Dr. Chelsea Dumas , MI Psychologist 6301018607, IL Psychologist 071009812

Dr. Chelsea Dumas is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Michigan and Illinois with twelve years of professional experience. She holds a Doctor of Psychology degree, a clinical doctoral qualification that emphasizes assessment and evidence-informed treatment, and is licensed in Michigan (MI Psychologist 6301018607) and Illinois (IL Psychologist 071009812).

Her clinical approach blends family-systems thinking with cognitive-behavioral and client-centered methods. She attends to how family, work, community, and broader social contexts influence a person’s coping, examines links among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to reduce unhelpful patterns, and progresses at each client’s preferred pace to address the goals they find most important. Over her career she has treated substance use and related concerns across stages of use and recovery, as well as depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, relationship and family problems, sleep difficulties, body-image and self-esteem issues, and motivation challenges.

Dr. Dumas also brings experience addressing co-occurring conditions, women's issues, smoking and vaping cessation, and compassion fatigue. She acknowledges the determination it takes to seek help and is committed to supporting people who are navigating change, recovery, and healing.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Dr. Chelsea Dumas uses a combination of evidence-informed methods to address a range of concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood difficulties. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-focused style that helps people explore and strengthen their own motivation for change, making it especially useful for substance use and ambivalence about treatment. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on processing and integrating distressing experiences while building skills to manage trauma-related reactions and improve daily functioning.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic work. Dr. Chelsea Dumas collaborates with each person to select and adapt strategies that fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting pace and focus as progress unfolds. This collaborative process helps ensure treatments align with what feels most helpful to the client.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - and lets licensed professionals deliver consistent care without requiring travel. These options can make it easier to maintain regular appointments around work, family, and other responsibilities while accessing therapists who specialize in the issues a person wants to address.