
Melanie Fordham, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Orland Park, IL
In-Person
Free initial consultation
About me
I am Melanie, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience. I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, from 10 to 110. My expertise extends to both the geriatric population and adolescents, allowing me to support people through various stages and changes of life.
The path that led me to helping others through counseling has been truly remarkable. I never anticipated this would be my life’s work, but through my experiences, I have arrived in a place where I feel completely at home.
Helping others has always been a driving force in my life. In college, I chose to pursue social work because it offered a career centered around making a meaningful impact in the world. The field presented endless opportunities to study, explore, and engage with various aspects of human need—supporting those facing hardships, feeling overwhelmed by life, or beginning their own journey. Along the way, I’ve met extraordinary individuals who have shaped me both professionally and personally. Their stories have left a lasting impression, becoming a part of who I am. While the road hasn’t always been smooth, it is in the challenging moments that I have discovered strength and resilience to keep moving forward within this amazing field.
The name of my practice, Hope & Grace Counseling, is deeply personal. It comes from two of the most important people in my life—my daughters, Emma Grace, 11, and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Hope, 8. My husband, my rock, also plays a vital role in my journey, supporting me in ways too numerous to count. The name reflects the love and inspiration I draw from my family, who surround me daily and fill my life with immeasurable joy.
We all face struggles, and sometimes we need someone to walk alongside us through the difficult times. I am here to be part of your story, working with you to find the right path toward healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life.
License
License(s)
Education
University of Tennessee
Fees and insurance
Cost per session
$ - $Accepted insurance plans
- United Healthcare
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Humana
- Medicare
- Cigna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Optum
Specialties and clinical interests
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Bipolar & Other Mood Disorders
- Body Image
- Chronic Illness
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Family Conflict
- Grief & Loss
- Nutrition
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Pet Loss
- Relationships
- School Performance
- Self-Esteem
- Spirituality
- Stress/Stress Management
- Women's Issues
Therapy types
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Licensed to see clients in
Years in practice
Service types
- Therapy / Counseling
Types of clients
- Adolescents (13-17)
- Adults (18+)
- Older Adults (65+)
- Individuals
Languages
- English
Website and social media