Licensed to practice in 3 states and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anger Management, Anxiety, Chronic Illness and 10 more.
(he/him)
New to Grow
Hello, and welcome. I am Dr. Samuel Hickson, PhD, LCSW, a licensed psychotherapist, neuropsychotherapist, clinical researcher, educator, and healthcare consultant dedicated to providing evidence-based psychotherapy for adults. My practice is built on the belief that healing begins with understanding ourselves, rebuilding trust, and developing the resilience needed to navigate life's challenges with confidence and purpose. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, healthcare-related stress, identity transitions, chronic illness adjustment, grief, and major life changes. My therapeutic approach integrates neuropsychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and strengths-based practices to create individualized treatment plans that are both compassionate and grounded in scientific research. My professional background extends beyond traditional psychotherapy. With over 14 years of healthcare experience, a PhD in Human Behavior, an MBA focused on Corporate Social Responsibility, and extensive work in clinical research and behavioral health, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective that bridges neuroscience, psychology, healthcare systems, and organizational well-being. This allows me to understand not only the emotional challenges my clients face but also the broader healthcare, workplace, and life circumstances that influence mental health. In addition to psychotherapy, I provide professional consultation in risk management, clinical documentation, quality improvement, standards of care, and behavioral health operations for healthcare organizations and private practices. Whether you are seeking support during a difficult transition or looking to strengthen resilience and reconnect with your values, my goal is to provide a collaborative, respectful, and affirming therapeutic environment where meaningful, lasting change can occur. I welcome the opportunity to partner with you on your journey toward growth, healing, and living a more fulfilling life.
Beginning therapy is an important step, and it is natural to have questions—or even some uncertainty—about what to expect. My goal is to create an environment where you feel respected, heard, and supported from the very beginning. The first session is not about having all the answers or telling your entire life story in one appointment. Instead, it is an opportunity for us to begin building a collaborative relationship, understand what has brought you to therapy, and develop a plan that reflects your goals, strengths, and unique experiences. I believe that effective therapy begins with trust. Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, depression, burnout, healthcare-related stress, identity concerns, life transitions, relationship difficulties, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, our first meeting is designed to help us understand where you are today and where you would like to be moving forward. During our initial session, we will spend time discussing the concerns that prompted you to seek therapy. You are welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable discussing. There is no expectation that you must immediately disclose deeply personal experiences or revisit painful memories before you are ready. Instead, I focus on understanding what is most important to you today and identifying the areas where you would like to experience meaningful change. As we talk, I will ask questions about different aspects of your life to gain a comprehensive understanding of your experiences. This may include discussing your emotional well-being, physical health, relationships, work or career, family dynamics, significant life events, previous counseling experiences, and the strengths and supports already present in your life. Rather than viewing problems in isolation, I consider how biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors interact to influence overall well-being. One aspect that distinguishes my practice is my integration of neuroscience with evidence-based psychotherapy. I believe that understanding how the brain responds to stress, adversity, relationships, and life experiences can help reduce self-blame while providing practical strategies for change. Throughout our conversations, I often provide education about how stress, emotions, habits, and cognitive processes influence behavior. Many clients find that understanding why they think or feel the way they do helps normalize their experiences and creates a foundation
Choosing a therapist is about more than finding someone with the right credentials—it's about finding someone whose perspective, experience, and approach align with your needs and goals. My practice is built on the belief that effective psychotherapy should be grounded in science while remaining deeply compassionate and individualized. Rather than focusing solely on reducing symptoms, I help clients understand themselves more fully, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change that extends beyond the therapy room. At the center of my practice are three guiding principles: Trust. Identity. Human Adaptation. These concepts shape every aspect of the therapeutic process. I believe that many of life's emotional challenges—whether anxiety, depression, burnout, healthcare-related stress, grief, or major life transitions—are connected to disruptions in how we trust ourselves, relate to others, and adapt to changing circumstances. Therapy becomes an opportunity not only to address current concerns but also to rediscover personal strengths, clarify values, and develop new ways of navigating life's complexities. One of the qualities that distinguishes my practice is the integration of clinical research, neuroscience, and psychotherapy. My background extends beyond traditional counseling and includes years of experience in clinical research, behavioral health, healthcare systems, and psychometric assessment. This multidisciplinary perspective allows me to translate complex psychological and neurological concepts into practical strategies that clients can use in everyday life. I believe that understanding how the brain processes stress, relationships, habits, and emotions can reduce self-criticism and empower individuals to make meaningful changes based on knowledge rather than fear or shame. My work is informed by evidence rather than trends. I integrate well-established therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), neuropsychotherapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and strengths-based practice. Rather than relying on a single therapeutic model, I tailor treatment to each individual's goals, personality, and circumstances. Every person brings a unique history, and effective therapy should reflect that uniqueness rather than applying a standardized formula. Another distinguishing aspect of my practice is my focus on identity development and human adaptation. Throug
The clients who tend to benefit most from my practice are adults motivated to better understand themselves and ready to engage in a collaborative, evidence-based therapeutic process. Many are navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, healthcare-related stress, identity transitions, chronic illness, grief, relationship challenges, or significant life changes. They may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain, but are seeking practical strategies, greater emotional resilience, and a deeper sense of purpose. My approach is especially well suited for individuals who value curiosity, personal growth, and the development of lasting skills rather than quick fixes. Together, we focus on strengthening resilience, improving communication, clarifying values, and building a life that reflects who you are and who you want to become.
Other specialties
I identify as
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT helps you develop a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions instead of feeling controlled by them. Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety, sadness, or self-doubt, we focus on learning how to respond to these experiences in ways that support the life you want to live. Together, we'll identify your core values and use them as a guide for making meaningful decisions. I use ACT because lasting change often comes from increasing psychological flexibility—the ability to adapt, stay present, and continue moving toward what matters most, even during life's challenges.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT helps identify patterns of thinking and behavior that may be contributing to emotional distress. Together, we examine how your thoughts influence your emotions and actions, then develop practical strategies to replace unhelpful patterns with healthier, more balanced ones. I use CBT because it is one of the most well-researched approaches for treating anxiety, depression, stress, and many other concerns, while providing practical skills you can continue using long after therapy ends.
Narrative
CBT helps identify patterns of thinking and behavior that may be contributing to emotional distress. Together, we examine how your thoughts influence your emotions and actions, then develop practical strategies to replace unhelpful patterns with healthier, more balanced ones. I use CBT because it is one of the most well-researched approaches for treating anxiety, depression, stress, and many other concerns, while providing practical skills you can continue using long after therapy ends.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness teaches you how to pay attention to the present moment with greater awareness and less judgment. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by worries about the future or regrets about the past, you learn to respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically. Mindfulness can improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, and increase resilience. I incorporate mindfulness because it complements many evidence-based therapies and helps clients build greater awareness, calm, and flexibility in everyday life.
Strength-Based
Rather than focusing only on problems, Strengths-Based Therapy helps identify the abilities, values, relationships, and personal qualities that have helped you navigate challenges throughout your life. Together, we build on those existing strengths while addressing current concerns. I use this approach because meaningful change is often more sustainable when clients recognize they already possess many of the resources needed for growth, resilience, and healing.