Bridget Richards,

MS, LCSW, M-ART, CVMHP

About:

Bridget Richards, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Iowa and Missouri, retired military veteran, and trauma-focused therapist committed to helping people reclaim their peace and power. Bridget believes that each individual is unique and needs a place to feel safe and heard. Many children and teens can be labeled as “overreacting, being difficult or too sensitive”. Bridget is specialized to help those individuals learn to handle situations in a more productive manner. Bridget has experience and specializes in working with teens that have suicidal ideations and attempts, or non-suicidal self-harm behaviors. With almost two decades of military service, Bridget has dedicated her second career to supporting veterans, first responders, and teens as they navigate life’s most challenging transitions. Bridget knows what it means to carry heavy things — and believes healing is possible with the right tools and support. Bridget has a passion to work with Frontline workers that have served this country and those still serving their country. As a retired Military Veteran who understands and knows that to ask for help can be seen as weak and a source of shame. Bridget is here to help you through this stage of self-discipline and toughness. Bridget understands the difficulties with transitioning out of the routine and camaraderie experienced when serving.

Education:

Bridget graduated with her master’s in social work from Walden University. Bridget recently became Master certified in Accelerated Resolution therapy (ART). Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a powerful, evidence-based form of psychotherapy designed to help people quickly heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges — often in just a few sessions. Bridget recently became trained as a Certified Veteran and Military Mental Health Professional.
 
I’m certified in:
  • Certified Military and Veteran Mental Health Practitioner
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • and a Master Certified clinician in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Whether I’m helping a teen manage emotional storms or guiding a Frontline worker through trauma recovery, my approach is direct, compassionate, and tailored to what works. I offer a space where you don’t have to explain military culture or teenage chaos — I get it. My goal is to help you feel seen, supported, and equipped to move forward.

Current Specialties/Interests:

My practice is focused on helping people navigate complex trauma, life transitions, and identity shifts with clarity and strength. As a retired military veteran and clinician, I bring both lived experience and advanced clinical training to my work. I specialize in working with:
  • Veterans & First Responders
    Moral injury, PTSD, reintegration into civilian life, and trauma recovery.
  • Teens & Young Adults
    Emotional regulation, self-harm, identity development, and building executive functioning skills.
  • Complex Trauma & PTSD
    Using evidence-based approaches like ART, DBT, TF-CBT, and CPT to support deep and lasting healing.
  • Writing Nexus letters
Using evidence-based approach to write a letter explaining the connection (or “nexus”) between a veteran’s current mental health condition and their military service.