David Gafford, LMSW, LCDC

(he/him/his)

Clinical Social Worker

Specialties:

Substance Use, Mood Disorders, Life Transitions, Adults.

Treatment Modalities:

CBT, ACT, MI, Transtheoretical Model of Change.

Works with:

Adults

More Info About Me:

I am a dedicated behavioral health professional with over 30 years of experience helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and life transitions. Through a compassionate, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, I aim to empower individuals to develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen emotional well-being, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

I began my career in 1997 working with a substance abuse population. I earned my Undergraduate degree in 1999, a Bachelor of Applied Science with a concentration in psychology. I continued working with substance-dependent populations in various settings, earning my Master of Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Counseling Psychology in 2008. From 2010 to 2017 I served as a program director for the Associate Degree program in Alcohol and Drug Counseling at Texarkana College. From 2017 to the present, I have worked as an outpatient group therapist with individuals dealing with substance abuse and other co-occurring mental health disorders. I earned my Master of Social Work degree in the fall of 2025 and am currently working toward full licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

I have extensive experience working with most populations across different ages and genders. Despite a career in chemical dependency counseling, I am also competent in working with other mood disorders and patients whose issues are not substance use-related. My ideal pt. is between 18 and 70 years of age, any gender or orientation, with a desire to facilitate change in their life. I seek to meet individuals where they are, recognize their inherent strengths, and collaborate with them to develop realistic, individualized treatment goals. I emphasize personal accountability, self-awareness, resilience, and the development of practical skills that support sustained progress.

I believe that effective counseling begins with a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, respect, and collaboration. I recognize that recovery and personal growth are individualized processes and strive to help each person identify meaningful pathways toward improved mental health, sustained recovery, healthier relationships, and an enhanced quality of life.

Guided by professional integrity, ethical practice, and a commitment to ongoing learning, I am dedicated to helping individuals overcome barriers, build confidence, and move forward with greater clarity, purpose, and hope.