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CR Portrait of Claudia Richards

Claudia Richards

Experienced LICSW guiding practical change

LICSW District of Columbia

Experience
30 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Claudia

About Claudia

Claudia Richards is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of practice in the District of Columbia who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and other life transitions.

Background and approach

She blends pragmatic skills with empathic listening to support individuals coping with grief, addiction concerns, identity and LGBT issues, career stress, parenting questions, and other personal challenges. Her work uses proven therapeutic methods, including cognitive behavioral strategies, dialectical behavior techniques, emotion-focused work, and client-centered principles, along with mindfulness practices to build coping skills and emotional awareness.

Claudia emphasizes practical steps and self-reflection so clients can develop stronger communication, healthier boundaries, and more effective strategies for day-to-day life. Claudia creates an affirming, respectful space that acknowledges each person’s background and strengths.

Her long experience includes helping people navigate attachment and family complexities, adoption and foster care matters, codependency and infidelity, and recovery from substance use, while tailoring the pace and tools to match individual needs and goals.

How Claudia’s Approaches Translate to Online Therapy

Claudia draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical coping strategies that can be practiced between sessions; CBT is often useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management. She also uses client-centered principles to create a collaborative, respectful space where the client’s own perspective and goals guide the work, supporting self-exploration and personal growth.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work together. Claudia will help clients decide which combination of strategies fits their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting methods as progress unfolds so treatment remains practical and relevant.

Online therapy with Claudia is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to attend regularly, apply new skills in day-to-day contexts, and maintain continuity of care even when life is busy or travel is necessary.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Claudia work with?
She addresses a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, addictions, grief, parenting questions, career-related stress, and identity-related matters such as LGBT issues.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is supportive and practical, integrating client-centered listening with evidence-based techniques such as CBT, DBT, EFT, and mindfulness to help clients build skills and insight.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has worked in clinical practice for 30 years, bringing long-term experience across a variety of emotional, relational, and life transition issues.
Where is she licensed and what are her credentials?
She holds a LICSW and is licensed in the District of Columbia with credential DC LICSW LC301720.
Does she offer services in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
She meets with clients via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexible options for engagement.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies based on location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription 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 according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesHIV / AIDSInfidelityIntellectual disabilityJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

30+ years

Licensed

District of Columbia

Languages

English