Last year, 2023, I turned 70. After being retired since just before the pandemic hit, I decided it was time for me to start practicing as a therapist again, as it has been my biggest passion in life, and there are more people reaching out for help than there are therapists to help them. I am currently licensed in Oregon with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in inpatient and outpatient therapy, both group and individual. After working as a musician in my 20s and 30s, I started my counseling career 32 years ago in 1992, when I was 39 years old. I worked in the inpatient psychiatric department of a general hospital in Nevada while I was going to school to get my counseling degree. After I graduated, I continued working there for about 15 years as an inpatient therapist, performing individual, family and group therapy. I started my own private practice in 2004 while still working at the hospital. Around 2009 I went to work in a stand-alone psychiatric hospital. I then worked for a time in a community mental health clinic, and for a time in hospice care. I spent the last 10 years of my professional life as a private-practice outpatient therapist working in a family medical clinic in suburban Portland, Oregon. I have experience in helping men and women of all ages with depression, stress and anxiety, in coping with addictions, with relationship issues, and in coping with grief and loss. I work with people to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I make no judgments about you; rather, I look at building a therapeutic partnership with you where we can problem-solve together to help you live a rewarding and fulfilling life. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Additional areas of focus: 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
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
OR LCSW L11379
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Richard "Rick" Dawson. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Rick is great. Knows his stuff. And is a good problem solver. He’s probably heard it all! Good to have someone with wisdom.
Written on Mar 23, 2024 after therapy with Richard "Rick" for 6 months on issues concerning depression, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Rick has been extremely helpful, kind and is a good therapist. I also enjoy talking to him, in general.
Written on Dec 15, 2023 after therapy with Richard "Rick" for 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues
I feel like I found someone willing to engage with me and point out things in a way that’s approachable and helpful.
Written on Jul 19, 2023 after therapy with Richard "Rick" for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, eating disorders, and self esteem