Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Depression
How Richard works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- Oregon
- Years in practice
- 33
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Richard
Richard "Rick" Dawson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 33 years of clinical experience. He returned to practice after retirement because helping people has been his lifelong passion. Rick offers straightforward, calm support for people facing anger, stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and other life challenges.
He combines work from inpatient and outpatient settings, group and individual therapy. That background helps him match practical strategies to each person's situation. Sessions focus on clear goals and usable tools rather than jargon or long theory talks.
Background and approach
Rick uses methods that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques. He teaches skills for managing strong emotions, improving sleep, and coping with grief or major life changes. Parents, professionals, and others can bring everyday problems and get step-by-step help.
Over three decades he has worked in hospitals, community clinics, hospice, and independent practice in Oregon. That variety shaped a flexible style that adapts to different needs and paces. He aims to create a nonjudgmental space where people can speak openly and try new ways of handling problems.
In sessions he partners with the person to set clear goals and practical steps. He helps people learn skills for anger management, self-esteem, panic, ADHD-related struggles, and relationship stress. The focus is on real-life change that fits daily routines.
What Richard works with
Everything Richard lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Richard's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Depression
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Intimacy-related issues
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Guilt and shame
- Isolation / loneliness
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Social anxiety and phobia
Approaches Richard lists
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care
Richard draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and test them with small behavior changes. CBT can be useful for anxiety, depression, panic, and some anger patterns. He also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness in practical terms that can be practiced between sessions.Choosing the right approach is a shared process. He will discuss goals and preferences, try techniques, and adjust the plan as needed. That collaborative way helps match methods like CBT or DBT skills to the person’s real-life priorities and pace.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions let people practice skills together and use visual cues. Phone sessions are a good option when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging support quick check-ins, skill coaching, and ongoing reminders between appointments. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to keep momentum between meetings.
Questions people ask about Richard
What concerns does Rick commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, anger, sleep problems, and many relationship and life-change issues.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses practical, goal-oriented methods and teaches skills people can use between sessions. Sessions are grounded and straightforward.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 33 years of professional experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, group and individual therapy, and independent practice.
Where is he licensed and based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW - licensed in Oregon.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats does he offer?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How are fees and scheduling handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire to schedule.