Melinda Pearson LMSW, CLCP

Compassionate Counseling

From Struggle to Strength

Melinda Pearson LMSW, CLCP, brings over 25 years of experience in providing services to individuals with brain injuries, disabilities and mental health needs.

Compassionate Counseling from struggle to strength.

Who I am

Melinda Pearson, LMSW, CLCP, brings over 25 years of experience in providing services to individuals with brain injuries and disabilities.

She currently serves as the Director of Behavioral Services at Advocate Homecare, where she has been offering counseling and behavioral services for people with brain injuries and disabilities since 2017. In addition, Melinda is a Certified Life Care Planner, specializing in Life Care Plans and Medical Cost Projections for catastrophic injury cases, working closely with attorneys. Her expertise is also reflected in her published articles in the Journal of Nurse Life Care Planning. Melinda holds board certification through the International Commission of Health Care Certification and is an active member of both the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the American Association of Nurse Life Care Planners (AANLCP).

Counseling Services

For over 25 years, I’ve supported individuals and families adjusting to life after catastrophic events — such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or sudden changes in independence. I understand how overwhelming and life-altering these experiences can be.

In addition to adjustment and recovery, I also help clients manage common mental health challenges like PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression and stress management.

I work with adults 18 and older, helping them navigate life changes and understand how those transitions affect both themselves and their relationships. I also provide compassionate support for older adults, offering a safe, welcoming space to share concerns and find comfort and clarity.

If you are struggling with grief, trauma, relationship strain, I create a space where people can be seen, heard, and slowly begin to rebuild a sense of self with compassion and dignity.

My Path to This Work

When I was studying in college, I was most interested in neuropsychology, neuroscience, learning and memory, and the evolution of gender differences. I’m very passionate about the biological processes that affect our emotions cognition, learning/memory, and self-identification. I eventually worked as a group facilitator at a structured day program for people with brain injuries. I was so excited to be able to focus on my educational passion in neurobiology.

Mindfulness and Animal-Assisted Support

I am also passionate about mindfulness-based stress reduction, and pet therapy. Many years ago, in the late 80’s before pet therapy was common, I was teaching a young man who was riding my horse and I noticed that my horse was behaving in ways that I’ve never seen before. This rider also shared with me that he was bipolar, I was
impressed that my horse was mirroring his body. I worked with him to calm himself and maintain mindfulness which helped him not only in his riding ability but also off the horse.

Certified Life Care Planning

Melinda Pearson, LMSW, CLCP, is a Certified Life Care Planner specializing in Life Care Plans and Medical Cost Projections for attorneys handling catastrophic injury cases. With more than 25 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities and injuries, Melinda offers a comprehensive understanding of their evolving needs across the lifespan. Her extensive work in community-based settings, beyond hospitals and rehabilitation centers, provides her with valuable insight into the ongoing supports individuals require to thrive in their daily lives. Melinda holds board certification through the International Commission on Health Care Certification and is an active member of both the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the American Association of Nurse Life Care Planners (AANLCP).

How We Help

Brain injuries Counseling