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RW Portrait of Richard West
Online therapist

Richard West

Compassionate, practical support for life’s challenges

Credentials
LMHC
Experience
9 years
Licensed in
Washington
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Richard

Richard West is a licensed mental health counselor who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, addiction concerns, grief, and life transitions. He speaks plainly and works to create a respectful, compassionate space where practical steps come first. Parents reading this will find a direct style and an emphasis on straightforward support rather than jargon.

Richard is licensed in Washington as an LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor. He tailors conversations and treatment plans to each person's needs.

Background and approach

That means listening first, then choosing approaches that suit the situation. He draws from cognitive behavioral techniques to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. He also uses client-centered methods that prioritize the person’s goals and pacing.

When relationships, intimacy, or communication create stress, he brings in emotionally-focused ideas to reframe interactions and improve connection. For those dealing with trauma, addiction, or chronic life changes, he blends practical coping skills with mindfulness strategies to reduce reactivity. Richard has nine years of professional experience working with a broad range of concerns.

He emphasizes clear, collaborative planning so people know the steps they will take together. The work aims to build skills that carry into daily life. Sessions can include discussion, behavior-focused exercises, and mindfulness practice.

The overall aim is to support growth and stability through methods that match each person’s needs and values.

How Richard’s Approaches Work Online

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following each person’s goals. The therapist creates a humane, nonjudgmental atmosphere and helps clients set practical steps that feel manageable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches concrete exercises to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress management.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Richard treats this as a collaboration - he listens to needs, explains options, and together they choose what to try first. Plans are adjusted based on what helps and what fits a person’s life and preferences.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules and to revisit short skills or check in between meetings. The online setting still allows for focused conversations, skill practice, and planning steps clients can use at home, while keeping the process adaptable to each person’s routine.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

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.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)

Attends to the emotions underneath a recurring argument or distance, and to the attachment needs driving them. Often used where a relationship keeps returning to the same painful loop.

Frequently asked questions

What types of concerns does Richard address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, relationship and family issues, grief, intimacy-related concerns, parenting, self-esteem, career matters, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include abandonment, adoption and foster care, aging and geriatric issues, and caregiver stress.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a straightforward and respectful approach. Sessions combine listening with goal-focused techniques from several therapy methods to create a practical plan.
How long has he been practicing?
He has nine years of professional experience working in mental health settings and with a wide range of concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he licensed?
He holds the LMHC credential. License details are WA LMHC LH 60953703 and he is licensed in Washington.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with him?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Experience
9 years
Licensed
Washington
Languages
English

Next step

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