Bringing Innovative Mental Health Strategies to the Community
“I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and innovative approaches to mental health with the wider community. I’ve had the privilege of being featured on local news and other platforms to discuss topics I care deeply about, from supporting children in the digital age to creating connection through virtual therapy. Here are a few of my recent appearances.
9News – Denver | November 28, 2025
Video Game Therapy: Connecting with Kids in a Digital World
In this segment on 9News, Braulio Rivera explains how WellPower is utilizing Minecraft as a powerful therapeutic tool to reach young clients in ways traditional therapy often can’t. The discussion covers the origins of the program during the pandemic, the safety of the secure clinical servers, and how the platform allows children to express themselves, collaborate, and find a place to belong.
“The world inside mirrors the world outside. The difference is that in there, we are able to process it, find meaning, and provide some healing.” [02:46]
The interview also touches upon healthy screen time management, encouraging parents to view video games as a window into their child’s social life and to actively engage with the content they are consuming.
Fox 31- Denver | October 26, 2025
Building Connections: Innovative Therapy Through Minecraft
In this segment on FOX31 Denver, Braulio Rivera from WellPower discusses an innovative approach to child therapy using the popular video game Minecraft. Born out of the challenges of the pandemic, this program allows therapists to meet children in a familiar, secure virtual environment that mirrors the real-world mental health center. The discussion highlights how this creative method helps “sneak in the medicine,” allowing children to practice social skills, collaboration, and emotional regulation while engaging in an activity they love.
“For some of them, the ‘sit down, tell me about your feelings’ works… for some other people, their journey towards healing starts with a pickaxe and a server.” [04:06]
The interview also touches upon the program’s success in reaching isolated children, its inclusivity for different ages and neurodiversities, and how it transforms a common pastime into a powerful tool for connection and growth.
Fox 31- Denver | October 26, 2025
Colorado Conversations: Incorporating Minecraft in Patient Care
In this extended segment on Fox 31’s Colorado Conversations, host Kirk Yuhnke sits down with Braulio Rivera for an in-depth discussion on how he utilizes Minecraft as a therapeutic tool. The conversation explores the mechanics of virtual play therapy, how games can serve as a bridge to treat patients who might be resistant to traditional methods, and the profound way these digital worlds allow clinicians to “see into the mind of a child.”
“We use virtual play and games like Minecraft to help treat patients… [specific quote on connection/methodology].”
The interview provides a comprehensive look at the program’s impact, discussing how this innovative approach meets patients where they are—building trust and opening new avenues for healing through a medium they already understand and love.
Fox 31- Denver | August 19, 2025
Back to School: Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
In this segment on FOX31 Denver, Braulio Rivera discusses crucial strategies for parents to support their children’s mental health as they head back to school. The discussion covers how to recognize signs of anxiety, foster resilience, and build healthy routines to navigate the transition into the new academic year.
“We can really lean on the three R’s of resilience: relationships, routine, and recharge.” [01:01]
The interview also touches upon the ongoing impact of the pandemic on students’ experiences and the importance of professional support when anxieties persist.
9 News- Denver | December 1, 2020
Therapy in a Virtual World: Connecting with Kids Through Minecraft
This 9NEWS segment highlights an innovative approach to child therapy, showcasing how Braulio Rivera and another therapist from the Mental Health Center of Denver created a therapeutic Minecraft world during the pandemic. Facing a surge in mental health needs and restrictions on in-person meetings, this virtual solution allowed therapists to connect with children in a familiar and safe digital space.
“What I found remarkable about Braulio’s world is that it’s a tool to see into the mind of a child, like interpreting what kids draw on paper, what they build reflects what they feel.”
The report demonstrates how the children’s creations and interactions within Minecraft offered insights into their feelings and needs, fostering connection and community at a time when traditional methods were not possible.
11Alive News | November 30th, 2020
Building Connection in a Virtual World: Minecraft Therapy in the News
This 11Alive news segment delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young people, highlighting feelings of isolation, anxiety about the future, and the struggles of being productive during unprecedented times. The piece emphasizes the importance of community and connection, especially for those experiencing depression and the pressures of societal expectations.
“This pandemic made the inevitable things of tomorrow be something that we have to consider today… Connection is everything and community is everything.”
It also explores innovative ways therapists, like Braulio, adapted to meet client needs by creating secure, virtual platforms and therapeutic spaces where individuals could connect, share, and find support, even when physically apart.
Testimonials
“I highly recommend Braulio. He uses EMDR, DBT, and a warm, collaborative approach, to help kids, adults, and families heal and grow. Fluent in English and Spanish, Braulio provides a compassionate space to navigate life’s challenges.“ –Maria M, MSN, PMHNP
“Braulio is a creative & energetic therapist specializing in trauma & anxiety. He has a rare gift for doing virtual therapy well, and in two languages! He once built his kids an astonishing healing space in Minecraft. Braulio will help you reach your goals.“ –John R, LCSW, CAS
“Wow, I’ve known Braulio going back a long time together working for North Range Behavioral Health. I’ve enjoyed watching B move ahead and create some amazing tools for client-focused sobriety. He is so caring and creative. Everybody loves his energy.“ –Duane B, MA, LMHC
“I was lucky to work with Braulio for several years. He demonstrated a consistency and commitment to clients that was outstanding. His dedication to the mental health of others, warmth and compassion for healing had a positive impact on the clients.“ –Cheryl M, LCSW
“Braulio is a compassionate knowledgeable therapist. He inspires and helps his clients have a long-term positive impact on their lives. He is a bi-cultural and bilingual therapist who helps his clients deal with different life challenges.“ –Ricardo B, LPC, LAC
“Braulio Rivera is a rigorous and dedicated practitioner, who brings as much humor and joy to his work as he does knowledge and competence. Braulio supports his clients in creating lasting, positive changes in their lives.“ –Rachel B, LCSW, MA
“Braulio consistently helps create a safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic space where clients feel heard and supported. Braulio brings a thoughtful and trauma-informed lens to treatment who brings insight & collaboration for anyone he serves“ –Nadine R, LPC