Aspirus Medford Behavioral Health introduces Satterthwaite
Richard (Rick) Satterthwaite, LPC, is now seeing patients for behavioral health services at Aspirus Medford Clinic. As a licensed professional counselor, Satterthwaite joins the clinic’s care team to meet the growing need for mental health services. He has over 25 years of pastoral counseling experience and has provided professional counseling services since 2014. His years of experience include work with children, adolescents and families – especially when trauma is involved. Satterthwaite enjoys working with school systems to help train teachers, staff and administrators on the concept of mental health. With his past ministry speaking experience, Satterthwaite is qualified to help those whose religious faith is a significant part of their life.
“When I graduated with another master’s degree in 2014, it was interesting to see how my studies made more sense from my life experience as a pastor,” he said. “I feel those 25 years of helping individuals and families in ministry prepared me for this profession.”
Satterthwaite earned his bachelor’s degree in theology and psychology from Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis and his master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. He also holds a master’s degree in divinity of pastoral ministry and theology from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Va. Satterthwaite holds certifications from the American Association for Christian Counselors and the Association for Play Therapists. His special interests include trauma, child-directed play, family counseling, working with students in a school setting and providing a Christian counseling experience for those who request it.
“I have a Christian worldview that causes me to strive to treat people with respect, charity and honesty,” he said. “It does not compel me to force what I believe on others, but rather to live it out in front of them personally and professionally.”
Outside of work, he enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, working on his truck and entertaining friends and family around the bonfire in the backyard. Satterthwaite and his wife, Tamara, have four children and five grandchildren with another coming in October. He is currently in the process of building a new home in Medford with his carpentry experience and looks forward to filling the space with hand-built western style furniture. “We are active in our local church and enjoy being involved in community activities,” he said.
