Therapist profile
Stuart Riskin, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Family and parenting issues
Continue with StuartAbout
- CBT methods
- Emotion-focused work
- Mindfulness tools
About Stuart
Stuart Riskin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 28 years of experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship trouble, parenting strain, grief, trauma and related issues listed in his profile. Stuart also supports people dealing with ADHD, bipolar challenges, career stress, and intimacy or communication problems.
He came to social work after a first career in the entertainment industry. That background shaped how he listens and how he helps people make practical changes. He treats each person as the expert on their life and aims to collaborate on goals rather than lecture or prescribe one path.
In sessions he uses approaches that include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and Mindfulness Therapy. Expect straightforward conversation about what is happening at home and what small steps could reduce stress or improve communication. Stuart emphasizes working from strengths and building on what already works.
Stuart’s tone in the room is respectful and direct. He frames therapy as a cooperative effort where the client chooses change and he provides guidance and tools. Practical strategies, simple behavior changes, and clearer thinking are common parts of his work.
He accepts clients from California and international clients who can make arrangements to meet with a California LCSW. Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, users complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How sessions work
Approaches used online and how they help
Stuart works from several established approaches that translate well to conversation-based sessions. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a collaborative relationship; it helps people clarify what matters and choose their next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) concentrates on emotional responses and attachment patterns to improve how people relate and communicate, which can help with intimacy and relationship strain.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Stuart will discuss goals, try methods that fit the issue, and adjust based on what the client finds helpful. He approaches the selection of techniques as a collaborative process rather than a fixed prescription.
The biography does not specify which online session formats are used, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can use a mix of conversation-focused tools, homework exercises, and mindfulness practices to support change through remote sessions.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
28+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of family and parenting concerns does he address?
He works with adults on parenting strain, blended family issues, communication problems, and related family topics listed in his profile.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a supportive, strength-based approach and treats clients as colleagues in the work. Sessions focus on practical steps and collaborative goal-setting.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 28 years of experience, including a prior career in the entertainment industry and many years in public and private sector practice.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA LCSW, practicing from California.
Can he work with English speakers or international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients who can work with a California LCSW.
Which session formats are offered?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.