FindADHDTherapists

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

LCSW

Richard "Rick" Dawson, LCSW

  • Experience33 years
  • LocationOregon
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Addictions
  • Therapy approachesCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
View booking options

Check the available next steps for working with Richard online.

About Richard

Richard "Rick" Dawson brings a life-long commitment to helping others through a practice grounded in evidence-based approaches. He is an LCSW licensed in Oregon with 33 years of professional experience spanning inpatient and outpatient settings, group work, and independent practice.

Background and approach

Rick returned to active practice after retirement because he views therapy as his central vocation and recognizes growing need for accessible support. His background includes work in hospital psychiatric units, a stand-alone psychiatric hospital, community mental health, hospice care, and many years as an outpatient therapist in a family medical clinic in suburban Portland.

He has assisted people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy challenges, grief and loss, parenting concerns, sleep difficulties, and ADHD among other issues. Rick emphasizes creating a nonjudgmental, collaborative environment where clients and therapist problem-solve together toward more rewarding, fulfilling lives.

Practical therapeutic approaches for online care

Richard "Rick" Dawson uses cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based techniques to help people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and build practical strategies for managing symptoms. CBT focuses on changing thought and behavior patterns to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, while mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and self-regulation skills useful for mood issues, stress, and impulse control.

He also integrates elements of dialectical behavior therapy when clients need skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT skills can be especially helpful for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and reducing impulsive behaviors. Throughout the process he collaborates with each person to find the combination of approaches that best fits their goals and preferences, adjusting methods as needs evolve in therapy.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different lifestyles and schedules. These remote options can make it easier to access consistent care, practice new skills between sessions, and maintain therapy when in-person visits are difficult. Licensed professionals work with clients to structure sessions in ways that support real-world progress and measurable steps forward.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
He works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep problems, parenting difficulties, bipolar mood issues, ADHD, and trauma-related concerns.
What is his general therapeutic style?
His approach blends practical, skills-based methods such as CBT and DBT with mindfulness and solution-focused techniques to help clients develop coping strategies and clear steps forward.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He brings 33 years of professional experience across inpatient and outpatient settings, group and individual therapy, hospice, and independent practice.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a licensed clinical social worker with the Oregon LCSW license number L11379 and practices in Oregon.
Does he work with non-English speakers or international clients?
Sessions are offered in English only and he is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available with this therapist?
He offers multiple online formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How are costs and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that may be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin working together?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression

Also works with

Family conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Guilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

33+ years

Licensed

Oregon

Languages

English