What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.89
Average wait time
4.90
Bedside manner
5.00
“After just an intake appointment, I am super excited to start my journey with Desiree. She’s super knowledgable about a wide array of therapy styles/types and extremely easy to open up to. I love that she made the decision to come out professionally because knowing that about her makes me feel safe and comfortable as a queer client. She does a good job of letting you get to know her a bit without taking away time for anything you want to say in session. I’m really looking forward to working with her more!”
Initials hiddenMore than 1 year agoVideo visit
“It was very easy for me to open up to Ms. Richards. I have trouble with that but I felt safe to do so with her. I have seen her twice now and she has given me helpful exercises to do at home when I’m having a hard time. I would highly recommend her. ”
Summer N.More than 1 year agoVideo visit
About Desiree Richards
Focus areas
Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Weight Loss Therapy
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Dialectical (DBT)
Coaching
EMDR
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Humanistic
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
LesbianEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Desiree Richards
If you've spent years battling trauma, emotional eating, or feeling disconnected from yourself, you're not alone. Healing is possible, and therapy can help you move beyond surviving into truly living. Having lost over 190 pounds myself, I understand how deeply trauma, self-worth, and our relationship with our bodies can become intertwined. Many clients come to me after years of therapy but still feel emotionally stuck. EMDR and other experiential therapies help clients process traumatic experiences—not just understand them intellectually—so lasting change becomes possible.
For over a decade, I've helped adults heal from trauma, emotional eating, body image struggles, depression, and PTSD using EMDR, DNMS, and other evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches. Clients often describe me as warm, easy to talk to, and deeply compassionate while also helping them move toward meaningful, lasting change. Clients often tell me they finally feel at home within themselves.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you've been carrying pain for a long time. You don't have to navigate it alone. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where healing feels possible. When you're ready, I'd be honored to support you on your journey.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and never judged. Together, we'll move at a pace that feels right for you while exploring the root causes of your struggles—not just the symptoms. I believe healing happens through connection, compassion, and evidence-based approaches like EMDR and DNMS. Whether you're healing from trauma, emotional eating, body image concerns, anxiety, or depression, my hope is that you'll leave each session feeling more empowered, more connected to yourself, and equipped with practical tools to create lasting change.
Life's challenges can feel like powerful waves, but you don't have to navigate them alone. My role is to help you build the understanding, skills, and confidence to move through life's ups and downs with greater resilience and self-trust.
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, the gym, traveling, personal growth, and relaxing with my cat.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Every client's journey is unique, but treatment typically begins with an intake session where we explore your history, current concerns, strengths, and goals to create a personalized treatment plan.
Ongoing therapy sessions are tailored to your needs. We begin by checking in on how you've been since your last session, identifying what feels most important to focus on, and working together using practical skills and evidence-based approaches to address both your immediate concerns and the underlying patterns that keep you feeling stuck.
When appropriate, we may incorporate EMDR therapy. EMDR is a specialized, evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process and heal from traumatic or distressing experiences that continue to affect your daily life. I'll guide you through the process at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $150 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $150 for 60 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- The University of Texas at Arlington, Master's in Social Work
- Nelson University (Bachelor's)
Professional memberships
- National Association of Social Workers
Awards and publications
- Certificate for CBT for Weight Loss Management
- Book: Be Bold: You were never meant to fit in
NPI number
1548777493
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.89
Wait time
4.90
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
36 reviews
Most relevant
She was absolutely amazing. I’m
Very excited to continue sessions.
May 5, 2023Ashley P.Verified patientVideo visit
After just an intake appointment, I am super excited to start my journey with Desiree. She’s super knowledgable about a wide array of therapy styles/types and extremely easy to open up to. I love that she made the decision to come out professionally because knowing that about her makes me feel safe and comfortable as a queer client. She does a good job of letting you get to know her a bit without taking away time for anything you want to say in session. I’m really looking forward to working with her more!
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
It was very easy for me to open up to Ms. Richards. I have trouble with that but I felt safe to do so with her. I have seen her twice now and she has given me helpful exercises to do at home when I’m having a hard time. I would highly recommend her.
More than 1 year agoSummer N.Verified patientVideo visit
Great, felt like a conversation!
May 14, 2023Anna H.Verified patientVideo visit
March 23, 2026Kali M.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
February 19, 2025Emma P.Verified patientVideo visit
February 13, 2025Jessica S.Verified patientVideo visit
January 27, 2025Claire O.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
October 28, 2024Adrian E.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
August 27, 2024Jordyn A.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
July 25, 2024Raul R.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
April 10, 2024Jessica S.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
December 6, 2023Jerrica N.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
June 7, 2023Reb M.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
May 19, 2023Victoria H.Verified patientVideo visit
April 29, 2023Kathleen B.Verified patientVideo visit
April 29, 2023Katie W.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
April 15, 2023Riane B.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoTL
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
More than 1 year agoKJ
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
How soon can I make an appointment with Desiree Richards?
Generally, Desiree Richards has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Desiree Richards's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Desiree Richards accepting new patients?
Desiree Richards generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Desiree Richards's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Desiree Richards accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Desiree Richards is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Desiree Richards online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Desiree Richards using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Desiree Richards work with?
Desiree Richards works with Waves Theory.
What are common reasons for patients to see Desiree Richards?
Desiree Richards frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Desiree Richards on their profile.
What languages does Desiree Richards speak?
Desiree Richards speaks English.
How do patients rate Desiree Richards in reviews?
36 patients have reviewed Desiree Richards. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.89/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.9/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.