Dr. Melody Madaris, LCPC

Illinois LCPC focusing on trauma and addictions

Trauma and addiction care
14 years experience
Accepts international clients

About Dr. Melody Madaris

Dr. Melody Madaris is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with more than 14 years of clinical and administrative experience. She has focused much of her career on supporting people affected by trauma, substance abuse, and bipolar disorders, and she draws on that background to build strong, trust-based working relationships. As an administrator at a community mental health center, she manages a staff of over 60 individuals and oversees co-occurring disorders programs that address both mental health and substance use concerns.

Her administrative responsibilities include managing a residential treatment facility, six outpatient co-occurring programs, a 24-hour mobile crisis program, an employee assistance program, a mental health awareness initiative, and a substance abuse prevention program. This combination of direct clinical work and systems-level leadership informs her practical approach to care and program development.

Dr. Madaris emphasizes that meaningful change takes targeted effort and ongoing support. She believes clients benefit from identifying the specific areas of life that need adjustment and receiving structured help to begin and sustain those changes. She offers a collaborative, goal-oriented style intended to guide people along the road to improved wellbeing.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Addictions Trauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression Coping with life changes

Also Specializes In

GriefEating disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional Focus Areas

Autism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFirst responder issuesHIV / AIDSVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Sex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Existential Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Dr. Melody Madaris have?

Dr. Melody Madaris has 14 years of professional experience in clinical and administrative roles.

Is Dr. Melody Madaris a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LCPC credential, which stands for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. License details: IL LCPC 180012142.

In which languages does Dr. Melody Madaris provide therapy?

Dr. Melody Madaris provides therapy in English.

Where is Dr. Melody Madaris located?

Dr. Melody Madaris is located in Illinois.

How can I work with Dr. Melody Madaris as my therapist?

You can work with Dr. Melody Madaris through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Dr. Melody Madaris work with international clients?

Yes, Dr. Melody Madaris works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Dr. Melody Madaris 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 to help 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.

Approaches and Online Care for Trauma and Addiction

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being controlled by them, then commit to actions that reflect their values - it can be useful for managing ongoing distress and making meaningful life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, making it effective for mood concerns, anxiety, and coping with cravings or relapse triggers. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines skills training in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, which can support people dealing with intense emotions, self-harm urges, or relationship conflict.

Finding the right approach is typically part of the therapeutic work. Dr. Madaris and the client work together to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and to tailor techniques so they fit the individual’s situation. This collaborative process helps ensure therapy feels useful and aligned with what the client hopes to achieve.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - allowing people to fit care into busy schedules, manage ongoing responsibilities, and access licensed professionals from different locations. For many, these options make it easier to engage consistently in the work of change.

Ready to start therapy with Dr. Melody Madaris?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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