Dr. Shari Richardson

LCSW

New York

Compassionate, practical therapy for life changes

Continue with Shari

At a glance

Credentials

LCSW

License

LCSW, New York / 082121

NPI

1881002806

Experience

15 years

Languages

English

Location

New York

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

1. • Motivational support
   • Practical tools
   • Family issues focus

   About Shari

   Dr. Shari Richardson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New York with 15 years of practice. She draws on a doctorate in social work and long experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship concerns. Her approach aims to treat the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. She speaks with clients in straightforward language and focuses on practical steps forward.

   She often works with people affected by adoption and foster care, attachment questions, caregiving strain, and blended family challenges. Dr. Richardson also addresses issues such as addiction, grief, intimacy concerns, and career or life-purpose questions. She pays attention to how past relationships and family history shape current coping and feelings.

   Her therapy style combines client-centered listening with tools from cognitive behavioral work and solution-focused methods. Motivational Interviewing is part of her toolkit to help people strengthen their own motivation for change. Trauma-focused ideas are used when past events are having a clear impact today.

   Sessions focus on making change manageable. She helps clients spot patterns, try small experiments, and build on what works. The tone in sessions is collaborative and respectful, with an emphasis on steady progress rather than quick fixes.

   People who want a thoughtful, practical guide through life transitions often find this style useful. Dr. Richardson frames challenges as solvable problems and supports clients while they practice new ways of dealing with stress and relationships.

2. How therapeutic approaches shape online work

   Dr. Richardson uses client-centered work to make space for each person's story. This approach emphasizes listening and helping clients set their own goals, which can make sessions feel more conversational and relevant to daily life.
   
   She also draws on Motivational Interviewing to help people find and strengthen their desire to change. That method focuses on small, practical steps and on resolving mixed feelings so clients can move forward with clearer intent.
   
   Finally, cognitive behavioral techniques are used to identify unhelpful thinking and test new behaviors. These tools are often helpful for anxiety, mood challenges, and coping with stressful life changes.
   
   Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences and will adjust as progress is made.
   
   Practical benefits of online therapy include easier scheduling around work and family life, avoiding travel time, and the ability to continue care across locations. Because session formats are not listed here, confirm the available options before booking to see what fits your routine and technology. Online work can make it simpler to practice new skills between meetings and to fit therapy into a busy life.

4. Areas of expertise

   Primary focus

   Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression

   Also works with

   AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

   Additional focus areas

   AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

   Therapeutic approaches

   Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

   Experience

   15+ years

   Listed in

   New York

   Languages

   English

5. Frequently asked questions

   What kinds of concerns does she address?

   She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, relationship and family issues, grief, parenting challenges, and career or life-purpose struggles.

   How would you describe her therapeutic style?

   The work is collaborative and practical, using listening, problem-solving, and goal-focused exercises to support change.

   What is her background and experience?

   She holds a doctorate in social work and has 15 years of clinical experience working with individuals and families on acute and chronic life stressors.

   Which credential and location apply to this therapist?

   She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New York and practices from that location.

   Are sessions offered in other languages or internationally?

   Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.

   What session formats are available?

   Session formats are not specified here; please confirm current session options before booking.

   How are fees and billing 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 her?

   Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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