Gerard Riconda , LCSW

Gerard Riconda trained in social work at Fordham University School of Social Services and built early clinical experience supporting families and children within the foster care system. During his master’s studies he worked directly with these families, and he later served briefly as a medical social worker in a rehabilitation hospital where his clients included amputees as well as people recovering from stroke and traumatic brain injuries.

He has worked extensively with challenging, hard-to-reach clients across a wide range of diagnoses, developing a practical, empathetic style that he considers his strongest asset. He holds an LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and applies a variety of clinical modalities while emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to care.

Gerard takes a collaborative stance in treatment, partnering with each person to identify the methods that best address their needs. He is comfortable working with diverse client populations and draws on decades of front-line practice to tailor interventions that fit individual goals and circumstances.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Gerard uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people clarify their values and learn practical ways to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while taking steps toward a meaningful life - this approach is often useful for stress, anxiety, and life transitions. He also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and replacing them with more effective strategies - CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and coping skills development. In addition, his client-centered orientation emphasizes empathy and collaboration, creating space for each person to steer the work based on their own goals and experience.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Gerard works together with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. This collaborative process allows adjustments over time as circumstances and priorities evolve.

Online sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer practical flexibility for people balancing work, family, or caregiving responsibilities. These options make it easier to maintain consistency in care, access support from different locations, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable while working toward meaningful change.