Drug Abuse Therapists in Nova Scotia
Jim Russell
Registered Counselling Therapist-Candidate, CCC, RCT-C, MEd
Verified Verified
Kentville, NS B4N
I am accepting new clients. I can meet with you in person in my Kentville office or via secure video. I offer "Walk and Talk Therapy" on a safe local walking trail. I have specialized training in supporting those who struggle with alcohol and drug abuse, addictions, compulsive gambling, pornography addiction. I have a Professional Addictions Studies Certificate from McMaster U. I also focus on counselling for couples who are having a difficult time in their relationship and want to work on positive solutions that can help heal their relationship. I also work with a multitude of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD.
I am accepting new clients. I can meet with you in person in my Kentville office or via secure video. I offer "Walk and Talk Therapy" on a safe local walking trail. I have specialized training in supporting those who struggle with alcohol and drug abuse, addictions, compulsive gambling, pornography addiction. I have a Professional Addictions Studies Certificate from McMaster U. I also focus on counselling for couples who are having a difficult time in their relationship and want to work on positive solutions that can help heal their relationship. I also work with a multitude of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD.
I'm a Clinical Therapist specializing in working with youth, young adults/students, & adults who may need support with substance use or mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, anger, & managing intense emotions or stress. Therapy can help you understand yourself & your environment in a different way by gaining new perspectives. We can work together to explore new ways of thinking & doing to help you leave behind what doesn’t serve you & keeps you feeling stuck. I’m accepting self-referrals for those aged 14-40 & will happily consider those over 40 on an individual basis.
I'm a Clinical Therapist specializing in working with youth, young adults/students, & adults who may need support with substance use or mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, anger, & managing intense emotions or stress. Therapy can help you understand yourself & your environment in a different way by gaining new perspectives. We can work together to explore new ways of thinking & doing to help you leave behind what doesn’t serve you & keeps you feeling stuck. I’m accepting self-referrals for those aged 14-40 & will happily consider those over 40 on an individual basis.
I am a seasoned clinician in the field of mental health currently working with adults, couples and families. I am passionate about helping people take committed action towards their values and personal well-being in the face of life's challenges. I see each person as being the expert in their own life experiences.
I am a seasoned clinician in the field of mental health currently working with adults, couples and families. I am passionate about helping people take committed action towards their values and personal well-being in the face of life's challenges. I see each person as being the expert in their own life experiences.
Struggling to maintain an open dialogue with your child/teen? Unsure of how to support your child/teen through difficult life transitions? Looking to find guidance and support through parenting challenges? Jen Carter may be the right "fit" for you and your family. As a trained Child and Youth Counsellor with also a background in law enforcement, Jen uses an eclectic style of psychotherapy to connect with youth in a way that communicates, is goal-oriented and provides a sense of comfort and warmth as she collaboratively builds the therapeutic relationship. "Life Happens...And Jen Can Help!" (Jen sees clients up to age 30)
Struggling to maintain an open dialogue with your child/teen? Unsure of how to support your child/teen through difficult life transitions? Looking to find guidance and support through parenting challenges? Jen Carter may be the right "fit" for you and your family. As a trained Child and Youth Counsellor with also a background in law enforcement, Jen uses an eclectic style of psychotherapy to connect with youth in a way that communicates, is goal-oriented and provides a sense of comfort and warmth as she collaboratively builds the therapeutic relationship. "Life Happens...And Jen Can Help!" (Jen sees clients up to age 30)
I provide therapy to adolescents (12+) and adults for a wide variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, workplace stress and burnout, self-esteem, perfectionism, and relationship and family issues. With a compassionate and collaborative approach, I help clients better understand their emotions, patterns of coping and communication, and assist them in finding lasting solutions. I work with individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds, striving to understand each person within their surrounding sociocultural context. My theoretical background is integrative, drawing from emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioral, feminist, narrative, humanistic and mindfulness-based approaches.
