Jonathan Richards, BA, MHC-I
Hello, my name is Jonathan Richards and I am a Mental Health Counselor Intern.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Communications at Illinois State University and am currently working towards a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at CUNY Baruch College. I am providing mental health care to marginalized communities+ with Love Light Mental Health Counseling Services, PLLC.
Since 2006, I have worked in a variety of settings and with diverse populations within the mental health and social services fields. These include a methadone maintenance and substance abuse treatment clinic, a residential facility for adolescents with mental health diagnoses, a private facility of the Office of Refugee Resettlement for undocumented minors with mental health diagnoses, and an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital as a service coordinator for Spanish speaking families with adult and minor children who have intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. I am currently working as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for individuals with physical disabilities, mental health diagnoses, chronic illnesses, history of incarceration and legal background barriers, and people in recovery.
Due to my extensive experience working with vulnerable populations, I have developed a sensitive and holistic approach to therapy. I want to help you identify your strengths and take measure of your life with consideration to all the unique characteristics and experiences that make you- you. With this in mind, we will explore your challenges and barriers, and develop insights into the hows and why’s of the issues. We will apply your strengths to these issues and work towards healing and improvement. As someone who has faced struggles in my own journey, I know how difficult it can be to take that first step in therapy and want to support you as you begin your own path to personal growth.
My career aspirations include using my education, experience, and skills to support people across all walks of life in fully realizing their goals of self-development. I’ve worked in a variety of settings over 16 years within 2 major US cities, and learned that there is no one-size-fits all approach to therapy. That’s why I believe in a highly-individualized path of personal growth for each client, centered around what best fits your needs and abilities.
In my personal life, I love to see live music and go to shows and festivals often. I even base my travel around seeing artists perform, and have traveled from NYC to Seattle and L.A. for shows. I’m also a self-labeled “cat gentleman” and spoil my 2 cats every chance I get. Sometimes they like to make an appearance and say hello on video! If you’d like to work with me, please use the contact button below to fill out a consultation form or schedule a free meeting with a member of our intake team. I look forward to working with you!
Professional Disclosure Statement
Qualifications: I am accruing clinical hours toward my graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling. I am working as a Mental Health Counselor under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Supervision: I practice under the supervision of Sherene S. Henry, MS, LMHC, NCC (#012789). Supervision is utilized to develop the counselor’s range of clinical interventions in the counseling profession, through case review, discussion, shadowing, and note review. It is a place to become a competent practitioner by developing the necessary skills and practice of counseling. Supervisors are bound to the same level of confidentiality as the treating clinician.
