Hi, my name is Chad Richardson. I am a Mental Health Specialist for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division Mental Health Program. 

I provide mental health services to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing adults in Southern Minnesota and statewide via telehealth. There is a DHHSD mental health touchdown meeting room in downtown Mankato where clients can feel safe meeting and engaging in the therapy process. I also travel to provide mental health services at clients’ home areas such as county offices, libraries, or other places depending on clients’ needs. 

I am currently working on obtaining a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license. I want to explain briefly what LPCC means. The LPCC license allows therapists to independently diagnose and treat patients with mental health issues. At the core of the practice, LPCCs focus more on mental health than counseling. While they do not specialize in a specific patient or mental health issue, they have the licensure to treat various clients seeking mental health support. 

I enjoy my job supporting clients in reflecting on issues to make positive changes, listening to support any changes, providing various psychotherapy approaches in sessions, and supporting clients in overcoming behavioral or emotional challenges. I also offer individual therapy, couples therapy, and group therapy. I aim to ensure deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people can access mental health services to meet their needs.

If you’d like to learn more about mental health services from Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division, please contact us!

The following video provides this information in American Sign Language with English voiceover and captions.