Derek Hawkins, LCSW

Licensed in New York · 23 years in practice

Derek Hawkins helps people facing addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and major life changes.

License and registration

LCSW, New York: 071375 · expires May 2026
NPI: 1073695540 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 23
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check any license with the state board and any NPI with the national registry.

About Derek

Derek Hawkins helps people facing addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and major life changes. He addresses related concerns such as adoption and foster care issues, drug and alcohol problems, family conflict, prejudice and discrimination, seasonal affective disorder, and effects of traumatic brain injury. He is a licensed clinical social worker in New York and brings long-term experience to these concerns.

He keeps conversations direct and respectful. Sessions focus on what is most pressing and practical for each person.

Background and approach

He listens for patterns that keep problems repeating and works with clients to try new ways of handling them. His style is compassionate and straightforward. He adapts the pace and plan to what an individual needs.

That might mean short-term work to get through a crisis or longer talk to address deeper patterns. In sessions he helps people set clear, achievable goals. He uses approaches that have research support and adjusts them to fit each person's situation.

Progress is tracked in simple ways so people can see what’s changing. Clients can expect a supportive space to talk about painful experiences and practical coaching for daily challenges. Derek emphasizes respect and sensitivity while helping people build skills to move forward.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Derek lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Online support

How evidence-based approaches translate to online care

Evidence-based therapeutic techniques focus on clear skills and practical change. One common approach teaches coping and relapse-prevention skills for addictions; it helps people recognize triggers, build routines, and plan steps to reduce harmful use. Another common method addresses trauma by helping a person process difficult memories and learn strategies to reduce their impact on daily life. These approaches can be adapted to the online setting and aimed at problems like grief, life transitions, and effects of traumatic brain injury.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to identify goals and try methods that fit their needs and preferences. That might mean adjusting session length, shifting between skill practice and processing, or combining techniques over time to see what helps most.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy flexible. Video works well for deeper conversations and visual cues. Phone sessions can be helpful when bandwidth is limited or for simpler check-ins. Live chat and text messaging offer quick ways to share updates, practice new skills, or check in between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life while still working toward measurable changes.

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Questions people ask

What issues does Derek focus on?

He focuses on addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with major life changes. Related areas include adoption and foster care concerns, drug and alcohol addiction, family problems, prejudice and discrimination, SAD, and traumatic brain injury.

What is his general approach in therapy?

He uses a direct, compassionate style that emphasizes practical steps and listening. Sessions are tailored to the person and may focus on short-term goals or longer work depending on needs.

How much experience does he have?

He has 23 years of professional experience supporting people through addictions, trauma, grief, and life transitions.

What credentials and location are listed?

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a New York LCSW credential, and his practice is based in New York.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.

How does payment work and what does it cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.

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