Richard Jones, PhD, HSPP

For more than 46 years, I have had the privilege of helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, experience, and practical guidance. While I enjoy working with patients of all ages, my professional passion has always been helping children, teens, and their families build stronger relationships, overcome obstacles, and thrive.

I have extensive experience evaluating and treating Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder and work with families facing a wide variety of emotional, behavioral, developmental, and relationship concerns. I also provide counseling for adolescents and adults experiencing life’s many challenges, recognizing that every person deserves an individualized approach to care.

My treatment style is collaborative and tailored to each patient’s unique needs. When working with children, I often incorporate behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and family therapy to help create meaningful, lasting change both at home and at school. With teens and adults, I combine relationship-focused therapy with cognitive behavioral techniques to help patients better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, and develop healthier ways of managing life’s challenges.

Your first appointment is an opportunity for me to truly understand your concerns. During our 50- to 55-minute initial session, I’ll spend time getting to know your history, your current situation, and what you hope to accomplish through treatment. When working with children and adolescents, I typically meet with both the young person and their parents so we can begin building a shared understanding and treatment plan together.

My goal is for every patient and family to leave feeling heard, respected, cared about, and hopeful. Even when life feels overwhelming, I believe positive change is possible, and I strive to provide the guidance and support needed to help people move forward with confidence.

Throughout my career, I have worked in inpatient, outpatient, school, and day treatment settings, giving me experience with a wide variety of clinical concerns. Because school is such an important part of a child’s life, I routinely collaborate with teachers and educational teams when appropriate to help support academic, emotional, and behavioral success.

After moving to Indiana in 1980, I joined the clinical faculty in the Department of Psychiatry at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where I supervised psychology residents in the evaluation and treatment of children, adolescents, and families through both my practice and Riley Child Guidance Clinic. These experiences continue to shape the collaborative, family-centered approach I bring to my practice today.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading nonfiction—especially art history, natural history, and travel—and spending time gardening. I’m also a lifelong Star Trek fan who has happily followed the series since my teenage years. My silky terrier, Bruno, is my faithful companion and always keeps life entertaining.

One piece of advice I often share with my patients is simple: “Be a person you can feel proud of.”