Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Ryan O'Connell

Therapist profile

Ryan O'Connell

New York

Therapist focused on men finding purpose

Continue with Ryan

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

  • Grief and transition
  • Practical coping skills
  • Identity and purpose

About Ryan

Ryan O'Connell is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York. He has six years of clinical experience helping people who are high functioning but feel stuck by stress, grief, or questions about identity. He speaks English and works with adults who want clearer direction and more authentic living.

Ryan focuses on grief work, navigating life transitions, and processing past trauma. He helps people sort through relationships, goals, and the habits that keep them from feeling like themselves. Sessions are aimed at understanding what matters to each person and finding concrete steps to move forward.

He emphasizes an open, collaborative relationship. Ryan aims to be direct and practical while also making space for reflection. Many clients come in wanting symptom relief, and they often leave with clearer purpose and stronger coping skills.

Ryan also addresses stress, anxiety, career concerns, and ADHD challenges. Additional areas he works on include body image, caregiver stress, fatherhood issues, and end-of-life concerns. He brings these topics into sessions in straightforward language and with attention to real-life demands.

To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability. The subscription for sessions can be canceled at any time. Ryan does not accept international clients and offers services in English only.

How certain techniques can help online

Ryan draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on concrete change and deeper understanding. One approach emphasizes grief work and meaning-making, helping people process loss and reframe what matters as they move forward. Another approach centers on trauma processing and stabilization, offering tools to reduce overwhelm and build steady coping skills for daily life.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Ryan will discuss your goals, preferences, and life demands and then suggest methods that fit. Together you will try approaches and adjust the plan based on what feels most helpful and doable for you.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the available session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Therapists can also adapt pacing and homework to suit someone juggling work, caregiving, or other commitments.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobia

Experience

6+ years

Credentials

New York

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What issues does Ryan commonly address?

He works with stress, anxiety, grief, career concerns, coping with life changes, and ADHD. He also helps with related areas such as body image, caregiver stress, and isolation.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

Ryan uses a direct, collaborative approach that balances practical steps with reflective conversation. He focuses on building a transparent relationship and finding concrete solutions.

What experience does he bring?

He has six years of clinical experience working with adults facing transitions and identity questions. That background informs his work on grief and trauma-related concerns.

Where is Ryan licensed and based?

He is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York and practices from that location.

In which languages are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

He is not currently accepting international clients.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What is the first step to begin therapy?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session based on the therapist's availability.

Ryan O'ConnellContinue with Ryan