Francesco Rizzo-Duffy (he/him), owner of Anchored Mind Psychotherapy, is both a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC). Francesco completed the dual major program with Kean University and Rutgers (formerly UMDNJ) in Psychology and Psychiatric Rehabilitation with a minor in Health and earned his Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hall University.

Throughout the last decade of his career, he has worked with couples, families, and individuals from diverse cultures with various concerns, including navigating relationships, facing depression and anxiety, severe and persistent mental illness, recovery from substance abuse, LGBTQIA+ issues, and more. Prior to private practice, Francesco in different levels of care and treatment settings including: partial care, in-home treatment, supportive housing, inpatient detox/rehab, and medication assisted treatment.

At home, Francesco enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling with his husband, immersing in all things 'Taylor Swift,' getting creative in the kitchen, and snuggling with their Goldendoodle, Moira. Moira is currently undergoing training to become a Therapy Dog so she can be certified to work alongside her Dad in sessions as well as being able to visit hospitals and nursing homes in the community.

Within the community, "Francesco Rizzo-Duffy is the epitome of the “everyday activist” and an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. Despite having experienced challenges as a gay teen, Francesco wrote to his Senator in support of the Equality Act, identifying himself as a gay man from New Jersey, living with his (then) fiancé, and then posted that letter to his professional Instagram account. He went on to share their backyard wedding with the local media, inspiring others to live their lives openly and honestly. He occasionally makes PB&J sandwiches, and brings them to unhoused people at Newark Penn Station, volunteers with the Community FoodBank of NJ, and has raised money for many charities over the years including Human Rights Campaign, American Cancer Society, Broadway Cares, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals among others." Francesco was recognized for his efforts by receiving the 'Outstanding Community Human Rights Activist' award in March 2022 at the 14th Annual Human Rights Conference at Kean University.