Education and Experience Dr. Richman earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Pepperdine University in 1991, a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 1994, and my Doctor of Psychology in 2001. I received my LCSW from the Board of Behavioral Science Examiners in 1997 and have served as a Clinical Social Worker and Psychiatric Social Worker in local hospitals including Northridge Hospital and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Addiction/Mental Health Program and Consultancy I supervised and managed the Partial Hospitalization Addiction/Mental Health program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from 1998–2000. I have also consulted for healthcare companies, assisting practitioners throughout California in navigating the managed care system.

Clients/Specializations My focus has been in treating all forms of addiction, intimacy and relationship issues, trauma, depression, anger, divorce, and anxiety. My clients include individuals, adults, families, and couples. My doctoral focus was in personality, which forms the foundation of my relational approach to clinical work. I continue to contribute to media, social media, and television, which offers a meaningful balance to my clinical practice.

A specific aspect of my practice is working with business professionals and executives assisting them in building, repairing, and promoting healthy relationships. Conjoint psychotherapy and coaching offer many rewards in teaching partners empathy and communication as key characteristics of a healthy foundation. Like all partnerships, relationship is everything and the most important ingredient of success.

Another area of my practice is providing a less traumatic, more supported divorce process. I work with couples going through divorce in a curative and collaborative way, with the goal of minimizing damage especially when children are involved. I believe in an integrative approach alongside family law attorneys and mediators. The ending of a marriage is one of life’s most significant transitions.

Collaboration with Other Professionals Collaboration with colleagues is something I value deeply. It reflects a standard of care that benefits everyone involved. With a client’s authorization, I engage in collaborative communication between physicians, clinicians, and other professionals as needed.

Treatment Philosophy I hold a dual degree, an MSW as a licensed clinical social worker and a Doctorate in counseling psychology. This has offered me a thorough understanding of human nature, relationship development, and attachment behavior. Together, I will support you in building a healthier, more authentic relationship with yourself. We will journey through many layers, exploring parts of yourself while healing shame and resolving grief and loss. I integrate western psychotherapy with eastern practice and philosophy to help modulate emotional dysregulation as needed throughout the treatment experience. The end goal is to find contentment, a more unstuck self, and fulfilling relationships, personally and professionally.

My focus is to offer, with great humility, the chance to empower my patients by cultivating a partnership-style relationship through their treatment. This is the main agent of change in patient care, and I believe it is a crucial factor in the cohesiveness and progression of recovery. Because of the intimate nature of therapy, the therapeutic alliance becomes the most essential component of success. By entering my clients’ world with support, respect, and safety, I will help you seek change through awareness and insight. Being bound to act in a client’s best interest is a high calling that permits no compromise.

Final Thoughts Psychotherapy is an invaluable process. Connection and collaboration with my patients is the key to driving meaningful change. The therapeutic relationship sets the stage. I strive to understand each client’s unique perspective and support them in a safe and respectful environment. By guiding them through a deep exploration of their thoughts and feelings, we work together toward real change. If we can alter our subjective reality, relief and a new perception will follow. That is the essence of this journey for anyone who seeks psychotherapy.