Support in California, Colorado, Oklahoma & Wisconsin
Harm Reduction Therapy for Alcohol & Substance Use
Virtual therapy for people questioning their relationship with substances, navigating trauma, or struggling with anxiety.
You don’t have to be ready for a big change to start feeling better.
Many people begin questioning their drinking or substance use long before it becomes a crisis. You might notice that something feels off. Maybe your habits have changed, or you feel conflicted about how substances fit into your life.
You may still be functioning well at work, in relationships, and in daily life, yet privately wondering if things could feel different or healthier.
Therapy can be a place to explore those questions without pressure or judgment. Instead of being told what you should do, we focus on understanding your patterns, your goals, and what change might realistically look like for you.
A Different Approach to Substance Use
Harm reduction therapy focuses on understanding the role substances play in your life rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution. For some people, the goal may be moderation. For others, it may be reducing harm, setting clearer boundaries, or eventually choosing sobriety.
Together we look at the bigger picture, including stress, trauma, emotional patterns, and the ways substances may have become a coping strategy.
This approach allows you to move toward meaningful change in a way that feels sustainable and aligned with your values, rather than driven by shame, fear, or rigid expectations.
Hey y'all, I'm Madeleine.
Hi, I’m Madeleine Zimmerman, LCSW — Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Kinship Care & Therapy.
I specialize in harm reduction therapy, therapy for alcohol use, and virtual therapy for substance use, with advanced training in Motivational Interviewing, trauma informed care, and DBT.
I also serve as:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, Colorado, Oklahoma & Wisconsin
Clinical Director & Support Therapist, Moderation Management™
Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional
Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
CRAFT-Informed Provider
My approach is steady and collaborative. I am not here to push you toward a predetermined outcome. I am here to help you slow down, understand what your coping has been protecting, and move forward from clarity instead of pressure.
Often, alcohol isn’t the core problem.
It is the strategy.
When we understand the strategy, meaningful change becomes possible.
"Maddie is such a force! She is compassionate, dedicated, and honest. I refer to her often for clients seeking support with addiction, co-dependency, and trauma. She's your therapist if you're looking for lasting change!"— Nikki Chinen, LCSW, EMDR Specialist
Areas of Focus
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Harm Reduction for Alcohol & Substance Use
Support for adults questioning their relationship with alcohol or substances. Harm reduction counseling focuses on moderation, reduction, or abstinence using Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed care.
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Trauma & Anxiety Support
Address the nervous system patterns that drive anxiety, overwhelm, and coping behaviors. Trauma-informed care helps reduce shame while building regulation skills that support long-term stability.
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Navigating Relationship Difficulties
Individual support for communication breakdowns, attachment patterns, and relationship stress. Explore healthier boundaries and clearer connection when alcohol, anxiety, or trauma are impacting relationships.
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Support for Loved Ones (CRAFT-Informed)
Research-supported guidance for partners and family members navigating someone else’s alcohol or substance use. Build communication tools, boundaries, and steadiness without escalating conflict.
Starting March 2026:
Virtual Harm Reduction Group Therapy
You Already Have the Capacity for Change
You do not need to panic your way into sobriety.
You do not need to disappear into burnout.
You do not need to do this alone.
If you’re looking for therapy for alcohol use, structured anxiety and substance use support, or inclusive virtual care grounded in trauma informed principles, we can begin with a conversation.
"Maddie has such a bright energy and enthusiasm for helping her clients. She's comprehensive, thorough, and gives great insights that hit the nail on the head. Definitely a great fit if you're looking for an outgoing therapist who can challenge you."— Christine Quynh Anh Nguyen, AMFT
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Harm reduction therapy supports moderation, reduction, abstinence, or simply gaining clarity. You do not have to commit to quitting to begin therapy for alcohol use.
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Harm reduction therapy focuses on reducing the negative impact of substance use while respecting autonomy and readiness. It is collaborative, structured, and rooted in trauma informed care.
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Yes. Research supports telehealth for substance use and mental health treatment. Virtual therapy for substance use offers accountability, structure, and flexibility without sacrificing depth.
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If you’re questioning it, that’s enough. Therapy does not require a crisis. Many high-functioning adults seek support before patterns escalate.
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Yes. Kinship Care offers inclusive therapy California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin residents can access virtually. LGBTQIA+ affirming, nonjudgmental care is foundational to the practice.