At a glance
- Credentials
- LICSW
- License
- LICSW, Massachusetts / 118890
- NPI
- 1417006412
- Experience
- 30 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Massachusetts
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
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- Motivational approach
- Client-centered care
- Practical coping skills
About Richard
Richard Goggin is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, and relationship or intimacy concerns. He is straightforward about life’s hard parts and works with clients to focus on the present rather than staying stuck in past regret or future worry. He draws on three decades of experience to guide practical change and steady coping.
He blends a client-centered approach with motivational interviewing to support people who want to make changes but feel stuck or uncertain. Cognitive behavioral ideas are used to spot unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. Sessions tend to be conversational and aimed at small, doable steps rather than big abstract demands.
Before clinical practice he served as a hospital chaplain and a high school athletic coach, roles that influence his style. That background contributes a calm presence, direct encouragement, and attention to values. He uses these strengths to help people who are wrestling with questions about life purpose, fatherhood, work, or recovery.
Richard often helps people manage anger, shame, or isolation while navigating major life changes like divorce, chronic illness, or caregiving at end of life. He also supports clients dealing with ADHD, compassion fatigue, and first responder stress. Conversations cover concrete coping tools, communication skills, and ways to rebuild energy and interest.
People who choose his approach typically want a collaborator who listens without judgment and suggests realistic strategies. To begin, readers are encouraged to complete the site matching steps and schedule a session according to availability.
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Approaches that translate to online work
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented style that helps people clarify why change matters to them and build small steps toward it. It is useful when someone feels uncertain or ambivalent about making changes in areas like addiction, health habits, or career moves.
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, acceptance, and supporting a person's own goals. This approach helps when someone needs a steady, nonjudgmental space to talk through emotions, grief, or relationship stress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and tests new behaviors to reduce distress. It can be helpful for anxiety, low mood, anger, and some habits that interfere with daily life.
Finding the best approach is part of therapy. The therapist will work with the client to decide which methods fit their needs and preferences. That choice is collaborative and may shift as goals evolve.
Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days by removing travel time and allowing sessions from other locations. Different session arrangements can also match needs like shorter check-ins or avoiding video when that is preferable. The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking to make sure the practical setup works with your schedule. -
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHDAdditional focus areas
AbandonmentChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersWorkplace issuesTherapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyExperience
30+ years
Listed in
Massachusetts
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Richard address?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting concerns, ADHD, and related challenges listed in his specialties.
What is his therapy style like?
Sessions are conversational and steady. He emphasizes listening, practical steps, and building motivation rather than long lectures.
How much experience does he have?
He brings 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist, along with prior work as a hospital chaplain and high school coach that shape his approach.
What credentials and region are listed?
He holds an MA and is a LICSW. His practice is based in Massachusetts.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
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Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers