Peter M. Rivera

Peter M. Rivera serves as Chair and Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, Director of MFT Research, and IRB Coordinator at Seattle Pacific University's School of Psychology, Family, and Community.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. from Florida State University (2016)
• M.S. from Seattle Pacific University (2012)
• B.A. and B.S. from Central Washington University (2010)

Dr. Rivera's research is fundamentally driven by social justice imperatives, targeting interventions for maltreated adolescents and vulnerable populations. His recent work develops tailored preventative strategies for substance use and risk-taking behaviors in at-risk youth subgroups, directly informed by his faith-based commitment to rectify societal inequities. This focus bridges clinical psychology with community advocacy, emphasizing culturally responsive therapeutic frameworks.

As Director of MFT Research, he oversees all scholarly activities within the Marriage and Family Therapy program while ensuring ethical compliance as IRB Coordinator. His post-doctoral fellowship at Penn State's Prevention and Methodology Training Program underpins his rigorous methodological approach to intervention science.