Richard Gilbert, LCSW

Richard Gilbert is a licensed clinical social worker in California with seven years of outpatient therapy experience. He helps people who are dealing with grief, depression, anxiety, stress, anger, addictions, self-esteem problems, ADHD, and life changes. He also supports those facing hospice and end-of-life concerns, isolation, and questions about life purpose and self-love.

Richard’s approach begins by listening. He treats each person as the expert on their own life and looks for existing strengths to build on. Sessions focus on clear goals, practical steps, and honest conversation rather than jargon or long lectures.

He uses cognitive behavioral techniques to notice and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. He also draws on client-centered methods to create space for people to express themselves and be heard. Existential ideas help when people are wrestling with meaning, loss, or big life choices.

In a typical meeting Richard will work with someone to set a small, achievable goal and identify the next step. He emphasizes short-term tools for coping and longer-term ways to make changes that last. The overall tone is straightforward, respectful, and focused on what the person needs now.

Richard understands starting therapy can feel daunting. He aims to make the first sessions simple: get a sense of what matters most, agree on a plan, and begin taking manageable steps forward.

How Richard’s Approaches Work Online

Richard draws on cognitive behavioral therapy to help people identify thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and then practice different choices. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and managing patterns linked to addiction or ADHD.

He also uses client-centered methods that prioritize listening, empathy, and the person’s own goals. This approach helps people feel heard and encourages them to find their own solutions. Existential ideas are brought in when conversations turn to meaning, loss, or life purpose and help people face big questions in a clear way.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Richard will collaborate with each person to pick methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. He will check in and adjust strategies as progress is made so the plan stays practical and relevant.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy easier to fit into a busy life. Video lets you use visual cues for deeper conversation, phone can be a simpler option with lower bandwidth, and chat or messaging can be useful for brief check-ins or when typing feels easier. These formats give flexibility for scheduling and different ways to stay connected between appointments.