Susan Youngsteadt, LCSW

Susan Youngsteadt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor (LCSW-S). While she began her career working with children and families, her work has grown- becoming more rooted in working with young adults and adults with trauma, loss, depression and anxiety, as well as life transitions. At this time, she sees individuals ages 16+ for outpatient therapy. Susan also recently completed training as an End-of-Life [Death] Doula. Susan graduated from North Carolina State University (go Wolfpack!) in 2016 with her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Professionally nicknamed "the challenger" due to her direct, relational, engaged style of therapy and reputation of holding people accountable, she uses a holistic approach, looking at the health of the whole body, mind, and spirit. Susan is LGBTQ affirming and works from a trauma-informed approach and is dedicated to being culturally competent, continuing to seek support to better serve her clients. Susan is currently accepting new clients for VIRTUAL sessions (throughout the week) and some IN PERSON sessions (Fridays). In addition to her work in private practice, Susan provides services as a "death doula" and serves on a committee with the local child advocacy center, empowering caregivers and preventing child abuse and neglect. “Death doula!? What the heck is that??” As defined by INDELDA, an end-of-life doula or a “death doula” is someone who “provides companionship, comfort, and guidance to those facing a terminal illness or death.” It is a non-medical, holistic form of support that “encompasses emotional, spiritual, and practical care.” End-of-life doulas are available to identify resources to support the dying person and their family/loved ones, in addition to assisting these individuals to make informed decisions for the dying. We can provide education on caring for a dying person, how to create advanced care directives, provide respite for caregivers, and guide people through early stages of grief. One of the main roles for a death doula is to normalize death, caring for the dying, and hold space for the roller coaster of emotions that can encompass this process of holding on to love and loss. We work to increase communication and understanding within families around deathcare. While Susan does not take insurance, she is happy to discuss cost over email, phone call, or through the client portal found at the top of this page.