Licensed clinical social worker recordNew York
Derek Hawkins, LCSW
New York
Licensed clinical social worker - Addictions and trauma
Continue with DerekCredentials check
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in New York
- LCSW, licence 071375
- NPI
- 1073695540
- Experience
- 23 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- New York
These details come from information Derek supplied to BetterHelp. A licence can be checked with the social work board of the state that issued it, and an NPI with the national registry.
AAbout
- Addictions support
- Trauma recovery
- Grief and loss
About Derek
Derek Hawkins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New York with 23 years of experience. He focuses on addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with life changes. He also works with issues related to adoption and foster care, drug and alcohol addiction, family problems, prejudice and discrimination, seasonal affective disorder, and traumatic brain injury.
Derek uses straightforward conversation to help people clarify what they are facing. Sessions break problems into manageable parts and focus on practical steps. He adapts the pace and topics to each person's situation rather than following a fixed script.
When someone is dealing with loss, Derek will help them work through immediate needs and longer-term adjustments. For addiction concerns he emphasizes building routines and supports that reduce risk and increase stability. For trauma and abuse he prioritizes safety, coping skills, and gradual problem-solving.
He draws on nearly a quarter century of practice in New York settings. That experience informs everyday strategies - scheduling, communication, crisis planning, and realistic goal-setting - that people can use between sessions. Derek aims to make sessions clear and useful rather than theoretical.
People who choose him should expect direct, practical conversation. He asks specific questions, suggests concrete steps, and checks progress regularly. To start, he will discuss immediate concerns, outline options, and agree on the first small goals.
BHow sessions work
How his approaches translate to online work
Evidence-based techniques he uses focus on practical skills and short-term problem solving. One common approach emphasizes building routines and behavioral strategies to reduce risky situations and manage addictions, helping people replace unhelpful habits with manageable actions. Another approach centers on trauma-informed coping skills - teaching grounding, emotion regulation, and gradual processing so painful memories interfere less with daily life.Choosing the right approach is collaborative. Derek will review your current needs, goals, and preferences and recommend which techniques to try first. He checks in regularly and adjusts the plan based on progress and what feels most useful to the client.
Confirm exact session formats before booking, as the biography does not list formats explicitly. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. They also let people keep therapy during relocations or when work and family obligations make in-person appointments difficult. Discuss format options during the initial matching and scheduling steps so sessions fit practical life constraints.
CAreas of focus
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
DQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include adoption and foster care, family problems, prejudice and discrimination, seasonal affective disorder, and traumatic brain injury.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses practical, conversational sessions that break problems into manageable steps. The focus is on concrete strategies and checking progress over time.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 23 years of professional experience working in clinical settings.
Is he licensed to practice in New York?
Yes. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in New York.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988. More crisis numbers