Kathleen Cates-Richardson, LMFT

Support for healing, relationships, and meaningful change

Addiction and recovery support
Relationship and intimacy concerns
Trauma grief and depression

About Kathleen Cates-Richardson

Kathleen Cates-Richardson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 16 years of professional experience, licensed in Iowa and Arizona. She supports clients navigating anxiety, depression, grief, addiction concerns, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues, with care that centers on each person’s goals and lived experience.

Kathleen Cates-Richardson works to foster an open, welcoming environment where clients can share thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. She recognizes that reaching out for therapy can take courage, especially when someone is seeking a more fulfilling and happier life or preparing to make meaningful changes. Her role is to offer steady support and encouragement, helping clients feel empowered as they take steps forward.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression

Also Specializes In

Sleeping disorders

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Jungian Therapy Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Kathleen Cates-Richardson have?

Kathleen Cates-Richardson has 16 years of professional experience providing therapy.

Is Kathleen Cates-Richardson a licensed therapist?

Yes. Kathleen Cates-Richardson is an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist). She is licensed as AZ LMFT LMFT-16264 and IA LMFT 000370.

In which languages does Kathleen Cates-Richardson provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Kathleen Cates-Richardson located?

Kathleen Cates-Richardson is located in Iowa.

How can I work with Kathleen Cates-Richardson as my therapist?

You can work with Kathleen Cates-Richardson through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This range of options can make it easier to choose the format that fits your needs and schedule.

Does Kathleen Cates-Richardson work with international clients?

Yes. Kathleen Cates-Richardson works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Kathleen Cates-Richardson cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches That Translate Well to Online Sessions

Kathleen Cates-Richardson draws from several evidence-informed methods that can work effectively in an online setting. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a supportive space where clients can speak openly and feel understood, which can be especially helpful when working through grief, depression, or the emotional impact of trauma and abuse.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients notice patterns between thoughts, feelings, and actions, then practice new ways of responding. This approach is often useful for concerns like anxiety, depression, and coping with addiction-related triggers. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can support clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck in conflict, or uncertain how to manage intense feelings.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Kathleen Cates-Richardson collaborates with clients to understand their goals, preferences, and what has or has not helped before, then adjusts the work to fit what they need most.

Online therapy also offers flexible ways to connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This can make it easier to stay consistent with support, whether someone is balancing a busy schedule, working through relationship stress, or navigating recovery day to day.

Ready to start therapy with Kathleen Cates-Richardson?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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