I provide therapy to adolescents (12+) and adults for a wide variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, workplace stress and burnout, self-esteem, perfectionism, and relationship and family issues. With a compassionate and collaborative approach, I help clients better understand their emotions, patterns of coping and communication, and assist them in finding lasting solutions. I work with individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds, striving to understand each person within their surrounding sociocultural context. My theoretical background is integrative, drawing from emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioral, feminist, narrative, humanistic and mindfulness-based approaches.
Tamarack Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW , RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3H
Hi, my name is Steve Gates and I have been working in mental health for 15 years with 7 years working as a counsellor with the Nova Scotia Health Authority. In my work, I try to blend my training with your expertise about you. Using this approach, I have seen people make progress through situations that truly seemed impossible. In my experience, once people accept where they are and make realistic goals, they tend to make progress. The “feel better” part does seem to take time, but it tends to follow the changes.
Hi, my name is Steve Gates and I have been working in mental health for 15 years with 7 years working as a counsellor with the Nova Scotia Health Authority. In my work, I try to blend my training with your expertise about you. Using this approach, I have seen people make progress through situations that truly seemed impossible. In my experience, once people accept where they are and make realistic goals, they tend to make progress. The “feel better” part does seem to take time, but it tends to follow the changes.
Holly Sher
Registered Psychotherapist, SSW, BA(h), MA, RP, RCT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3H
BLUE Cross direct billing now available! If you are struggling, you are not alone… I would be honored to walk beside you on your journey to greater wisdom, and freedom. Our sessions can include counseling (for instance setting goals, developing tools to assist with managing difficult thoughts and feelings), as well as deeper emotion-focused work aimed at getting at what is on the inside; our deepest needs and truths. This is done not only through talking, but through learning to tap into our felt-sense; a powerful place where healing occurs. My work draws from a variety of evidence-based approaches.
BLUE Cross direct billing now available! If you are struggling, you are not alone… I would be honored to walk beside you on your journey to greater wisdom, and freedom. Our sessions can include counseling (for instance setting goals, developing tools to assist with managing difficult thoughts and feelings), as well as deeper emotion-focused work aimed at getting at what is on the inside; our deepest needs and truths. This is done not only through talking, but through learning to tap into our felt-sense; a powerful place where healing occurs. My work draws from a variety of evidence-based approaches.
Everyone’s journey to overall wellness will be unique. My goal is always to provide a warm, safe, supportive space for my clients, so you feel comfortable navigating your own journey of growth and self-discovery. I support teens, adults, and couples, who struggle with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and more. I aim to provide judgment-free support while we navigate your unique journey together.
Everyone’s journey to overall wellness will be unique. My goal is always to provide a warm, safe, supportive space for my clients, so you feel comfortable navigating your own journey of growth and self-discovery. I support teens, adults, and couples, who struggle with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and more. I aim to provide judgment-free support while we navigate your unique journey together.
Jodi Moore
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, BSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lower Sackville, NS B4C
Asking for help isn't easy, so if you've made it this far, it's taken courage and I'm proud of you. Life is filled with struggles that can impact us all, and I take pride in creating a safe space to help better manage lifes stressors. If you are struggling with low mood, lack of motivation, high anxiety, difficult stress, relationship challenges, addictions or how to process past traumas in an effective way, finding a therapist you can connect with is an important first step. I work alongside people appreciating you are the expert of your own life, while also working to provide support and encouragement to help you reach your goals.
Asking for help isn't easy, so if you've made it this far, it's taken courage and I'm proud of you. Life is filled with struggles that can impact us all, and I take pride in creating a safe space to help better manage lifes stressors. If you are struggling with low mood, lack of motivation, high anxiety, difficult stress, relationship challenges, addictions or how to process past traumas in an effective way, finding a therapist you can connect with is an important first step. I work alongside people appreciating you are the expert of your own life, while also working to provide support and encouragement to help you reach your goals.
I am a therapist with over 30 years experience in the field of Addictions. I work with people struggling with alcohol, drug and gambling problems and offer tobacco cessation services. I also work with family members in their recovery process. As an experienced therapist, I assist clients in addressing these issues by utilizing a "Biological, Psychological, Social, Spiritual" Model of recovery. As a client, you can expect to develop personal insight into the problems substance use is creating, while making positive change in your life. This is accomplished in a safe, caring and collaborative environment.
