CBT Therapist Directory

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Malissa Watters, LCSW

Illinois LCSW specializing in stress and grief
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Addictions and recovery
  • Grief and life changes

About Malissa Watters

Malissa Watters is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with 23 years of professional experience. As an LCSW she is trained to provide clinical mental health care and supports adults facing a range of challenges, including stress and anxiety, addictions, grief and loss, depression, coping with life changes, and career concerns. Her practice also addresses aging and geriatric issues, caregiver stress, chronic pain and illness, domestic violence, substance use, fertility difficulties, forgiveness work, hospice and end-of-life counseling, life purpose exploration, veteran and armed forces issues, postpartum depression, and post-traumatic stress.

Watters centers her work on each person’s strengths, holding the view that individuals are the experts of their own stories. She helps clients identify existing resources and build new coping skills to move toward a more fulfilling life. Recognizing that the first step toward change often requires courage, she offers steady, supportive guidance to help people navigate difficult transitions and recover from loss and addiction. Her approach aims to combine practical strategies with compassionate care to meet the real-world needs of those she works with.

Areas of Expertise

Also Specializes In

Career difficulties

Additional Focus Areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFertility issuesForgivenessHospice and end-of-life counselingLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stress

Therapeutic Approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Malissa Watters have?

Malissa Watters has 23 years of professional experience.

Is Malissa Watters a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details are IL LCSW 149011020.

In which languages does Malissa Watters provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Malissa Watters located?

She is located in Illinois.

How can I work with Malissa Watters as my therapist?

You can work with Malissa Watters through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Malissa Watters work with international clients?

Malissa Watters does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Malissa Watters cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with a therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Malissa draws on several evidence-informed approaches to guide remote work with clients. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns by teaching practical coping skills and problem-solving techniques. Mindfulness Therapy helps clients develop present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance of emotions and bodily sensations; it can be useful for reducing reactivity, managing chronic stress, and supporting recovery from trauma and grief. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes setting clear goals and building on existing strengths to create achievable steps forward, making it well suited for clients seeking focused change in areas like career transitions or life adjustments.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the collaborative process. Malissa works with clients and licensed professionals to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and to tailor methods that fit each person’s situation. She aims to partner with clients to determine the best mix of strategies rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all plan.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for those balancing busy schedules or mobility challenges. Video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging provide flexibility in how and when people connect, allowing consistent access to therapy from home or other convenient settings. These options can make it easier to maintain momentum in treatment and integrate new skills into daily life.

Ready to start therapy with Malissa Watters?

Take the first step toward a better you.