Licensed clinical social worker recordIllinois
Susan Sparks, LCSW
Illinois
Licensed clinical social worker - stress and family support
Continue with SusanCredentials check
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in Illinois
- LCSW, licence 149.016759
- NPI
- 1275994543
- Experience
- 10 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Illinois
These details come from information Susan supplied to BetterHelp. A licence can be checked with the social work board of the state that issued it, and an NPI with the national registry.
AAbout
- Stress and anxiety
- Parenting and routines
- Behavioral strategies
About Susan
Susan Sparks is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois with 10 years of experience. She works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and relationship concerns. Her practice also addresses parenting, sleep and eating issues, anger, self-esteem, career stress, bipolar disorder, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and related life changes.
She began her social work career after completing a Master of Social Work at the University of Illinois in 2011 and earning LCSW licensure in 2013. Prior community work and volunteering shaped her focus on mental health in everyday settings. That background influences how she organizes practical goals with clients.
Sessions focus on hands-on strategies. She uses research-based techniques to reduce worry, manage mood, and change behaviors that interfere with daily life. With younger clients she incorporates play-informed methods to help them express feelings and learn new skills.
Work often includes short-term skill building and longer-term planning. Common steps are identifying specific problems, testing simple behavioral changes, and practicing new ways to cope between sessions. She also helps parents develop routines and responses that reduce conflict and support children's progress.
Susan treats each person as someone with existing strengths to build on. She discusses clear, measurable steps and tracks small improvements. People who want straightforward, concrete approaches to stress, parenting, mood, or attention concerns may find this style practical and direct.
BHow sessions work
How therapeutic methods translate to online work
Many of her methods are practical, evidence-based techniques that can be used in remote sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavioral changes; it is useful for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. Play-informed methods adapt activities and age-appropriate tasks to help children express feelings and practice skills in a way that fits their developmental level. Mindfulness-based practices teach simple attention and breathing exercises to reduce reactivity and improve sleep and focus.Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will review a client's concerns, try initial techniques, and adjust based on what helps most. Clients are invited to set goals and give feedback so methods are chosen to suit their needs and daily routines.
Confirm current session options before booking, since formats were not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also permits using screen-shared materials, guided breathing or brief behavioral experiments during the session, which can be helpful when addressing sleep, routines, parenting strategies, or anxiety management.
CAreas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
DQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she focus on?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, family matters, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping problems, parenting, anger, self-esteem, career stress, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and ADHD.
What is her therapeutic approach like?
She uses practical, research-based techniques including behavioral methods and play-informed strategies for children. Sessions focus on specific skills and steps to address everyday problems.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has ten years of experience as a clinician following her social work training and earlier community work.
Is she licensed and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988. More crisis numbers