Dawn Gomez, LCSW-C

(She/her)
Preferred Name: Dawn

EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

Online Therapy

About Me

I am a licensed mental health therapist with several years of experience helping individuals navigate the emotional challenges of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and self-esteem. For the past three years, I've worked in private practice, following a foundation in community mental health that shaped my understanding of diverse client needs and experiences. I am deeply passionate about EMDR therapy and the transformative healing it offers. EMDR is a powerful, research-backed approach that helps the brain and body process unresolved distress in a way that fosters true relief and emotional clarity. I've seen firsthand how it helps clients move beyond past pain and reclaim a stronger sense of self. I believe healing is possible for everyone, and I meet each client with compassion, curiosity, and respect for their unique story. Whether you're struggling with the weight of past experiences or seeking to feel more grounded in the present, I'm here to help you find lasting relief and renewed hope.

Education & Experience

Master of Social Work Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 2018, GPA: 4.0 License: LCSW-C Project Management Certificate 2007 Villanova University, Philadelphia, PA Bachelor of Science, Psychology 2016, GPA: 4.0 Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA Spanish Language Certificate 2005 Mexican Institute of Culture, Guadalajara, MX Mental Health Therapist, Villa Maria 11/2018 – present Abingdon, Maryland  Work with clients three days per week in clinic and two days per week in elementary school with a caseload of 28 - 34 clients and 35 appointments scheduled per week.  Assist clients in reaching their goals by completing client intake assessments, assigning diagnoses, developing treatment plans, and providing clinical interventions and trauma-informed care.  Help clients, ages 4 – 64, to manage and/or overcome symptoms of mental health diagnoses by providing individual therapy sessions using various treatment modalities to assist them.  Educate clients regarding the management of the symptoms of their particular mental disorder.  Oversee parent support group annually.  Provide individual and family telehealth sessions (March 2020 – present).  Recognized as top performer in customer satisfaction for month of June 2019.  Earned bonus for exceeding Volume of Service numbers in fiscal years 2019, 2020, and 2021.  Achieved perfect file audit in January 2021. Intern, WIN Team 1/2018 – 7/2018 Port Deposit, Maryland  Provided individual therapy sessions for clients, ages 6 – 64, using various treatment modalities to assist them in overcoming and/or managing symptoms of mental disorders, maintaining a caseload of approximately 8 – 10 weekly clients.  Assisted clients in reaching their goals by completing client intakes, performing biopsychosocial assessments, assigning diagnoses, developing treatment plans, and providing clinical interventions.  Provided further support to clients by organizing clinical onsite events and co-facilitating weekly women’s therapy groups.  Benefited the community by conducting agency outreaches to the community and registering new clients for the agency, who in some cases, later achieved their therapeutic goals.  Implemented policy change at agency by creating an orientation for internship program.  Received recognition (GETS Award) for performing file audits in preparation for Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities resulting in successful accreditation. Intern, Army Community Services: Family Advocacy Program 1/2017 - 7/2017 Kaiserslautern, Germany  Performed outreaches in the community promoting agency services in order to decrease cases of domestic violence.  Consulted as a contributor in multidisciplinary meetings in order to determine appropriate service delivery to children with special needs.  Facilitated Exceptional Family Member play groups and support groups for families with children with special needs.  Increased productivity of New Parent Support Program by calling new clients and scheduling appointments.  Liaised with Single Parent Support Group and upper management and assisted the group in achieving their goals.  Increased the number of Emergency Placement Care parents available to house children who have been removed from unsafe situations by conducting home visits and interviews of parent applicants.  Promoted awareness of Family Advocacy Program by briefing incoming soldiers regarding available services.  Assisted soldiers with inprocessing and outprocessing checklists and forms. Intern, Army Community Services: Family Advocacy Program 8/2015 – 12/2015 Kaiserslautern, Germany  Performed outreaches in the community promoting agency services in order to decrease incidents of domestic violence and child abuse.  Provided domestic violence/child abuse briefings to Army personnel.  Conducted Child and Youth Services file audits in order to ensure compliance.

Professional & Volunteer Affiliations

NASW, EMDRIA, Phi Alpha Honor Society

Specialty Area

  • Abuse/Neglect
  • ADD/ADHD/Disruptive Behavior Disorders
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety/Panic Attacks
  • Attachment Disorders
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Depression
  • Domestic Violence
  • Family Issues
  • Grief/Loss/Mourning
  • Marriage/Relationship Issues
  • Mood Disorders
  • Moral Injury
  • Performance Enhancement
  • Phobias
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Somatic Issues
  • Spirituality
  • Stress Management
  • Traumatic Incident

Population Served

  • Adults
  • Community Mental Health Center
  • First Responders
  • LGBTQ+
  • Underserved
  • Veterans/Military

Language

  • English

Insurance

  • Cigna