Dr. Melody Madaris , LCPC

Dr. Melody Madaris is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with more than 14 years of experience supporting people through complex mental health and substance use challenges. She has built a practice focused on trauma, substance abuse, and bipolar disorders, bringing clinical depth and practical strategies to those seeking meaningful change.

Throughout her career she has emphasized connection and empathy, relating to individuals in ways that often foster strong therapeutic trust. That relational approach is paired with hands-on leadership experience: she manages a staff of over 60 at a community mental health center and oversees programs for co-occurring disorders - where substance use and mental health needs overlap.

Her administrative responsibilities include directing a residential treatment facility, coordinating six outpatient co-occurring programs, supervising a 24-hour mobile crisis program, and running employee assistance, mental health awareness, and substance abuse prevention initiatives. These roles inform her clinical perspective and give her insight into the systems that support recovery and stabilization.

Dr. Madaris believes that real improvement requires focused effort to identify what needs to change and practical support to begin and sustain that change. She approaches treatment with the goal of helping people target the areas of their lives that matter most and to develop the skills needed to move toward greater wellbeing. She aims to guide clients along that road to improved functioning and resilience.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Dr. Melody Madaris

Dr. Melody Madaris integrates evidence-informed methods to address a wide range of challenges. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify their values and build psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts and commit to meaningful action - it is often useful for grief, anxiety, and chronic patterns that interfere with valued living.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. It provides practical tools for managing daily challenges and improving coping skills.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills, which can be especially helpful for intense emotions, self-harm risk, and difficulties with relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Madaris works collaboratively with clients and with licensed professionals to determine which methods best match a person’s needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts strategies over time as those goals evolve.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to fit care into a busy life or to connect across distances. These options allow therapists and clients to maintain continuity of care and to use the format that feels most comfortable and effective for each person.