I am a therapist with over 30 years experience in the field of Addictions. I work with people struggling with alcohol, drug and gambling problems and offer tobacco cessation services. I also work with family members in their recovery process. As an experienced therapist, I assist clients in addressing these issues by utilizing a "Biological, Psychological, Social, Spiritual" Model of recovery. As a client, you can expect to develop personal insight into the problems substance use is creating, while making positive change in your life. This is accomplished in a safe, caring and collaborative environment.
I am a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) and Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT). I provide counselling and music therapy for individuals and groups in the public sector and private practice. I specialize in addictions recovery, and with those impacted by addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, abuse, and the criminal justice system. My approach to therapy is anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and person-centered. I work collaboratively with clients to support their personal goals and well-being while considering the holistic, intersecting aspects at play in their lives.
I am a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) and Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT). I provide counselling and music therapy for individuals and groups in the public sector and private practice. I specialize in addictions recovery, and with those impacted by addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, abuse, and the criminal justice system. My approach to therapy is anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and person-centered. I work collaboratively with clients to support their personal goals and well-being while considering the holistic, intersecting aspects at play in their lives.
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Margo Quinlan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, SWC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dartmouth, NS B2Y
I offer a safe place for queer, trans, and gender expansive youth and adults to navigate life's challenges together. Existing in today's world as part of these communities brings it's own unique stressors, challenges, and joys. My background as a community organizer in the trans community, as well as my own lived experiences as a trans and queer woman, help guide my work in empowering teens, adults, and couples to find enrichment and empowerment through their own lives and experiences. I am active in polyamory and kink communities, am a parent, and am going to treat you with the care and respect you deserve.
I offer a safe place for queer, trans, and gender expansive youth and adults to navigate life's challenges together. Existing in today's world as part of these communities brings it's own unique stressors, challenges, and joys. My background as a community organizer in the trans community, as well as my own lived experiences as a trans and queer woman, help guide my work in empowering teens, adults, and couples to find enrichment and empowerment through their own lives and experiences. I am active in polyamory and kink communities, am a parent, and am going to treat you with the care and respect you deserve.
Robyn Levy
Registered Counselling Therapist-Candidate, MA, RCT-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wolfville, NS B4P
I believe the way in which we each uniquely interpret our world informs our experience in it. In our work together, part of my role is to walk along side you while we work to better understand your inner experiences, find ways to attend to your needs and move towards healing. I strive to provide an environment which feels safe, warm, nonjudgmental, and where you feel comfortable to show up exactly as you are. I strongly believe that the strength of our relationships with others and sense of security within those relationships has a tremendous impact on our mental health and well-being.
I believe the way in which we each uniquely interpret our world informs our experience in it. In our work together, part of my role is to walk along side you while we work to better understand your inner experiences, find ways to attend to your needs and move towards healing. I strive to provide an environment which feels safe, warm, nonjudgmental, and where you feel comfortable to show up exactly as you are. I strongly believe that the strength of our relationships with others and sense of security within those relationships has a tremendous impact on our mental health and well-being.
At Attune Counselling Therapy, our mission is to help people uncover, explore, & enjoy greater self-awareness, self-empowerment, and well-being. People reach out to us for support with anxiety, anger management, relationship issues, substance use, stress, grieving, emotional regulation, sexual orientation, gender identity and major life transitions. We offer effective, high-quality, specialized mental health services. Our counselling therapists are committed to providing individualized therapeutic conversations that target issues and concerns in your life. We use evidence-based therapeutic approaches that are tailored to your needs.
At Attune Counselling Therapy, our mission is to help people uncover, explore, & enjoy greater self-awareness, self-empowerment, and well-being. People reach out to us for support with anxiety, anger management, relationship issues, substance use, stress, grieving, emotional regulation, sexual orientation, gender identity and major life transitions. We offer effective, high-quality, specialized mental health services. Our counselling therapists are committed to providing individualized therapeutic conversations that target issues and concerns in your life. We use evidence-based therapeutic approaches that are tailored to your needs.
