Richard "Rick" Dawson, LCSW - Therapist in Oregon

About Richard

Richard "Rick" Dawson uses practical, evidence-based approaches to help people manage everyday challenges. He blends methods like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy with mindfulness and solution-focused work. Rick listens first, then helps identify small, doable steps that reduce stress and improve daily functioning.

He is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - with three decades of clinical experience and practices in Oregon. Rick returned to practice after retirement because he wanted to keep helping people navigate life changes.

Background and approach

He has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and has led individual, family, and group sessions. That mix of settings means he is comfortable supporting people through crisis and through slower, longer-term work. Common concerns he addresses include anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, parenting challenges, sleep problems, anger, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem.

He also has experience with mood-related conditions such as bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and ADHD. In sessions he focuses on practical skills and straightforward problem-solving tailored to each person’s situation. Rick aims to create an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be shared.

He works collaboratively to set goals and tries to keep the work focused and achievable. For many people this looks like learning coping strategies, practicing new habits, and checking progress between visits. With 33 years of work in mental health, Rick brings a steady, experienced presence.

He draws on a range of tools and keeps the conversation direct and easy to follow. Parents and individuals looking for clear, step-by-step support often find his style approachable and practical.

How Richard uses practical therapies online

Richard often draws on cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy in online work. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, or panic. Dialectical behavior therapy teaches skills for managing intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, and building healthier interpersonal patterns.

He approaches choosing an approach collaboratively. Early sessions look at your goals, needs, and what feels most useful. Together you decide whether to focus on skills training, problem-solving, or mindfulness practice and adjust as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different routines. That flexibility makes it easier to connect around work, parenting, or other commitments. Practical exercises, skill coaching, and brief check-ins can all happen remotely, so clients can practice strategies between sessions and bring questions back to the next meeting.

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.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he address?

He works with a wide range of issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, parenting challenges, sleep problems, anger, and relationship or intimacy-related issues.

What is his therapeutic style like?

His approach is practical and direct, using tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused work to teach skills and solve problems.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 33 years of professional experience in mental health, including inpatient and outpatient roles and both individual and group therapy work.

What credentials and where is he licensed?

He is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - licensed in Oregon under OR LCSW L11379.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Are international clients accepted?

He is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How are fees and next steps handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time; to get started select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
Relationship issues

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 33 years
Licensed: Oregon
Languages: English

Next step

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