Richard "Rick" Dawson
Experienced LCSW using practical evidence-based approaches
LCSW Oregon
- Experience
- 33 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Languages
- English
About Richard
Richard "Rick" Dawson draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a foundation for his clinical work, blending practical skill-building with compassionate listening to help clients address stress, anxiety, addiction, mood concerns, and life transitions.
Background and approach
He brings 33 years of experience across inpatient and outpatient settings, including individual, family, and group therapy, and has worked in psychiatric departments, community mental health, hospice care, and independent practice in Oregon. His background includes starting a independent practice in 2004 and a decade as an outpatient clinician in a family medical clinic in suburban Portland.
Rick began his counseling career after earlier years as a working musician, entering the field in 1992 and earning his LCSW license. He emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and offers a nonjudgmental space where thoughts and emotions can be explored openly.
In session he pairs evidence-informed approaches such as DBT and mindfulness with solution-focused strategies to address concerns like depression, grief, relationship challenges, parenting stress, sleep difficulties, anger, and attention-related struggles. Clients can expect a pragmatic, partnership-oriented style aimed at practical change and improved coping.
He is licensed in Oregon (OR LCSW L11379) and conducts therapy in English, helping people navigate the challenges that interfere with a rewarding and fulfilling life.
Applying Evidence-Based Approaches to Online Care
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and panic; it emphasizes practical exercises and homework to build coping skills. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) brings skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be especially useful for managing intense emotions, relationship challenges, and patterns of impulsive behavior.
Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with clients to determine which methods best match their goals, needs, and preferences, and may integrate techniques from CBT, DBT, mindfulness, or solution-focused work as therapy progresses.
Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules or manage care from different locations. These formats support continuity of care and allow for skill practice and check-ins between appointments, while the therapist and client adapt methods to suit the online setting and individual rhythm.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Rick commonly address in therapy?
What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?
How much clinical experience does he have?
What are his credentials and where is he licensed?
Can non-English speakers work with him?
Which session formats are available for online care?
How is cost handled for sessions?
What are the steps to begin working with him?
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
33+ years
Licensed
Oregon
Languages
English