I am honored to work alongside my clients as they begin (or continue) their path to healing. We therapists like to say “meet people where they are” in their healing journey, which means you can come to me with an established plan and clear goals, or completely confused about where to even start. I use a person-centered approach that assumes you are the expert on your own life. Together we can work on coping strategies for anxiety, depression, social skills, emotions, processing trauma, developing greater resilience, self-compassion, care, and confidence.
I am honored to work alongside my clients as they begin (or continue) their path to healing. We therapists like to say “meet people where they are” in their healing journey, which means you can come to me with an established plan and clear goals, or completely confused about where to even start. I use a person-centered approach that assumes you are the expert on your own life. Together we can work on coping strategies for anxiety, depression, social skills, emotions, processing trauma, developing greater resilience, self-compassion, care, and confidence.
I am a Certified Counselor/Supervisor with 30 years experience working with individuals and couples. I specialize working with individuals and couples facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, stress and anger management/communication skills and blended families.
I am a Certified Counselor/Supervisor with 30 years experience working with individuals and couples. I specialize working with individuals and couples facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, stress and anger management/communication skills and blended families.
Accepting new clients for September and October 2024. My practice is rooted in the relationships that clients and I build together, creating spaces of trust and security; that’s where healing can start. I am passionate about providing trauma-informed mental health support that is accessible, rooted in compassion and aware of systemic barriers. I genuinely love working with people while witnessing them confront their challenges and grow as individuals; providing counselling gives me with an incredible sense of meaning and vitality.
Accepting new clients for September and October 2024. My practice is rooted in the relationships that clients and I build together, creating spaces of trust and security; that’s where healing can start. I am passionate about providing trauma-informed mental health support that is accessible, rooted in compassion and aware of systemic barriers. I genuinely love working with people while witnessing them confront their challenges and grow as individuals; providing counselling gives me with an incredible sense of meaning and vitality.
Alexa Kroon-Canning
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSocSc, RSW
Verified Verified
Halifax, NS B3L (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with extensive experience in treating various mental health concerns. I treat a variety of issues (including trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, addictions, etc), and celebrate working with people of all ages and from all backgrounds. I am inclusive and celebrate diversity, and have a special interest in gender diversity and neurodivergence. Overall, I am passionate about facilitating change in the therapeutic process.
I am a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with extensive experience in treating various mental health concerns. I treat a variety of issues (including trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, addictions, etc), and celebrate working with people of all ages and from all backgrounds. I am inclusive and celebrate diversity, and have a special interest in gender diversity and neurodivergence. Overall, I am passionate about facilitating change in the therapeutic process.
Julie Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Halifax, NS B3M (Online Only)
I have a specialized interest in eating disorders, trauma, anxiety disorders, addiction/substance use, and personality disorders. Making changes can be anxiety provoking and overwhelming. I recognize that feeling alone can get in the way of making the progress you want to make. I am happy to support you in bettering your mental health overall.
I have a specialized interest in eating disorders, trauma, anxiety disorders, addiction/substance use, and personality disorders. Making changes can be anxiety provoking and overwhelming. I recognize that feeling alone can get in the way of making the progress you want to make. I am happy to support you in bettering your mental health overall.
My ideal client is someone who has taken that courageous first step and admitted they need help. They may be struggling with addiction, stress, anxiety, depression or even just the pressures of everyday life, seeking better work-life balance. They are seeking a compassionate, empathetic listener, someone who can work with them to improve their life and help them learn new skills to lead a more enriched and fulfilling life.
My ideal client is someone who has taken that courageous first step and admitted they need help. They may be struggling with addiction, stress, anxiety, depression or even just the pressures of everyday life, seeking better work-life balance. They are seeking a compassionate, empathetic listener, someone who can work with them to improve their life and help them learn new skills to lead a more enriched and fulfilling life.
See more therapy options for Nova Scotia
Drug Abuse Counsellors
How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.
Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?
There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.