My name is Joey Ritkes (he/him). I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of California. I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from Alliant International University in San Diego. I completed my master of social work (MSW) at San Jose State University. I went back to Alliant International University to complete my PhD in psychology, public policy, and law. My dissertation explored the roles of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and training experiences of correctional professionals on the treatment of LGBTQ+ inmates. Additionally, I am a certified RISE trainer through the Los Angeles LGBT Center. RISE is a training curriculum that is presented to professionals who want to learn how to better serve the LGBTQ+ community. I also completed Palo Alto University’s LGBTQ+ Clinical Academy which is an intensive program that focuses on training mental health professionals to work with members of the LGBTQ+ community. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am extremely passionate about providing culturally competent services to members of this vibrant and beautiful population.
I have been working as a mental health therapist for over five years. My practice has primarily been specialized in working with LGBTQ+ youth. However, I have worked with couples, families, emerging adults, and adults. Prior to starting JR Therapy, I worked for a non-profit agency that partnered with various San Diego public high schools as an on-site, full-time mental health therapist. During this time, I also worked part-time for Tando Therapy Team which is a group private practice who specialize in serving the needs of LGBTQ+ youth.
My credential to provide psychotherapy is under my LCSW #121922 and I practice as a licensed clinical social worker. I provide in-person and tele-health (virtual) sessions for those living in the state of California. My in-person office is located in San Diego, CA.
My approach in working with clients in a therapeutic setting is to create a safe, affirming, and welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable sharing. My approach is eclectic in terms of theoretical orientation and interventions. I tailor my approach to fit the individual client, rather than the other way around. I celebrate the fact that everyone is unique and deserves an approach that meets their own individual goals. People are much more dynamic than a set of symptoms or presenting problems. Therefore, I believe that there is no one-size fits all approach when it comes to therapy. I recognize the importance of establishing a therapeutic alliance to overcome challenges and work towards achieving your individualized goals. Essentially, I prefer to work collaboratively to develop a plan that honors the distinctive differences in all my clients.
I am a firm believer that there must be a good fit between client and therapist. The therapeutic relationship is extremely unique and can be deeply personal which requires that there be a solid connection between client and therapist. I wholeheartedly believe that a client could be working with the most experienced, highly trained, and impeccably qualified therapist; however, if the connection is not established, many of the potentially positive treatment outcomes may never come to fruition. For this reason, I want to empower clients to advocate for themselves in seeking a therapist that they connect with – otherwise they might miss out on all the amazing benefits of therapy. My primary goal is to partner with clients so that their needs are placed in the center of our work. I want clients to feel accomplished and fulfilled after each session. Life is full of competing priorities and demands. There is little time for us to focus solely on ourselves. I want our work together to be a dedicated time and space where you can place yourself at the forefront (even if only for 50 minutes).
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