Dara Charlton, LCSW

Licensed in California · 20 years in practice

Dara Charlton is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Oregon with 20 years of experience.

License and registration

LCSW, California: 20389 · expires July 2026
LCSW, Oregon: L3826 · expires August 2026
NPI: 1538172598 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 20
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check any license with the state board and any NPI with the national registry.

About Dara

Dara Charlton is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Oregon with 20 years of experience. She focuses on helping adults manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship concerns. Dara offers straightforward, compassionate support for people who feel stuck or overwhelmed.

She uses a person-focused style that centers the client's goals. Sessions often begin by identifying what matters most and setting small, practical steps. Dara listens for patterns that keep a person stuck and helps build skills to change them.

Background and approach

Her work covers a wide range of concerns, including addiction, intimacy-related issues, sleep problems, parenting strain, and compassion fatigue. She also supports people facing chronic illness, caregiving stress, body image worries, and the impacts of trauma and abuse. Practical problem solving meets attention to emotions in her approach.

Dara blends familiar therapy methods like cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness with emotionally focused and dialectical strategies when they fit. She helps clients practice new ways of thinking, manage distressing feelings, and improve communication with others. Progress is framed in doable steps rather than big leaps.

Sessions are offered via video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules. People who want to begin can use the site process to match and book a first appointment.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Dara lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Grief
Eating disorders
Depression
Addictions
Family conflicts
Trauma and abuse
Intimacy-related issues
Sleeping disorders
Parenting issues
Anger management
Self esteem
Coping with life changes
Compassion fatigue
Abandonment
Aging and geriatric issues
Attachment issues
BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
Blended family issues
Body image
Cancer
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Co-morbidity
Codependency
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Control issues
Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
Divorce and separation
Drug and alcohol addiction
Eating and food-related issues
Emptiness
Family problems
Fertility issues
First responder issues
Forgiveness
Gender dysphoria
Guilt and shame
HIV / AIDS
Hoarding
Hospice and end-of-life counseling
Immigration issues
Impulsivity
Infidelity
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Midlife crisis
Money and financial issues
Mood disorders
Narcissism
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Personality disorders
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Postpartum depression
Post-traumatic stress
Pregnancy and childbirth
Prejudice and discrimination
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Self-love
Sex addiction
Sexual assault and abuse
Sexuality
Social anxiety and phobia
Trichotillomania
Women's issues
Workplace issues
Young adult issues

Approaches Dara names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Client-centered work means the therapist follows the person's priorities and pace, focusing on what the client wants to change and supporting those goals with active listening and reflection. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teaches practical skills to shift them, which helps with anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) offers tools for handling intense emotions and improving coping, including skills for distress tolerance and emotional regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Dara will discuss different methods and tailor sessions to a person's needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative process helps decide whether to emphasize skill-building, emotional processing, or a mix of approaches.

Online therapy is offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility. Video works well for more interactive sessions and skill teaching. Phone calls can be easier when connections are low or a simpler check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging are useful for shorter check-ins, reflection between sessions, or when writing feels more comfortable. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life.

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Questions people ask

What kinds of problems does Dara address?

She helps adults with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship struggles, eating and addiction concerns, and many related issues like sleep problems and self-esteem.

What is her general therapy style?

Her style is client-centered and practical, combining gentle exploration of feelings with concrete skills practice to manage symptoms and improve relationships.

How much experience does she have working with these issues?

Dara brings 20 years of clinical experience supporting adults through a wide range of life challenges and transitions.

Where is she licensed and based?

She is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in Oregon.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

She meets by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an appointment according to the therapist's availability.

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