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.

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You Don’t Have to Hit Rock Bottom

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.

Schedule Free Consultation

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.

Learn More About My Approach 
"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

  • Substance Use & Harm Reduction

    Therapy for adults questioning their relationship with alcohol or substances. Harm reduction support helps clients explore moderation, reduction, or abstinence in a structured, judgment-free space.

    Explore Substance Use Therapy

  • Support for Loved Ones

    Guidance for partners and family members navigating someone else’s alcohol or substance use. CRAFT-informed support helps improve communication, boundaries, and stability.

    Explore Support for Loved Ones

  • Relationship Patterns & Communication

    Individual therapy focused on communication breakdowns and recurring relationship stress. Explore attachment patterns, rebuild trust, and develop healthier ways of connecting.

    Explore Relationship Support

  • Trauma & Anxiety Therapy

    Support for individuals experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, or trauma-related stress. Therapy focuses on nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and practical coping strategies.

    Explore Trauma & Anxiety Therapy
Flyer for Kinship Care & Therapy, Harm Reduction Group, virtual 8-week support group starting March 3rd, led by Madeleine Zimmerman, LCSW. Includes details on support, tools, skills, and sorting feelings, with contact info and registration notes.

Starting March 2026:

Virtual Harm Reduction Group Therapy

Contact for More Info

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.

Schedule Free Consultation 
"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

A woman with red hair, wearing a black and white striped sweater and blue jeans, sitting on a wooden bench in front of a wooden slat wall, smiling at the camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • Harm reduction counseling focuses on reducing the negative impact of substance use while respecting autonomy and readiness. It is collaborative, structured, and rooted in trauma informed care.

  • Yes. Research supports telehealth for substance use and mental health treatment. Virtual therapy for substance use offers accountability, structure, and flexibility without sacrificing depth.

  • If you’re questioning it, that’s enough. Therapy does not require a crisis. Many high-functioning adults seek support before patterns escalate.

  • Yes. Kinship Care offers inclusive therapy California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin residents can access virtually. LGBTQIA+ affirming, nonjudgmental care is foundational to the practice.