Ricardo Almonte
Hi, I'm Ricardo. I'm a Hispanic man who's done my own work in therapy to figure out who I am and who I want to be—which is a big part of why I do this work today. I went into counseling field because I kept seeing people who felt unheard or misunderstood by the people around them, often carrying more than anyone realized. That's especially true for a lot of men and teenage boys I've worked with—individuals who feel like they're supposed to be strong, keep things to themselves, or handle things alone, but who rarely have a space to actually talk about what's underneath that. I grew up seeing some of those same pressures and unhealthy patterns around what it means to "be a man," and part of my work now is helping men and boys move away from those roles and into a healthier, more grounded version of who they are—as partners, providers, sons, and people. I especially enjoy working with teenage boys who are figuring out who they are, often at an age when it's hard to talk to the adults around them about what's really going on. I try to meet them where they are—not lecturing, not judging—so they actually want to keep showing up and talking. For parents: if your son is pulling away, shutting down, or you're just not sure how to reach him right now, that's exactly the kind of thing we can work through together. Outside of the therapy room, I'm endlessly curious—I love traveling, learning about different cultures, sports, and music (I play a bit of guitar). I think that mix of curiosity, care, and having done some of my own work is a lot of what I bring into the room with clients.
First session
Our first session is a chance for us to get to know one another and understand what brings you to therapy. We'll talk about what's been going on in your life, some of your personal history, the concerns you're experiencing now, and what you'd like to get out of therapy. I know starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you've never been in counseling before. You don't need to know exactly what to say or have everything figured out. My job is to help guide the conversation and create a space where you can speak openly and feel comfortable. By the end of our first few sessions, we'll have a clearer understanding of what you'd like to work on and how therapy can help. We'll take things one step at a time and adjust our work together as your needs and goals evolve.
Strengths
Clients often describe me as approachable, genuine, and easy to talk to. I bring warmth and empathy into the therapy room, but I'm also willing to ask difficult questions and help you look at things from a different perspective. I believe therapy works best when what we talk about in sessions starts making a difference in your everyday life. Together, we'll work on recognizing unhelpful thinking patterns, understanding emotional reactions, improving communication, and developing healthier ways of responding to stress, relationships, and difficult situations. I particularly enjoy working with men and adolescent males who want to better understand themselves but also want practical tools they can use outside of therapy—not just a place to vent, but a space that actually leads somewhere. You can expect me to listen, offer honest feedback, celebrate your progress, and help you keep moving toward the life you want.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is a man or adolescent males who's used to handling things on his own—someone who may look like he's got it together on the outside but is carrying more than people realize. He might be dealing with the pressure of being "the provider," navigating relationships from a perspective that doesn't always get addressed in therapy or simply trying to figure out who he is outside of the roles he's expected to play. I enjoy working with clients who want more than just a place to vent—people who are ready to look honestly at their patterns and take real steps toward change. Whether it's anxiety, self-esteem, relationship struggles, or a major life transition, I want our work together to actually lead somewhere.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize how their thoughts affect their emotions and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge beliefs that may be keeping them stuck, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. My goal is to help clients build practical skills they can use outside of therapy to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and feel more confident in their daily lives.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients stop struggling against difficult thoughts and emotions and instead learn how to respond to them in healthier ways. Together, we focus on accepting what cannot be controlled while taking meaningful action toward the life they want to build. This approach helps clients become more resilient and stay connected to their values, even during stressful times.
Adlerian
I use Adlerian therapy to help clients better understand how their life experiences, relationships, and beliefs have shaped the way they see themselves and the world. Together, we explore patterns that may no longer be serving them while identifying personal strengths, building self-confidence, and creating a greater sense of purpose. My goal is to help clients feel empowered to make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I believe that every person deserves a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space to be heard. My role is to help clients better understand themselves, process difficult emotions, and discover their own strengths. I work collaboratively with clients, helping them build confidence, gain insight, and move toward the life they want to create.
Attachment-based
In my practice, I use Attachment-Based Therapy to help you understand how your earliest relationships shape how you connect, communicate, and feel secure today. Together, we look at the patterns that keep you feeling stuck, anxious, or misunderstood in your current relationships. By exploring these roots, we work to heal old wounds, build deeper self-awareness, and create stronger, more secure connections with the people who matter most to you.
Location
Virtual sessions