Derrell Tidwell, LCSW, LICSW

Derrell Tidwell is a licensed mental health professional practicing in California and Washington with 42 years of clinical experience. He holds LCSW and LICSW credentials - both are licensed clinical social worker designations that indicate advanced training and authorization to provide mental health care in those states. Over four decades of work have shaped his focus on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family conflicts, LGBTQ+ related concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, eating issues, self-esteem, and life transitions. He also works with problems such as abandonment, caregiver stress, codependency, communication and control issues, divorce and separation, guilt and shame, impulsivity, isolation, life purpose questions, midlife concerns, multicultural issues, panic, and personality challenges.

Derrell emphasizes a strengths-based, client-centered stance - he views each person as the expert on their own story and helps them identify and use the "natural toolbox" of skills and resources they already possess. His aim is to bring clarity to difficult situations and to support practical, usable steps toward change. He maintains regular hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday mornings from 9 AM to 1 PM. As of March 2026, his only current openings are on Thursday mornings. If those hours do not align with a prospective client’s schedule, he encourages initiating a request for therapist change by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the account page and using the pull-down menu.

He recognizes the courage it takes to begin therapy and commends individuals for taking that initial step toward support and growth.

Personalized Therapeutic Approaches Offered Online

Derrell uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, collaborative environment where the individual’s goals and strengths guide the work. This approach helps people who need empathy, validation, and a supportive space to explore personal values and decisions.

He also integrates cognitive behavioral therapy - a practical, skills-based method that examines how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. CBT is often helpful for managing anxiety, stress, panic, and mood concerns by teaching concrete strategies to change unhelpful patterns.

When trauma is a central concern, trauma-focused methods are applied to address painful memories and reactions while pacing the work to the client’s readiness. This approach aims to reduce trauma-related distress and improve daily functioning.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Derrell collaborates with each person to identify the methods that best match their needs, goals, and preferences. He adjusts techniques over time based on progress and client feedback.

Online therapy with Derrell offers flexibility - sessions can occur by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent care across busy routines and life changes.