About Richard
Richard "Rick" Dawson uses practical, evidence-based approaches to help people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, and related concerns. He is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - with 33 years of experience. Rick writes plainly and focuses on what people can do between sessions to feel better.
Rick returned to practice after retirement because helping people is his main passion. He began counseling in 1992 after a prior career as a musician and has worked in many settings.
How Richard works
Those include inpatient psychiatric care, group programs, outpatient clinics, hospice, and independent practice in Oregon. He has provided individual and group therapy and has supported people through mood disorders, trauma and abuse, parenting strain, relationship difficulties, sleep problems, and addiction recovery. Rick also helps people coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and issues like guilt, shame, and isolation.
In sessions he aims to build a working partnership. He listens without judgment and helps people set small, realistic goals. He blends cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior strategies, mindfulness, and solution-focused ideas to help people make steady changes.
Rick offers a straightforward, calm presence and practical guidance. He encourages simple, doable steps that fit daily life. Many clients appreciate a therapist who combines long experience with a down-to-earth approach.
Richard lists 4 ways of working on the entry:
What Richard works with
The areas below are the ones Richard selected when setting up a profile. The first few are listed as the main focus; the rest are also named.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
Also listed
- ADHD
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Career difficulties
- Compassion fatigue
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Guilt and shame
- Intimacy-related issues
- Isolation / loneliness
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Sleeping disorders
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Trauma and abuse
Training and background
| Register | LCSW |
|---|---|
| Years in practice | 33 |
| Languages | English |
| Session format | Online: video, phone, live chat or messaging |
| Country | Oregon |
Memberships and registers are shown as supplied; they are not licences, and this directory does not verify them.
Online support options
How CBT and DBT work in online sessions
Richard often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT focuses on practical exercises and skill-building, which can be practiced between sessions to reduce anxiety, depression, and panic symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. DBT techniques can help people manage intense emotions, anger, and relationship conflict in everyday life.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, history, and what feels most useful. Together they try methods, adjust as needed, and pick the mix that best fits the person's needs and preferences.
Online therapy offers flexibility for people with busy schedules or limited travel options. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation and shared worksheets, phone sessions can be a low-bandwidth option, and live chat or text messaging work well for brief check-ins or when writing feels easier. These formats make it simpler to fit therapy into work, family, or caregiving routines while still working on skills and goals.
Start online instead of waiting
Our partner service asks a few questions about what you are looking for and matches you with a therapist for sessions from home.
Book with RichardWe will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.
Common questions
What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
What therapy approaches are used in sessions?
How much clinical experience does he have?
What credential does he hold and where is he located?
Which languages are supported for sessions?
What session formats are available online?
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
How do I begin therapy with this clinician?
A practical next step
Write down two things you would want to be different in six months. That is the most useful thing to bring to a first session, whoever it is with. If you would rather start now than keep reading, online sessions are the quickest route.
We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you. Entries are not assessed or endorsed by this directory.
Other entries for stress, anxiety
Supportive LCSW helping people build strength and clarity
Practical, trauma-aware therapy for everyday life
Practical, relational therapy for life transitions