PuttingFamilyFirst

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

RG Portrait of Richard Goldin
Online therapist

Richard Goldin

Growth through practical skills and perspective

Book with Richard
Credentials
LCSW
Experience
23 years
Licensed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Richard

Richard Goldin is a licensed clinical social worker who uses practical therapy tools to help people change how they think and respond. He leans on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy in sessions. His tone is down-to-earth and focused on small, doable shifts that can improve daily life.

Goldin began his career in business and education before moving into mental health and addiction counseling. That personal transition came after he experienced depression during a business setback and found therapy helpful.

Background and approach

That experience shaped his belief that changing perspective can change emotional outcomes. He draws on 23 years of experience and training in psychology and addiction counseling. In sessions he emphasizes identifying personal values and using practical skills to manage difficult emotions.

He also integrates mindfulness and motivational strategies to support steady change. Richard explains therapy in simple terms and focuses on tools clients can use between appointments. He talks through thinking patterns, coping skills, and behavior changes rather than relying on abstract theory.

The work is collaborative and paced to the client’s needs. His background includes work with addiction and mood concerns, and he brings lived understanding of how life setbacks can affect wellbeing. He practices in Illinois and offers services in English, including options for international clients.

The approach is aimed at helping people move toward more gratitude, acceptance, and calm in daily life.

Approaches that translate well to online care

Richard frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions. CBT helps people spot unhelpful thinking patterns and practice alternative responses to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change behaviors. He also integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills, a set of practical tools for handling intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, and strengthening interpersonal effectiveness.

Choosing the right method is a team effort. He discusses goals and preferences with each person and adjusts the mix of CBT, DBT skills, mindfulness, or motivational techniques to fit what the client needs. That collaborative approach helps find strategies that feel useful in everyday life.

Online therapy offers flexibility for people juggling work, family, and other commitments. Video calls recreate face-to-face conversations, while phone sessions give a simple alternative when video is not possible. Live chat and text-based messaging let clients check in between sessions and get brief support or practice tools in real time. These options make it easier to use therapy consistently and apply new skills where they matter most.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Gottman Method

A research-based framework for couples, focused on how partners argue, repair, and stay connected. Practical and structured, with exercises to try between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he address?
He works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, grief, parenting, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and questions around identity such as LGBT concerns.
What is his therapy style like?
Sessions are practical and skill-based. He emphasizes changing unhelpful thoughts, learning coping skills, and using mindfulness to manage strong emotions.
How long has he practiced?
He has 23 years of experience in mental health and addiction counseling, drawing on earlier work in business and education.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW - licensed in Illinois with license number IL LCSW 149009159 and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and he is available to work with international clients.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with him?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
23 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Richard

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point
Book with Richard