Alice J. Olson, LMHC, LCAC, CCTP, has built an enduring career defined by her dedication to mental health, addiction recovery and advocacy for the deaf and hard of hearing community. For decades, she has guided individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult challenges, offering compassion, expertise and an unwavering belief in the power of resilience. At Parkdale Center for Professionals in Chesterton, Indiana, she works as an addictions and mental health therapist and trauma professional, supporting professionals who face substance use disorders and mental health struggles.
In pursuit of academic expertise, Ms. Olson earned a Master of Arts in counseling and guidance from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois, a Master of Arts in special education from Ball State University and a Bachelor of Science in education from Indiana University Northwest. She also holds national certification as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor (NCAC II), licensure as a professional counselor, designation as a certified clinical trauma professional and additional credentials as a licensed clinical addictions counselor. This foundation of education and training has allowed her to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application across her professional endeavors.
Ms. Olson’s contributions have been recognized at state and national levels. She has been featured in National Digest, honored with letters of commendation from state governors and a U.S. president, and named a fellow at Ball State University. She has also shared her knowledge through editorial work, producing newsletters and educational materials to support peers and clients alike.
Ms. Olson’s long tenure as an addictions and behavioral medicine counselor at Methodist Hospital in Merrillville, Indiana marked a defining period of her career. There, she designed and implemented treatment plans for patients with substance use disorders, promoted evidence-based practices and supported families through counseling and education. Her work extended beyond treatment rooms, as she played a pivotal role in shaping comprehensive care that addressed the needs of both individuals and their loved ones.
Ms. Olson also spent more than a decade as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the deaf with Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation in Highland. In this position, she helped clients access employment opportunities, advocated for workplace accommodations and provided critical support in navigating systemic barriers. During this time, she also taught American Sign Language classes throughout Northwest Indiana and the South Suburbs, expanding communication access and fostering inclusion across communities.
Beyond her clinical and counseling roles, Ms. Olson’s leadership and service extended into various civic and professional capacities. She served on the Department Mental Health Advisory Council on Mental Health Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People, influenced program development through consulting roles and coordinated statewide professional conferences. She was also active with organizations including Everybody Counts Center for Independent Living, the Indiana Deafness and Rehabilitation Association, and the Indiana Association of the Deaf, contributing her expertise to advocacy and organizational growth.
Ms. Olson attributes her success to the values of empathy and respect, lessons shaped by her father’s encouragement and further reinforced through mentorship experiences that demanded excellence and compassion in equal measure. She hopes her legacy will reflect integrity, trust and a lifelong commitment to service.