Richard "Rick" Dawson, LCSW

Richard "Rick" Dawson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Oregon who returned to therapy work after a period of retirement, motivated by a long-standing passion for helping others and a growing need for mental health support. He turned 70 in January of 2023 and brings 33 years of clinical experience to his practice, combining work in inpatient and outpatient settings with both group and individual therapy.

Before beginning his counseling career, he spent years as a musician, and he began his clinical work in 1992 while training and working in the inpatient psychiatric department of a general hospital in Nevada. Following graduation he continued as an inpatient therapist for about 15 years, providing individual, family, and group therapy, and he launched a private practice in 2004. Around 2009 he worked in a stand-alone psychiatric hospital and later held roles in community mental health and hospice care. He also spent ten years as an outpatient therapist operating within a family medical clinic in suburban Portland, Oregon.

He works with people of various ages on a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, grief and loss, depression, trauma and abuse, parenting and family dynamics, sleep problems, anger, self-esteem, career transitions, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. He seeks to build a nonjudgmental therapeutic partnership that emphasizes problem solving and collaboration to help people move toward a more rewarding and fulfilling life. Taking the first step toward change often requires courage, and he offers supportive guidance throughout that process.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care Options

Richard "Rick" Dawson uses evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy to address emotional and behavioral concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, which can help with anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep problems. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and practical techniques for calming the mind, useful for managing stress, emotional reactivity, and episodes of anxiety.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. He collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as therapy progresses to ensure a good match between approach and outcomes.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect with licensed professionals and therapists, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, or mobility needs and can increase access to consistent care. For many people, remote sessions provide a practical and effective way to engage in ongoing therapy while maintaining continuity and convenience.