Stuart Riskin, LCSW

Stuart Riskin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has spent more than 25 years in the helping professions. He followed a nontraditional path to clinical social work, moving from an initial career in the entertainment industry into a role focused on personal introspection, growth, and supporting others through change. His professional experience spans both public and private sectors, giving him a broad set of skills and practical insights that inform his clinical work.

He approaches therapy from a supportive, respectful, and strength-based stance, treating each person as a colleague who brings valuable knowledge about their own life. Stuart believes that meaningful change happens when the therapist and client work together from a positive position and when the client chooses to pursue growth. His style emphasizes collaboration, practical strategies, and the client’s innate expertise in shaping their path forward.

As an LCSW, Stuart holds a clinical social work license that authorizes him to provide therapeutic services and clinical support. He welcomes contact from people who are ready to explore their goals and work toward lasting personal development, and he looks forward to speaking with prospective clients about how to begin.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Stuart integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into his online practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the person’s own goals and insights guide the process - this approach is helpful for building self-awareness, confidence, and personal direction. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns through practical strategies and skills, and it can be effective for anxiety, stress, mood concerns, and coping with life changes.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Stuart works collaboratively with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and he tailors methods so the approach fits the individual rather than forcing a single model. This collaborative process helps clients feel more involved and invested in their progress.

Online therapy provides flexibility and accessibility by offering video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access licensed professionals from different locations, including international clients. Stuart uses these modalities to support consistent, goal-oriented work that adapts to each person’s life.