Medical Program Director
Outpatient Services, Ridgeview Institute

I have had the pleasure of knowing Tommy Richardson, MD, for the past 40 years. I met him at Peachford Hospital where he was an addictionologist. He had an excellent understanding of addiction and what it took to treat it. With his background as a general practitioner, he was able to manage the detoxification and the addiction rehabilitation easily. His patients knew that he cared for them, and he understood what they were going through because of his own recovery. He continued to work with addicted patients in every socioeconomic class from working with the homeless at Mary Hall Freedom House as well as professional athletes and musical artists. The thread connecting all of these patients was his dedication to treating addiction wherever it was and his compassion for the patient and their family.

Twelve years ago when I returned to Ridgeview Institute, Tommy became part of our call group along with Steven Lynn, MD. His understanding of treating addiction as well as psychiatric issues allowed us to treat the full range of problems of any patient who came to Ridgeview. Dr. Richardson was always reliable, responsible, and compassionate. In every situation he did what was the right thing to do to be sure the patient got the care needed. I have been blessed to be able to work with him and I always knew my patients were in good hands when he was on call.