Mark Laster, LCSW-R

Mark Laster is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R) based in New York who uses a practical, problem-solving approach in sessions. He focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and mood concerns through clear, goal-oriented work. His style is straightforward and aimed at getting useful results for day-to-day life.

With 12 years of clinical experience, he draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and solution-focused methods to address thinking patterns and build concrete coping skills. He also uses a client-centered stance to make sessions collaborative and respectful of each person’s priorities. That blend helps people clarify what matters most and try manageable steps forward.

Mark works with a wide range of concerns including relationship strain, anger, career stress, and major life transitions. He also has experience with caregiver stress, aging and geriatric issues, traumatic brain injury, and multicultural concerns. Mark pays attention to practical needs and connects people with resources when those needs go beyond therapy.

Sessions aim to identify small, testable changes rather than rely on lengthy interpretation. People leave sessions with exercises or strategies to practice between meetings. Mark keeps language simple and focuses on skills that fit into a busy life.

He provides services in English from his New York practice and uses approaches that emphasize collaboration, problem solving, and skill building.

How online methods support goal-focused therapy

Mark uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice patterns of thought and try specific behavior changes that reduce distress. CBT breaks problems into smaller parts and offers step-by-step strategies for anxiety, depression, and mood challenges.

He also draws on Solution-Focused Therapy, which concentrates on identifying realistic goals and building on what already works. This approach is useful for people who want quick, practical steps to handle stress, career issues, or relationship strain. Client-Centered Therapy guides the conversation so the person's priorities shape each session and the therapist follows their lead.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Mark works collaboratively to decide what to try first, then adjusts methods based on how the person responds and what fits their day-to-day life. The plan grows from the client's needs, goals, and preferences.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is helpful for deeper conversations and teaching new skills, while phone calls work well when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging allow for brief check-ins, quick problem-solving, and flexibility around work or caregiving schedules. These options make it easier to fit consistent therapy into a busy life.