EDISON, NJ, September 09, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Richard A. Baraka, MA, LCADC, CCS, ICCS, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Baraka has established a distinguished career in behavioral health and community service, marked by leadership roles and a steadfast commitment to supporting individuals facing substance use disorders. Since 2009, he has served as chief executive officer of Airmid Counseling Services, where he provides outpatient services, manages recovery court contracts, oversees client assessments, facilitates treatment programs, supports community outreach and leads staff and clinical operations. Through this role, he has demonstrated a deep dedication to fostering interpersonal and spiritual connections with clients. He takes particular pride in witnessing individuals who enter his programs during challenging times transform their lives, often pursuing higher education or entrepreneurship. This reciprocal relationship with the community and the positive impact on clients' lives stand out as his most significant professional accomplishments.

In addition to his work at Airmid Counseling Services, Mr. Baraka is also chief executive officer of Angel Hope House, a position he has held since 2015. In this capacity, he continues to advance his mission of reducing human pain and suffering by providing comprehensive support services for those in need. Since 2020, he has additionally been the co-owner of Community Recovery Services LLC, further expanding his influence in the field of addiction recovery and mental health support.

Mr. Baraka's expertise extends into marketing as well, with a further concurrent role as a marketing specialist with Umbrella Local since 2020. His earlier career includes serving as supervisor of the partial hospital program at East Orange General Hospital — now CareWell Health Medical Center — from 1990 to 2018. In this long-standing role, he was responsible for overseeing clinical operations and ensuring quality care for patients with complex behavioral health needs. Simultaneously, from 2005 to 2008, he was the clinical director at Real House Inc.

Mr. Baraka's academic background laid a strong foundation for his professional achievements. He earned a Master of Arts in psychology from Seton Hall University in South Orange in 1993 after completing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Kean University in Union in 1989. Furthermore, he holds several key certifications that underscore his expertise, such as licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, certified clinical supervisor and international certified clinical supervisor, along with maintaining membership in the International Halfway House Association.

Reflecting on his career, Mr. Baraka attributes his success primarily to his faith in God and the opportunities available in America to pursue one's dreams regardless of background. The election of a Black president in 2008 was particularly meaningful for him, symbolizing progress and hope for future generations — including his son — and reinforcing his belief that mindset is the only true barrier to achievement. Inspired by an internship at a detox facility during graduate school, Mr. Baraka witnessed firsthand the transformative power of effective treatment for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. This experience solidified his commitment to helping others achieve lasting recovery.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Baraka is civically engaged as a volunteer with church food distribution efforts in East Orange, New Jersey. His dedication to service was recognized with a community service award from his church. In his free time, he enjoys practicing martial arts, shooting sports and salsa dancing, along with prioritizing spending time with his family, including his son.

Looking ahead, Mr. Baraka aims to establish another outpatient program and is actively engaged in negotiations to acquire the Q House — a center for urban education — and its adjacent outpatient program from a respected mentor in the halfway house sector. He also seeks to secure the buyout of Airmid Counseling Services and plans to introduce additional programs, including an outpatient facility in another township within New Jersey and a housing initiative designed to address homelessness among clients transitioning from outpatient care. His enduring mission is to empower individuals through compassionate care while strengthening communities by addressing critical needs related to addiction recovery and housing stability.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #