Susan Mellema
Illinois LCSW focusing on addiction, trauma, and family work
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About
Susan Mellema is an Illinois-licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of professional experience. She works with people navigating addictions, family conflict, trauma and abuse, grief, and parenting concerns. Additional focus areas include adoption and foster care, blended family issues, cancer-related challenges, caregiver stress, codependency, communication problems, divorce and separation, drug and alcohol addiction, family of origin matters, first responder issues, forgiveness, guilt and shame, intellectual disability, multicultural concerns, pregnancy and childbirth, self-love, and workplace issues.
Her practice emphasizes partnership: she treats each person as the expert of their own life and aims to build on existing strengths to address what is most challenging. Sessions are organized around practical goals, problem solving, and steps clients can try between meetings to test new approaches.
Licensed in Illinois (IL LCSW 149.011313), she draws on extensive experience to offer steady, thoughtful guidance and to help clients explore change at a pace that fits their needs.
Her practice emphasizes partnership: she treats each person as the expert of their own life and aims to build on existing strengths to address what is most challenging. Sessions are organized around practical goals, problem solving, and steps clients can try between meetings to test new approaches.
Licensed in Illinois (IL LCSW 149.011313), she draws on extensive experience to offer steady, thoughtful guidance and to help clients explore change at a pace that fits their needs.
- Location:
- Illinois, United States
- Years Experience:
- 30
- Gender:
- Female
- Languages Spoken:
- English
- Therapist of Color:
- No
- Communication Options:
- Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging
Specialties
Primary area of focus:Addictions, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues
Credentials & Verification
- Credentials: IL LCSW 149.011313
- NPI Number: 1700614948
- License: LCSW (Illinois)
Remote session options and therapeutic approach
Susan Mellema structures remote work to support collaborative goal setting and practical change. She favors approaches that center the individual’s perspective and that translate into clear steps clients can use in daily life.Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening closely to what the person values and shaping sessions around their priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offers tools to notice and adjust unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns by breaking them into manageable actions. Presented in plain language, these methods aim to make options and next steps easier to consider.
Motivational Interviewing is used when clients want to resolve ambivalence and increase readiness for change, such as in substance-related concerns. Remote contact is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging so collaborative work can continue through the communication method that best fits the client.
How many years has Susan been practicing?
Her profile lists 30 years of professional experience.
What are her professional credentials and license?
She is an LCSW licensed in Illinois: IL LCSW 149.011313.
Which languages does she speak?
The profile indicates she speaks English.
Where is she located?
She is based in Illinois.
In what ways can clients meet with her?
Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does she accept clients outside the United States?
No. The profile indicates she does not accept international clients.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started if I want to work with her?
To begin, use the Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire.