- Client-centered
- Bilingual English Spanish
- Focus on coping
About Ricardo
Ricardo Ortega is a New York licensed mental health counselor with 15 years of experience. He offers calm, direct support for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and life changes. He speaks English and Spanish and aims to make the first step into therapy feel manageable and clear.
Ricardo uses a client-centered approach that focuses on each person's priorities. He listens first, then works with the person to shape a plan that fits their life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools are used when patterns of thinking and behavior get in the way of daily functioning. Emotionally-Focused Therapy helps people name and work through strong emotions when relationships or loss feel overwhelming.
He helps people dealing with LGBT concerns, parenting strain, addiction struggles, career decisions, and self-esteem issues. Ricardo also supports those affected by aging, immigration, veteran-related matters, hospice and end-of-life questions, and coping with natural or human-caused disaster. He approaches sensitive topics like sexual assault, prejudice, and multicultural stress with care and respect.
Sessions are shaped to the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. Ricardo aims to be practical and compassionate in conversations, offering concrete strategies as well as space to process feelings. He encourages people to move at a pace that feels right for them.
To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule based on availability. The intent is to create a working relationship that addresses immediate concerns while building toward longer-term goals.
How his approaches translate to online work
Ricardo blends client-centered care with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to help people address thoughts, feelings, and relationships. Client-Centered Therapy centers the conversation on what matters most to the person, building goals from their priorities and experience. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety or depression. Emotionally-Focused Therapy helps people name strong feelings and work through them in the context of relationships and loss.Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Ricardo will work collaboratively to find methods that match a person's needs, goals, and comfort level, and he adjusts the plan as progress is made.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm the current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, shorten commute time, and allow follow-ups when schedules change. It can also offer alternatives when in-person appointments are difficult to arrange. Talk with the therapist during the initial match to decide which format and pacing will work best for your situation.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
15+ years
Credentials
New York
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Ricardo work with?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting strain, self-esteem, addictions, relationship and career concerns, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include LGBT issues, aging, first responder concerns, immigration, veteran issues, and coping with natural or human-caused disaster.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses a client-centered stance that prioritizes the person's goals. He also applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy techniques when helpful.
How much experience does he have?
Ricardo has 15 years of professional work experience helping people with a wide range of emotional and practical concerns.
Where is he licensed and located?
He is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in New York and practices there.
Are sessions offered in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and sessions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.