Meet Clinician Richard Weiner, LMSW

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For the past five years, Clinician Richard Weiner has brought empathy, steadiness, and a deep sense of purpose to his work with youth and families at Together for Youth. His commitment to this field is rooted in personal experience: As a child, he struggled in school and remembers how challenging those early years felt. That history shaped his desire to support kids who may be facing similar obstacles and to be the kind of presence he once needed.

A Path Shaped by People and Possibility

Before joining Together for Youth, Richard worked with adults with disabilities. A colleague presented him with an opportunity to work with youth, and the idea resonated immediately. He had already discovered how meaningful it was to help others build confidence and navigate difficult situations, and the opportunity to work with children felt like a natural next step. That led him to Together for Youth, where he has been making an impact ever since.

Moments that Matter

Over the years, Richard has supported many families, but one experience stands out. He worked with a three-year-old and a one-year-old who had already moved through multiple homes. Their birth mother was understandably anxious about yet another transition. Richard helped build trust between the foster parent and the birth parent, creating a connection that lasted well beyond the reunification. The bond became so strong that the birth mother later named the foster parents as the godparents.

For Richard, moments like this reinforce his belief that children benefit from having as many caring adults in their lives as possible. What matters most to him is knowing that he has contributed to making a child’s life a little better. Whether or not they remember him years from now isn’t the point; the impact itself is what matters.

Motivation Through Progress

What keeps Richard motivated is seeing growth – sometimes gradual, sometimes instantaneous. He recalls a young adult who had been struggling significantly but made meaningful progress over the course of just a month. Witnessing those shifts, and helping youth recognize their own ability to change, fuels his dedication. He also values the privilege of being welcomed into families’ lives and supporting them through both challenges and successes.

Learning from Families, Too

Richard sees his work as a constant exchange of ideas. He often learns new strategies from foster parents or caregivers and adapts them for other families or even his own life. One example involved a reward chart system that worked well for one family; by applying some of their techniques, he was able to help another youth who had previously been disengaged. These shared insights, he says, create a collaborative environment where everyone benefits.

Supported by His Team

Richard speaks highly of the supervisors and family specialists he has worked with throughout his time at TFY. He has felt consistently supported, whether through thoughtful supervision, help understanding complex family dynamics, or colleagues stepping in when scheduling challenges arise. That sense of teamwork has been an important part of his experience.

Advice for New Professionals

For those entering the field, Richard emphasizes the importance of curiosity and communication. Asking questions – about the work, about expectations, and about families’ experiences – helps build understanding and shows genuine engagement. He also stresses the importance of self-care. The stories can be heavy, and it’s essential to find ways to decompress, whether through books, movies, games, or other personal outlets.

Life Beyond Work

Outside of work, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife and going out to dinner. He also loves playing video games with his daughter and has recently rekindled his passion for movies. A rewatch of Fargo sparked a deep dive into classic films, including Coen Brothers comedies. Music is another big part of his life, and he especially enjoys the podcast Disgraceland, which blends music history with true crime.