Lauren Richman, L.I.C.S.W.

Lauren Richman is a Social Worker and certified Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, and acceptance and commitment therapy in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders within adolescents and adults. Additionally, Lauren works with individuals who present with communication and swallowing impairments and has a specific interest in working with Autistic adolescents and adults. Lauren works to differentiate communication disorder behaviors from OCD/anxiety behaviors and to provide appropriate recommendations based upon an individual’s presentation. She helps individuals to process how their OCD, anxiety, and/or communication disorder functionally impacts their life and their ability to participate in valued activities. Lauren also coaches parents with anxiety, OCD, and/or communication impairments. Lauren’s therapeutic approach is holistic, compassionate, collaborative, and warm; and she places a strong emphasis on mindfulness and self-compassion.

While in graduate school for Speech-Language Pathology Lauren worked in hospitals and outpatient clinics. Once she graduated, she worked in a variety of settings including early intervention, schools, and skilled nursing facilities. Anxiety and OCD appeared very prevalent in her work with adolescents and adults with communication challenges, and she greatly enjoyed her collaboration with mental health professionals within her practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Throughout this experience Lauren realized how important it is to address the whole person and not just what their speech or language sounds like. While earning her second Masters degree in Social Work, Lauren worked at the OCD Institute at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School. While she worked at the OCDI she led groups, coached exposure therapy sessions, and consulted with clinicians and clients about communication and swallowing impairments that were comorbid with OCD symptoms.

Lauren was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and throughout her life has enjoyed sneaking away to Cape Cod any weekend she can. Lauren enjoys cuddling with her dog, going for walks, yoga and meditation, exploring different coffee shops, gardening, and eating out with friends. She has spent time volunteering at the Dimock Center, which is a center that provides low cost comprehensive health care and human services in the Roxbury area.

“When we are willing to stay even a moment with uncomfortable energy, we gradually learn not to fear it.” — Pema Chodron