Susan McIlvain, LCSW
Susan McIlvain, LCSW
“I believe collaboration is the key to helping each patient achieve their highest level of wellbeing.”
If you’re looking for therapy, there’s a good chance something in your life has become harder to carry on your own. Maybe you’re struggling with the effects of trauma, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or difficult emotions, navigating a major loss or life transition, or finding that challenges in your relationships or family life are taking a toll. You may know you want things to feel different, but aren’t quite sure where to start.
I believe therapy works best when it feels collaborative, practical, and grounded in what matters most to you. My role is not simply to tell you what to do, but to work alongside you to understand what you’re experiencing, identify the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop tools that can help you move forward.
I bring more than 18 years of experience as a psychotherapist, with a particular focus on trauma and PTSD. Throughout my career, I have worked with people navigating posttraumatic stress, grief, difficult life experiences, relationship challenges, and co-occurring mental health concerns. I have worked in outpatient mental health settings, primary care, and specialized trauma treatment programs, including the Trauma Recovery Center at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, where I worked extensively with Veterans experiencing PTSD and other challenges related to trauma.
My approach draws from evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Present-Centered Therapy (PCT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. I tailor treatment to the person in front of me rather than assuming one approach will work for everyone.
I also enjoy working with couples and individuals who are navigating relationships, parenting, infidelity, grief, trauma, or the pressures that can come with being a high achiever. Whether you are working through something that happened recently or carrying the effects of an experience from years ago, therapy can be a place to slow down, make sense of what has happened, and begin creating meaningful change.
I have a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati and have been recognized for my work in trauma-informed care and behavioral health. I have also co-authored research on trauma treatment and trauma-informed care and regularly speak on these topics professionally.
If you're ready to begin, I would be glad to work with you.
Taking the next step
You can make an appointment with me by using our online portal at any time or by emailing info@abetterlifetherapy.com. Our team will be happy to support you in finding an appointment time that works for you! I provide appointments at our Center City offices along with providing therapy via telehealth. I can provide online therapy to people living in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
My rate per 50-minute session is $200
LANGUAGES SPOKEN:
English
I WORK WITH…
Adults
Couples
Seniors
SPECIALIZATIONS:
Substance Use, Addiction, & Recovery
Attachment
Family Dynamics
Relationships
Trauma
Family of Origin Insights
Grief & Loss
TRAINING & EDUCATION:
University of Cincinnati
School of Social Work, LISW-S, MSW
B.A. in Art History & Philosophy
Certifications and Training:
Beck Institute of Cognitive Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills (DBT)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Motivational Interviewing Therapy (MI)
Present Centered Therapy (PCT)
Professional Memberships:
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies – ISTSS
Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies - ABCT
National Association of Social Workers – NASW
Awards:
University of Cincinnati, School of Social Work Alumni of the Year Award, 2014
Cincinnati VA Medical Center –Star Award – 2011, 2008
Ohio River Valley Clinical Social Work Society– “Rising Star” Award, 2007
Publications:
McIlvain, S. M., Walter, K., Chard, K. (2012) “The effectiveness of CPT-C in a residential treatment setting with an OEF/OIF veteran with PTSD and a history of severe TBI: A case study.” Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 375-382
Robertson, J., McIlvain, S., Karol, D. (2018, December). “Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Improves Viral Suppression for Disparity Populations.” Poster presentation at the National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care & Treatment, Washington D.C.
Monroe, J.R., Bailey, G., McIlvain, S., Chard, K., & Rowe, C. (2017, November). “Residential treatment of veterans with PTSD and history of traumatic brain injury.” Poster presentation at the 33rd Annual Meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Chicago, IL.
Chard, K. M., Schumm, J. A., McIlvain, S. M., Bailey, G. W., and Parkinson, R. B. (2011) “Exploring the efficacy of a residential treatment program incorporating cognitive processing therapy-cognitive for veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury.” Journal of Traumatic Stress, Vol. 00, No. 0, 2011, pp. 1–5