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Richard Watson

Therapist profile

Richard Watson, LCPC

Illinois

LCPC - Mood and addiction focused

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About

  • Mood disorders
  • Addiction concerns
  • Mindfulness and CBT

About Richard

Richard Watson is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with nine years of experience. He focuses on mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance use, and lists family and related concerns among his areas of focus. He works with adults who are dealing with life changes, grief, addiction, or ongoing stress at home.

He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based approaches, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and habits. Sessions often include practical skill work - spotting thought patterns, testing beliefs, and practicing small behavior changes that fit daily life. He also brings motivational interviewing techniques when people are weighing change around substances or routines.

Richard describes his practice as trauma informed and says he pays attention to different life experiences and resilience. He encourages honesty in sessions and asks clients to be willing to face uncomfortable feelings while learning new ways to cope. The emphasis is on straightforward talk and concrete steps rather than abstract theory.

He lists a wide range of concerns he addresses, including stress, addictions, anger, intimacy-related issues, sleeping problems, ADHD, caregiver strain, codependency, communication problems, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Practical problem solving and skill practice are common parts of his work.

Sessions are offered in English and Richard accepts international clients. He uses a subscription payment model that can be canceled at any time; costs vary with location. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.

How sessions work

How his approaches translate to online work

Richard often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in session. CBT focuses on identifying and testing unhelpful thoughts and then trying new behaviors to change outcomes. ACT helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings and commit to actions that match their values rather than getting stuck in avoidance.

He also uses Mindfulness-based techniques to help people pause and notice moment-to-moment experience, which can reduce reactivity to stress and improve sleep and focus. These approaches are concrete and practice-oriented, so they fit well into short exercises, homework, and check-ins between sessions.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Richard will work with each person to choose methods that match goals and daily life. He checks in about what helps and adjusts techniques over time rather than insisting on one fixed method.

The biography does not specify which online formats are offered, so confirm session options before booking. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins, or reduce travel time. If you need something that fits around work, caregiving, or irregular hours, ask about practical scheduling and format options when you complete the matching questionnaire.

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

Additional focus areas

Caregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDrug and alcohol addictionForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

9+ years

Listed in

Illinois

Languages

English

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he help with?

He works with mood disorders, anxiety, depression, substance use, and related concerns such as grief, sleep problems, and caregiver stress.

What is his therapeutic style like?

He uses a practical, skills-focused style drawing on CBT, mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has nine years of experience working with adults on mood and addiction-related issues.

What are his credentials and where is he based?

He is an Illinois LCPC and practices from Illinois.

Can he work with people who live outside the United States?

Yes, he accepts international clients and conducts sessions in English.

What session formats are available?

Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Costs vary by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I start working with him?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.

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Richard Watson

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