About Madeleine Zimmerman, LCSW (she/her)
Harm Reduction Therapist & Trauma Informed Clinician
How I Work
Alcohol and substance use are often coping strategies. They can regulate anxiety, soften trauma, or help manage relational stress when things feel overwhelming.
Rather than shaming the strategy, our work focuses on understanding what these patterns have been doing for you.
My approach integrates harm reduction therapy, Motivational Interviewing, trauma informed care, DBT emotional regulation skills, nervous system awareness, and CRAFT informed support for loved ones.
I am not here to push you toward a specific outcome. I am here to help you understand what your coping has been protecting and support you in building something steadier.
Often, alcohol is not the problem.
It is the signal.
Hey y’all, I’m Madeleine.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing virtual therapy in California, Colorado, and Wisconsin. I specialize in harm reduction therapy, therapy for alcohol use, and virtual therapy for substance use, with a clinical focus on trauma informed care and anxiety support.
My work is grounded in the belief that lasting change happens when people feel understood, connected, and met without judgment.
You do not need to be at your worst to work with me.
You do not need to commit to abstinence.
You do not need to have the “right” goal.
You just need space to think clearly.
Clients I Work Best With
I work well with adults who:
Feel high-functioning but privately concerned about drinking
Are exploring moderation instead of abstinence
Experience anxiety tied to substance use
Carry trauma that surfaces in relationships
Want a nonjudgmental therapist
Value structure over slogans
Appreciate calm clarity over intensity
I also work with loved ones navigating someone else’s substance use through CRAFT-trained support.
This is inclusive therapy for adults across identities, including LGBTQIA+ clients, professionals, parents, and high-achieving individuals who are tired of white-knuckling their way through stress.
Outside the Therapy Room
I was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. These days, when I’m not working with clients, you can find me hiking, cooking, finding live music, soaking up the sun, or cuddling with my cat, Malcolm (who you will definitely meet).
I value steadiness.
I value honesty.
I value humor when it’s earned.
Therapy can be serious without being severe.
"Maddie is an enthusiastic and engaging therapist who has experience working with hoarding and substance use. If you are looking to explore and change unhelpful behaviors, I recommend reaching out."— Alice Kuhns, AMFT
Clinical Experience & Credentials
I bring over a decade of experience supporting individuals and families navigating anxiety, trauma, alcohol use, and substance use.
My work has included roles in:
Public schools
Homeless services and shelters
Treatment centers
Outpatient programs
Community mental health initiatives
I previously served as a clinical manager within Los Angeles County programs supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. That work deepened my commitment to trauma informed care and meeting people where they are.
Licensure - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
California #115843
Colorado #09931764
Wisconsin #12411-123
Oklahoma #22286
Certifications
Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional
Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
CRAFT-Trained Provider (In Progress)
Member, California Association of Harm Reduction Therapists
Member, NAADAC
Member, Inclusive Therapists
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. While I specialize in substance use therapy, I also support anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties that often intersect with coping patterns.
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No. My work is grounded in harm reduction therapy, which respects readiness and autonomy.
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I provide virtual therapy to adults in California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.