Gerard Riconda, LCSW

Gerard Riconda is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, mood struggles, grief, and family-related issues. He speaks plainly and aims to make therapy feel manageable for someone juggling daily life in New York. Gerard draws on many practical approaches so conversations stay focused and useful from the first session.

Gerard earned a Master of Social Work from Fordham University School of Social Services and has 28 years of clinical experience. Early in his career he worked with children and families in the foster care system and later as a medical social worker in a rehabilitation hospital. That work involved supporting people after amputations, strokes, and head injuries.

Most of his practice has involved helping people whom others find hard to reach across a wide range of diagnoses. He emphasizes empathy and steady support, and he prefers to tailor methods to each person rather than rely on one fixed model. Gerard lists Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and EMDR among approaches he uses.

Sessions focus on clear goals, skill-building, and practical steps to handle tough moments. Gerard will work with clients to identify thinking and behavior patterns, develop coping strategies, and set achievable targets for change.

People who want direct, experience-based guidance may find his style helpful. He combines a long career in varied settings with an aim to meet each person where they are and choose strategies that fit their life.

How Gerard’s approaches work online

Gerard commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy in online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns, which can help with anxiety, depression, and mood issues. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on values and committed action while helping people notice thoughts without being driven by them, useful for stress, chronic worry, and coping with life changes. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and creating a supportive space so clients can find their own solutions and build confidence.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Gerard will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. He adjusts plans over time based on how people respond and what they want to achieve.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy more accessible. Video calls are good for face-to-face conversation and teaching skills. Phone sessions can be useful when bandwidth is limited or for a focused check-in. Live chat and text messaging suit brief touchpoints, ongoing coaching, or moments when writing feels easier than speaking. These options help people fit therapy into work, family life, or other routines.