Richard "Rick" Dawson

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.