Dr. Melody Madaris, LCPC

Experienced LCPC specializing in trauma and addictions

Trauma and addictions
Co-occurring disorders expertise
Administrative leadership

About Dr. Melody Madaris

Dr. Melody Madaris is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 14 years of clinical experience focused on trauma, substance use disorders, and bipolar conditions. She brings both frontline clinical work and administrative leadership to her practice, overseeing a community mental health center's co-occurring disorders services and managing a team of more than 60 staff members. Her administrative responsibilities include direction of a residential treatment facility, six outpatient co-occurring programs, a 24-hour mobile crisis program, an employee assistance program, mental health awareness initiatives, and a substance abuse prevention program.

Known for connecting with individuals on a personal level, she emphasizes building trust to support meaningful change. Her approach combines practical strategies and long-term planning so people can identify the areas of life that need attention and begin sustained progress. Dr. Madaris believes that change requires targeted effort and support, and she works collaboratively to help clients start and maintain that work.

With a background in treating addictions, trauma and abuse, mood disorders, and related concerns, Dr. Madaris blends clinical insight with programmatic experience to support people navigating complex emotional and behavioral challenges. She aims to guide individuals toward greater wellbeing and more effective coping over time.

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 experience.

Is Dr. Melody Madaris a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LCPC, which stands for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Her license is listed as 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 with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your 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 Support

Dr. Melody Madaris integrates evidence-informed approaches to address a range of concerns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and develop psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult feelings while committing to meaningful action - it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms and build practical coping skills - it is often applied for mood disorders, panic, and substance-related problems. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills, making it helpful for intense emotional states, self-regulation challenges, and trauma-related difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Dr. Madaris works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Licensed professionals and therapists tailor strategies over time to support progress in ways that feel manageable and relevant to the individual.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - provide flexibility and easier access to care. These formats allow people to engage in regular sessions from different locations, fit therapy into busy schedules, and continue work between sessions in ways that suit their daily life.

Ready to start therapy with Dr. Melody Madaris?

Take the first step toward a better you.

Get Started