Ricardo Ortega, LMHC

Ricardo Ortega is a New York licensed mental health counselor with 15 years of experience. He uses clear, practical approaches to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and life changes. He speaks English and Spanish and aims to make conversations direct and respectful.

Ricardo focuses on what matters to each person. He draws from cognitive behavioral therapy to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and find workable alternatives. He also uses client-centered methods to listen closely and shape sessions around the client’s goals.

Many people come to him for help with grief, self-esteem, addiction concerns, and relationship or career stress. He also supports those facing LGBT issues, parenting challenges, and transitions linked to aging, immigration, or military service. He adapts the pace and tools to each situation.

Sessions are practical and goal-oriented. Ricardo will talk through strategies, practice new skills, and check what is and isn’t working. He aims to help clients build habits they can use between sessions.

He values sensitivity and respect in every conversation. If someone is exploring identity, recovering from trauma, or trying to cope after loss, he works to create a calm, steady space for that work. Getting started involves a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a convenient time.

How Ricardo brings evidence-based approaches to online care

Ricardo often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people spot and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is practical and problem-focused, and it can help with anxiety, depression, stress, and addictive patterns.

He also uses client-centered therapy to make sessions collaborative and responsive. That approach centers the person’s experience, encouraging honest reflection and creating a space where goals and pacing come from the client.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Ricardo will discuss goals, try methods, and adjust plans based on what feels helpful and realistic. Clients and therapist make decisions jointly about techniques and focus areas.

Online therapy offers flexibility for people juggling work, family, or mobility needs. Video calls let you work face to face when needed. Phone sessions require less bandwidth and can fit a break at work. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for quick check-ins, brief skill practice, or when writing feels easier than speaking. These options make it simpler to keep therapy consistent while fitting everyday life.