Daniel J. Richard, Ph.D.    
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
1044 Central Street    Stoughton, MA 02072
617-615-9402
 

Psychotherapy

I offer individual, couples, family, and group therapy to late adolescents through adulthood.  Psychotherapy is a form of treatment for emotional and behavioral problems in which a therapist establishes a relationship with an individual (or group) for the purpose of modifying self-defeating patterns of behavior and promoting positive personality growth and development. Psychotherapy is generally undertaken to gain self-knowledge and relief from symptoms. Most people come to therapy because coping mechanisms, which have served them in the past, are no longer working or useful. Research indicates that about 80% of the people who are treated with psychotherapy are significantly helped by it. 

Marital and family difficulties are among the greatest human stressors. Problems with money, sex, children, and extended family can be major sources of family stress and discord. In marital/family therapy, these situations are addressed, and means of dealing with them are explored. While many marital/family problems cannot be eliminated, people can learn more effective skills to understand, communicate, and cope with the conflicting demands of marital/family life.

In Group Therapy, individuals (usually six to eight) have a common issue addressed in a dynamic atmosphere where immediate feedback from other members is used to foster therapeutic change.  These groups may be psycho-educational (i.e., anger management), or traditional process-oriented. 

I treat the following conditions and difficulties:

  • Anxiety Disorders or Fears

  • Anger Management

  • Addictions/Substance Abuse

  • Depression/Mood Disorders

  • Divorce and Separation

  • Domestic Abuse or Violence

  • Grief and Loss

  • Life Transitions

  • Personality Disorders

  • Relationship Issues

  • Spirituality

  • Stress Management

  • Thought Disorders

  • Trauma and PTSD

Assessment

Psychological assessments are a formal process of evaluating a person's current emotional well being and/or general psychological make-up.  At times, specific skills and abilities (i.e., competencies)  or risk of certain behaviors (e.g., drug abuse or violence) can be  assessed.  Personality evaluations usually involve both an in-depth interview and standardized psychological testing. These assessments are typically covered by health insurance if they meet the criteria of "medical necessity."  Other times,  clients may use the assessment process to enhance performance, self-understanding, and personal development. The latter uses are not typically covered by insurance.

I provide the following assessments: 

  • Intelligence/Cognitive/Memory

  • Mental Status

  • Personality

  • Substance Abuse
  • Violence Risk

Consultation

I am available for consultation and speaking engagements on a wide range of both clinical and forensic topics.  Past venues have included: 

  • Civic Organizations

  • Law Enforcement Agencies

  • Mental Health Organizations and Training Programs

  • Clinical Supervision