Susan Grimmo , LICSW

Susan Grimmo is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who brings both clinical training and practical experience to her therapeutic work. She earned a Master of Social Work from Salem State University in 2017 and began her career on a dual diagnosis inpatient psychiatric unit, gaining hands-on experience with co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns. She later transitioned into work within the court system, where she currently maintains a full-time role while continuing to support clients through therapeutic care.

Susan works with a broad range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, addictions, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, grief, eating challenges, and navigating life changes. Her approach draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help clients develop coping skills, manage mood and behavior, and pursue meaningful change. She enjoys collaborating with individuals who are motivated to address substance use disorders and mood-related challenges, and she aims to support each person in moving toward improved functioning and well-being.

Susan frames therapy as a partnership and focuses on practical strategies as well as personal insight. Her clinical background in inpatient psychiatric care and work in the court system inform a pragmatic, strengths-based style aimed at fostering resilience and helping clients build sustainable skills for daily life.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Effective Online Care

Susan uses practical, evidence-based methods that focus on skills and real-world outcomes. One approach emphasizes skills-based coping and emotion regulation - teaching strategies to manage anxiety, depression, mood swings, and daily stressors so clients can respond to challenges with greater control and resilience. Another area of focus is motivational and relapse-prevention oriented work for substance use - helping clients clarify values, build commitment to change, and develop concrete plans to reduce harm and support recovery. A trauma-informed perspective guides work with trauma, abuse, and grief, prioritizing safety, pacing, and processing to help clients rebuild stability and capacity for attachment.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Susan partners with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, then tailors techniques and pacing so treatment fits the individual rather than forcing a single method. This collaborative stance helps clients feel engaged and invested in their progress.

Online therapy with Susan includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which increases flexibility for scheduling and lets clients access support from home or work. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice skills between sessions, and receive timely support without travel, helping therapy fit into busy lives while working toward meaningful change.