Richard "Rick" Dawson

Richard "Rick" Dawson is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Oregon with 33 years of practice behind him. He returned to active practice after a period of retirement because helping people has long been his passion. Rick draws on decades of work in hospitals, clinics, hospice, and private practice to guide people through stress, anxiety, grief, and life changes.

He uses straightforward, practical methods in sessions. Rick often brings mindfulness into conversations to help people notice what they are feeling and to calm racing thoughts. He also employs cognitive behavioral and solution-focused ideas to help people identify patterns and try small, useful changes between sessions.

Rick’s background includes inpatient psychiatric work, outpatient therapy, and group and individual formats. He spent many years working in hospitals and community clinics before focusing on outpatient care in suburban Portland. That variety shaped a flexible approach to common problems like depression, addictions, sleep trouble, relationship strain, and parenting stress.

In the room he aims to create a nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be talked through openly. He works collaboratively to set goals and solve problems rather than lecturing or handing down directives. The work is practical and steady, focused on making daily life more manageable.

Rick encourages people to take the first step when they feel ready. He supports problem-solving for issues such as anger, self-esteem, career concerns, bipolar mood management, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. His style is calm, direct, and grounded in long clinical experience.

Mindfulness and Skill-Based Care via Online Therapy

Mindfulness Therapy helps people learn to pay attention to the present moment without judging themselves. It can lower reactivity to stress, calm racing thoughts, and improve sleep and emotional awareness. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavior changes to reduce anxiety and depression. It is practical for panic, social anxiety, and mood challenges.

Choosing an approach is a team effort. The therapist will work with the person to see which methods fit their needs and goals. Sessions often mix practices so clients can try mindfulness exercises along with CBT or solution-focused steps to solve immediate problems.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into daily life, for example by avoiding travel and fitting sessions into a break at work. It also lets people use shorter check-ins when that is useful or choose options that need less bandwidth. Many people find that remote sessions let them practice skills in the places they spend their day, which can make learning more relevant and easier to apply.