Richard Banton , LCSW

Richard Banton is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience. He practices in New Mexico and works from a mental wellness perspective, helping people move toward clearer, calmer daily living.

He focuses on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, anger, and relationship and intimacy concerns. He also supports people dealing with parenting stress, grief, body image, self-esteem, career challenges, and ADHD. LGBT issues and a wide range of life transitions are part of his practice focus.

Richard describes his work as helping people notice how thought, mind, and consciousness shape moment-to-moment experience. He teaches practical ways to interrupt patterns that create ongoing emotional pain. The aim is to make small, practical changes that bring more contentment and ease in daily life.

His approach draws on acceptance and commitment principles, cognitive behavioral techniques, and client-centered listening. He also uses skills from dialectical behavior and emotionally-focused ways of working when they fit a person’s needs. Sessions emphasize simple tools and clear explanations rather than jargon.

Richard offers sessions by video call, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging. He accepts clients internationally and works in English. Costs vary by location and use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

To begin, a person completes a short matching questionnaire and schedules based on the available times.

Approach and online therapy options

Richard often uses acceptance and commitment therapy to help people notice and accept difficult thoughts while committing to actions that match their values. This approach can be useful for stress, anxiety, and moving through life changes.

He also uses cognitive behavioral therapy to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with clearer, more useful ways of thinking. CBT can help with depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and many everyday challenges.

Finding the right blend of methods is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to choose approaches that match their goals, preferences, and current needs, and adjusts as progress is made.

Online sessions include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different situations. Video calls are useful for conversation that benefits from visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging work well for brief check-ins, skill practice, or when a written record of the discussion is helpful.

These options allow therapy to fit around work, caregiving, travel, and other life demands while keeping the focus on practical tools and steady progress.