Meet Dr. Richard Rivera

I can't remember a time when I didn't want to become a physician. Early in my quest I wanted to be a cardiologist. I did heart research while earning my graduate degree from Texas A & M University. It was while I was in medical school at UT Southwestern in Dallas that I developed my passion for caring for and treating children.

I'm a Board-certified pediatrician who has practiced medicine in the North Carrollton area since 1983. I now see children of the children that I once cared for, and I refer to them as my "grandpatients". I care for patients the time they're newborns all the way through their college years. Over the years, I have acquired several interests in pediatrics, including developmental pediatrics, which involves diagnosing and treating behavioral and educational problems. I also enjoy sports medicine and caring for young athletes.

On a personal note, I have three grown children and in my spare time, I enjoy hobbies, such as pottery, wood working, photography and gourmet cooking. For recreation, I participate in tennis, fly tying and fishing, scuba diving and taking road trips on my motorcycle.

I really love what I do as a pediatrician, knowing the whole family and not just the child. My joy is assisting them and watching the kids grow and develop into happy and productive young adults. I'm having so much fun doing this that I have no desire or plans to retire any time soon, or if ever! – Dr. Rivera

Services

  • Acute illnesses
  • ADHD management
  • Chronic condition management
  • Developmental problems
  • Disease prevention
  • Flu shots
  • Hearing screens
  • Injury treatment
  • Obesity and weight management
  • Vision screens
  • Patient and parent education
  • School and sports physicals
  • Vaccines and immunizations
  • Well checks​​

Reviews

Average rating:

4.9
Questions were addressed
4.9
4.9 (49)
Provider explained things clearly
4.9
4.9 (49)
Likelihood of recommending this provider
4.9
4.9 (50)
Trust/confidence in physicians
4.9
4.9 (50)

What our families say

  • November 25, 2025

    Best Pediatrician in town

  • November 20, 2025

    Excellent clinic ,and the doctor is excellent.

  • November 20, 2025

    I called and when I said that my daughter had a fever they immediately told me to come and the attention was excellent.

  • November 17, 2025

    We have loved having Dr Rivera in our lives and wish him all the best in his retirement!

  • November 17, 2025

    Dr Richard Rivera is my son's pediatrician and has treated him since he was a baby. 11 years later we just discovered that he is retiring next month. We will his informative appointments, guiding recommendations but most of all his caring spirit.

  • November 07, 2025

    Great visit

  • October 24, 2025

    Dr Rivera is the best Dr especially for special needs

  • October 24, 2025

    Dr Rivera and his nurse. We have been here for many years and they are both outstanding.

  • September 28, 2025

    Dr Rivera is always so amazing. Very professional and caring of our daughter

  • August 07, 2025

    Good

  • August 07, 2025

    Office staff great

  • July 29, 2025

    My concerns were received and addressed very well. All staff were friendly, respectful, understanding, and competent.

  • July 20, 2025

    [...] and Dr Rivera are consistently AMAZING! Thank you!

  • July 04, 2025

    ALWAYS an AMAZING experience, been seeing Dr. Rivera since my children. We're 3 days old and they are 11 and 14 now. Drive over 1 hour to their office jusg to consult Dr. Rivera!!

  • July 03, 2025

    [...] and Doctor Rivera, EXCELLENT team, we love them so much we have been driving over 1 hour the past 6 years so our children can still be seen by Doctor Rivera, he was my nephews physician and been our children physician since 3 days old.

  • July 03, 2025

    We love Dr Rivera

  • July 03, 2025

    Great experience! Dr is very informative & give us good suggestions for football workouts

  • July 01, 2025

    Dr. Rivera is so kind to our children.

  • June 14, 2025

    Dr. Richard Rivera and his nurse (I didn't catch her name) and the front desk receptionist are all so kind and take our privacy serious. I would recommend this office any day and any time to any and everyone.

  • June 14, 2025

    The whole visit was good! From scheduling to providing educational information about adolescence and growing up. Dr. Rivera also offers to talk to my son just in case there are things he may have questions about. Especially with him getting older and his body changes. We appreciate the whole Cooks Children's office on Josey Lane.

  • June 06, 2025

    Every time we visit the office is a good experience.

  • June 06, 2025

    Our nurse is always very sweet and nice and as well as the staff

  • May 23, 2025

    Dr Richard Rivera was my pediatrician when I was growing up, and now he sees both of my girls since they were born. He has always been an exemplary Pediatrician. I trust his care. He is genuine, and truly loves these kiddos. I am so grateful for him, and it has been amazing having him care for my little girls while he is still practicing. He has left such a great imprint on our family.

  • May 09, 2025

    We have been seeing Dr. Rivera for about 9 years now; both of my kids see him. We always feel that we are a priority and are well taken care of.

  • April 29, 2025

    Very good experience

  • April 24, 2025

    Dr. Rivera is outstanding. So gentle and kind. I love that my son is always so excited to see him.

  • April 24, 2025

    The whole staff is amazing. [...] has been seeing Dr. Rivera for 9 years and he is absolutely amazing.

  • April 21, 2025

    Exceptional service and professionalism

  • April 21, 2025

    Dr Rivera .. The best pediatrician I've ever met

  • April 06, 2025

    Everyone was very professional so thank you

  • March 24, 2025

    To all the staff from the front desk, they're always kind.

  • March 24, 2025

    Dr Rivera is exceptional and appreciate him so much

  • March 21, 2025

    Dr Richard Rivera for his excellent bedside manner. Also MA [...] for her caring attitude.

  • March 13, 2025

    Dr. Rivera's care about [...] ongoing asthma issues. He always makes sure we have enough medication and it's working. When insurance won't cover something, hell find something that works that is covered.

  • March 13, 2025

    [...] knows both my kids well and always asks about my college student when she's not with us. Same with Dr. Rivera. They're both very personable and make sure to listen to any concerns with care. Dr. Rivera is always very thorough with [...] regarding her [...] medications. I'm very grateful for his care of both of my children.

  • March 10, 2025

    Everyone! From the front desk receptionist, to the nurse that did the introduction and took as back in the room and Dr. Rivera. Everyone was fantastic! Super quick. Refreshing smiles and hellos! It was a great visit!

  • March 09, 2025

    It was a great experience

  • March 09, 2025

    Dr Rivera and all the staff are outstanding as usual

  • December 21, 2024

    Thank you for arranging an American Sign Language interpreter for the visit so that our minor son's mother could fully participate.

  • December 05, 2024

    Nothing bad

  • December 05, 2024

    Dr Rivera is the best and so is [...] the assistant

Education

  • Medical school:
  • UT Southwestern Medical School
  • Residency:
  • Children's Medical Center of Dallas
  • Board certifications:
  • American Board of Pediatrics

Affiliations

  • Cook Children's Physician Network

Recognitions

  • Mom-Approved Doctor (2025)

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