Geriatric Psychiatry
Specialized care for patients aged 55+
Crisis Intervention
CSU/crisis unit and acute stabilization
Medication Management
Psychopharmacology and treatment planning
Correctional Medicine
Maximum-security and state prison facilities
Substance Abuse
Assessment and treatment of chemical dependency
Clinical Experience
Staff Psychiatrist
Full-timeTulare County Health & Human Services Agency
Hanford, California 2020 – Present
Provides full-time psychiatric services for a county health and human services agency, delivering comprehensive mental health care to underserved populations.
Chief Medical Officer
LeadershipThrive Talk
Served as Chief Medical Officer overseeing clinical operations and medical standards for a telehealth mental health platform.
Staff Psychiatrist
Full-timeRobert J. Demarco, CSCR
San Diego, California 2015 – 2020
Assessed patients admitted to the inpatient CISD/crisis unit and Administrative Segregation inpatient unit in a forensic setting. Conducted intakes, developed treatment plans, and provided ongoing psychiatric care.
Staff Psychiatrist
Full-timeSanta Clara County Jail–Valley Medical Center
San Jose, California 2013 – 2015
Delivered comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnostic clarification, medication management, discharge planning, and referrals for psychological services within a county correctional facility.
Staff Psychiatrist
Full-timeCSP–Senior Impact
San Diego, California 2012 – 2013
Provided geriatric psychiatric services for patients aged 55 and older, including diagnostic assessments, prescribing, and pharmacological management.
Staff Physician
ContractSalinas Valley State Prison
Soledad, California 2011 – 2012
Delivered psychiatric services at a maximum-security/forensic facility, including comprehensive evaluations, diagnostic clarification, medication management, and discharge planning.
Education & Training
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
SUNY Downstate College of Medicine · 1990
Psychiatry Residency
Mount Sinai Beth Israel · 1992 – 1993
Trained in geriatric psychiatry including geriatric psychopharmacology, psychosocial frameworks, and clinical rotations in inpatient/outpatient nursing home and geriatric satellite clinics.
Residency Programs
UT Southwestern Medical Center · 1990 – 1992
Trained in inpatient and outpatient psychiatry across Veterans Hospital, University Hospital, Parkland Hospital, and Terrell State Hospital.
Licenses & Certifications
- Medical Doctor
SUNY Downstate College of Medicine · Issued May 1990
Honors & Awards
- Substance Abuse Rotation — May 1989
- Senior Year Psychiatric Research Rotation — December 1988
Publications
Condom Knowledge, History of Use and Attitude among Chemically Addicted
Journal of Substance Abuse · June 1, 1999
Research examining the behavioral change of risky sexual practices in the context of the AIDS epidemic, with emphasis on condom use education for safe sex among chemically addicted populations.
Memberships
- Florida Medical Association — Member
Languages
- English — Fluent
- Spanish — Native / Bilingual