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Dr. Melody Madaris

At a glance

Experience
14 years
Based in
Illinois
Sessions
Online
Languages
English

TherapistIllinois

Dr. Melody Madaris, LCPC

Practical counseling for trauma and addiction

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Opens BetterHelp, where you can review online therapy options and next steps.

License and NPI on record

CredentialStateNumber
LCPC Illinois 180012142

NPI1609218395

Shown as listed on the therapist's profile. A license can be checked with the state board, and an NPI with the national NPI registry.

  • Focus on concrete steps
  • Experience with co-occurring disorders
  • Collaborative goal setting

About Melody

Dr. Melody Madaris is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with more than 14 years of experience. She has focused much of her career on trauma, substance abuse, and mood disorders, and brings practical, straightforward help to people who are ready to make changes.

She explains problems in simple terms and helps clients identify the specific parts of life that need to change. Sessions tend to focus on concrete steps, coping skills, and building routines that make daily life easier. Her approach aims to turn goals into manageable actions rather than vague ideas.

In addition to clinical work, she manages programs at a community mental health center. Her administrative roles include oversight of co-occurring disorders programs, a residential treatment facility, outpatient services, a 24-hour mobile crisis program, an employee assistance program, and substance abuse prevention efforts. That background informs a practical understanding of treatment systems and resources.

Dr. Madaris uses a blend of therapeutic approaches to match each person’s needs. She draws from evidence-based methods and values collaboration with the person in front of her. The focus is on clear goals, problem solving, and building skills that last.

People commonly seek her help for addiction, trauma, bipolar and mood disorders, grief, eating and body image concerns, ADHD, anger, career questions, compassion fatigue, and related challenges. She also offers support around first responder issues, veteran and armed forces matters, and other stressors tied to service and civilian life.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

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 approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

14+ years

Credentials

Illinois

Languages

English

Therapeutic approaches that translate well to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and focus on actions that line up with what matters to them. It often helps with anxiety, depression, and motivation by turning values into daily steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to change patterns that keep problems going. It is commonly used for mood disorders, panic, and process addictions. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person’s experience and emphasizes respectful listening and collaboration to help someone find their own solutions.

Choosing the right approach is part of therapy, and Dr. Madaris works with each person to find the best fit. Together they review goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped in the past. The plan can change over time as needs evolve, and the therapist supports adjustments along the way.

Practical benefits of online therapy make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives. Online work can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins on a work break, or make scheduling across time zones simpler. Specific session formats are not listed here, so confirm the current options before booking. In general, licensed professionals can use online sessions to teach skills, guide exposure work, review homework, and support coping between appointments.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?

She works with a wide range of concerns including addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, eating and body image issues, anger, self-esteem, ADHD, and compassion fatigue.

What is her therapeutic style?

Her style is practical and goal focused, using a mix of approaches to build skills and make change manageable in day-to-day life.

How much experience does she have?

She has 14 years of clinical experience, including long-term work with trauma, substance abuse, and mood disorders.

What credentials and location apply?

She holds an IL LCPC credential and practices from Illinois.

In which languages can I speak with her?

Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients as well.

What session formats are available?

Current session formats are not specified here; please confirm available formats before booking so you know how sessions will be delivered.

How are fees handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

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