Bruce Richards, LICSW

Bruce Richards is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Massachusetts with more than 15 years of clinical experience. He accepts short-term clients for engagements of up to one year and brings a long history of work with a wide range of mental health concerns, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, low self-esteem and assertiveness difficulties, relationship challenges, and parenting or family-related issues. He has also addressed concerns such as anger, grief, intimacy-related problems, sleep difficulties, career stress, ADHD, and coping with life changes.

Throughout his career he has advocated for people living with mental health issues and stands against discrimination or abuse in any setting, personal or professional. His practice emphasizes collaboration and helping people build belief in their own strengths, working together to identify meaningful life goals and practical steps to achieve them. He draws primarily on cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused talk therapy to shape treatment plans that are goal-oriented and skills-based.

Bruce tailors the level of effort and specific strategies to each person, recognizing that progress varies from one individual to another, and he remains committed to supporting clients through the process. He looks forward to meeting people and working alongside them toward their goals.

Practical Therapeutic Approaches for Online Work

Bruce Richards uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy as primary tools in his practice. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors into more constructive ones, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep concerns. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on building practical steps and small, achievable goals by drawing on a person’s existing strengths, and it can be especially helpful for relationship issues, coping with life changes, and problem-solving.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Bruce works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. He tailors treatment plans, combines techniques when appropriate, and adjusts the focus over time so the work stays relevant and effective for each person.

Online therapy with Bruce is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into busy lives, and access licensed professionals from remote locations while still focusing on practical, goal-oriented work.