Richard Smith, Therapist

Richard Smith, Therapist
4325 North 75th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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(6 Reviews)
Environment
5 star average for Environment
Recommended
5 star average for Recommended
Expertise
5 star average for Expertise
Value
5 star average for Value
Service
5 star average for Service
We started seeing Richard Smith because a family member was having a drug problem.

Richard is a great therapist. He is very wise with extensive experience that he can use for his patients. His expertise and his vast resources make a powerful combination when offering suggestions. I think we've been very fortunate to be able to have Richard Smith helping us down this rocky road.
by BG xxx.xxx.127.178
February 03, 2022
I really liked Richard. He wasn't as warm as most therapists, but he was good at listening and at logic. I've done therapy on and off for 30 years and although I clicked better with some than others, I've never had to fire a therapist. Until now.

During the time I was working with Richard, I went through a major relationship loss - my brother. We'd always gotten along great and suddenly he didn't trust me alone with his kids. That hurt so bad! I could never get a straight answer from him, but eventually it came out that I'd made him uncomfortable several times over the years. He'd stuffed it and acted like everything was ok. Until he didn't. It was sooo painful! I didn't even know this things I'd done so I couldn't apologize for them. I said I was deeply sad I'd hurt him. And that was the end.

When I met with Richard I desperately needed to process the pain of the loss. But he had no empathy. Instead, he kept interrupting me and saying "what's your part?" Since i hadn't done anything at the time of the break, I said there was nothing I could have done better. My conscience was clear. But he kept badgering me - sure I had done something! I really needed to be heard and validated - not shamed for something I hadn't done. That was VERY Disappointing!

I later told him I hadn't felt supported. He didn't seem very bothered to hear that. I also told him that I couldn't stop thinking about killing myself. My life has been very hard in many ways the past several years and I just wanted out. He sat there with his arms folded looking at me. All he had to say to my suicidal thoughts was "ok". OK? Like that's a good idea? Like I hear you? I was shocked. When I said to him "is that all you've got for me?" he responded by saying "It's not my job to change your mind". Yes. Those Exact words! Turns out, that is his actual job! I just ended the session an sent him an email that it wasn't working for me.

I spoke to two therapists I know and they both were horrified. They said that IS his job and he should lose his license for saying that. I wish that could happen. Had I been more emotionally unstable, I might not be alive.

I hope my vulnerability helps save someone from a technically trained but very cold therapist! And if you're suicidal, call a hotline. Find a therapist who wants to keep you alive and will help you find reasons to stay in the world. I hope you find the support and healing you deserve.
by SadPuppy xxx.xxx.23.100
October 30, 2020
Solid. Cuts to the meat of the matter. Not a time waster. Helps you resolve your issues. Shines a light on those parts of self that we don’t see
by Dan P xxx.xxx.8.119
September 16, 2020
I have periodically consulted Richard over the last 3-4 years and I highly highly recommend his services. I am 70+ years old and have been in 12 step recovery programs for the last almost 12 years. Richard has showed to me what I think has been my path to wellness over the last few years and for that I am very grateful. He’s wise kind compassionate and understanding. I certainly need someone I can trust who has expertise in the field of mental health to assist me in my journey as I know I cannot do it alone and for me Richard has been that person.
by Greg xxx.xxx.201.55
June 16, 2019
I am a long-term recovering person (37 years), and a former client of Richard's. My recovery and my mental and emotional health are the number one priority in my life, and that is why I've chosen to write this review.

For the sake of brevity, I will just say that I have needed a lot of help in my journey toward a happy and functional life, which I deeply cherish today. Along with uncountable meetings in 12 Step groups, I have needed the services of numerous psychology/psychiatric professionals and finding those who were experienced and genuinely effective was a journey in itself. A long and sometimes disappointing journey.

Without any reservations, my experiences with Richard were some of the most insightful, encouraging, and productive of the entire process that led me to the place I am today.

I know how difficult and precarious this journey can be, and there is no other counselor or therapist I would rather have guiding me than Richard. Period.

Good luck on your path.

by Ed xxx.xxx.55.131
April 13, 2019
Richard Smith is one of the top 4 therapist out of all the MSW, MD , Phd in Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ
I have participated in his weekly
Women's group and individual therapy since 1995ish?
He is kind, gentle, courteous, knowledgeable and treats everyone as an equal and has a sense of humor .
I had a dysfunctional family, boundary issues , dating issues , grief and loss .codependency, survivor of abuse .
And my precious niece Danielle Murphy was basically abducted by the Dept Of DD and ruined her life and health
God Bless her
Please share with Richard
by kit Winchcomb xxx.xxx.38.39
October 08, 2014
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