Jaida Richardson, MS, Master CASAC , LMHC

Jaida Richardson, MS, Master CASAC is a licensed mental health counselor practicing in New York. She holds the LMHC credential - Licensed Mental Health Counselor - and is also a Master CASAC, which signifies master-level certification in substance and alcohol counseling. Over a 20-year career she has delivered multi-systemic therapy to at-risk families and adolescents and has extensive experience using cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing with adults managing co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns. Her clinical work includes supporting people facing depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting challenges, acculturation stress, and recovery after physical, sexual, or emotional trauma.

Her style is warm and interactive, emphasizing culturally sensitive care and a non-stigmatizing stance that treats each person with respect and compassion. She integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with strength-focused, client-centered, and humanistic approaches, shaping conversations and treatment plans to the specific needs of individuals and families. Her practice also addresses addiction, grief, anger, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, caregiver stress, and other complex life transitions.

Jaida focuses on collaborative, goal-oriented work that helps clients build practical skills and draw on their existing strengths. Interventions are adapted to a client’s cultural background, values, and life circumstances to support meaningful change and improved functioning.

Therapeutic Approaches Delivered Online

Jaida Richardson uses client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to guide online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding each person’s perspective and building a respectful therapeutic relationship; it helps with issues related to self-esteem, life transitions, and relational concerns by emphasizing empathy and collaboration. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and is commonly used for anxiety, depression, panic, and stress-related problems.

She also applies motivational interviewing when addressing substance use and readiness for change. This approach helps people explore ambivalence and find their own reasons for making healthier choices, supporting sustained commitment to goals. Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process - the therapist works collaboratively with each person to tailor methods based on needs, goals, and preferences rather than following a one-size-fits-all plan.

Online sessions via video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging provide flexibility for people balancing work, family, or caregiving responsibilities. Licensed professionals can adapt these approaches effectively across formats, offering continuity of care and easier access to ongoing support when in-person visits are not possible.