Richard "Rick" Dawson, LCSW
Licensed in Oregon · 33 years in practice
Richard "Rick" Dawson uses practical, evidence-based approaches to help people manage stress, anxiety, addiction and relationship concerns.
License and registration
- LCSW, Oregon
- L11379 · expires March 2027
- NPI
- 1902866676 · national provider identifier
- Years in practice
- 33
- 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 Richard
Richard "Rick" Dawson uses practical, evidence-based approaches to help people manage stress, anxiety, addiction and relationship concerns. He is a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW - in Oregon with 33 years of experience. Rick returns to practice after a period of retirement because he wants to help more people navigate hard times.
He draws on short-term, skills-oriented methods to help people gain control over painful thoughts and strong emotions.
Background and approach
Sessions focus on small, useful changes that add up over time. He also uses mindfulness practices to help reduce reactivity and improve focus. Rick’s background includes inpatient and outpatient work, plus years in independent practice.
He has led individual therapy, groups, and family-focused work across hospital, clinic, hospice, and medical settings. That breadth gives him experience with depression, grief, bipolar mood concerns, and addiction recovery. In sessions he aims to create an open, nonjudgmental space where people can talk about shame, guilt, isolation or parenting stress.
He works with practical issues like sleep problems, anger, career stress, and coping with life changes. He helps people learn tools for panic, social anxiety, and attention challenges. Rick approaches therapy as a partnership.
He listens, offers clear suggestions, and helps set small goals that fit day-to-day life. The focus is on useful skills, steady progress, and helping people feel more able to handle life’s demands.
Focus areas and approaches
Everything Richard lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Depression
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Intimacy-related issues
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Guilt and shame
- Isolation / loneliness
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Social anxiety and phobia
Approaches Richard names
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
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
Practical approaches for online therapy and everyday life
Richard uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and try different behaviors. CBT focuses on changing thoughts and routines to reduce anxiety, panic, low mood, and sleep problems.He also uses dialectical behavior therapy skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships. DBT-style tools can help with intense emotions, anger, and impulsive behaviors by teaching step-by-step coping skills.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to match methods to current goals and life demands, adjusting techniques as progress is made. Together they choose tools that feel useful and realistic for day-to-day life.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation; phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or messaging suits brief check-ins, follow-ups, or when writing feels easier than talking. These options help fit therapy into work breaks, caregiving schedules, or other busy days while keeping the focus on practical skill-building and steady progress.
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Questions people ask
What kinds of concerns does Rick address?
He helps with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy and sleep problems, parenting stress, anger, self-esteem, career worries, bipolar mood concerns, and ADHD-related difficulties.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses practical, skills-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy along with mindfulness and solution-focused work. Sessions emphasize small, doable steps and techniques you can use between meetings.
How long has he worked in the field?
He has 33 years of professional experience, including inpatient and outpatient settings, group and individual therapy, hospice work, and many years in independent practice.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He holds an LCSW license in Oregon and has worked in hospital, clinic, hospice, and personal-practice settings in that region.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; therapy is provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.
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