Bridget Richards

MS, LCSW, M-ART, DBT, CVMHP

Bridget Richards is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Iowa and Missouri, a retired U.S. Army Veteran, and a trauma-focused therapist committed to supporting Veterans and First Responders. With almost two decades of military service and coming from a family of First Responders, Bridget understands the unique culture of those who serve—the commitment, sacrifice, self-discipline, camaraderie, and expectation to remain strong even when carrying the weight of difficult experiences.

Bridget has dedicated her second career to working with Veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, dispatchers, and other frontline professionals. She specializes in trauma and understands how repeated exposure to critical incidents, loss, high-stress situations, and years of staying in survival mode can affect a person both on and off the job.

As a retired Army Veteran, Bridget understands that asking for help can sometimes be viewed as weakness or become a source of shame. In military and First Responder culture, pushing through, compartmentalizing, and staying mission-focused are often necessary to do the job. But over time, those same skills can make it difficult to shut the job off, transition home, or process what has been experienced.

Bridget provides a place where Veterans and First Responders can talk openly with someone who understands the culture. Her approach is practical, straightforward, and focused on giving individuals the tools to work through trauma, manage stress, and regain control without losing the strength and resilience that have served them throughout their careers.

Bridget has a passion for serving those who have served our country and our communities. Whether you are still serving, approaching retirement, or adjusting to life after the uniform, you do not have to carry the weight of the job alone

Schedule an appointment with Bridget

Education

Bridget graduated with her master’s in social work from Walden University. Bridget is Master certified in Accelerated Resolution therapy (ART). Bridget is a trained 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)

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.

  • 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.

In an effort to increase accessibility, we have partnered with The Battle Within Frontline Therapy Network and The Rosenzweig Mission to provide multiple free ART sessions to eligible first responders. Please fill out the forms in those links or call our office to get started!