Addiction Therapists in Harrisburg, PA

Photo of Kenneth J Sutton, LPC, SAP, MAC, CAADC, CAMS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kenneth J Sutton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, SAP, MAC, CAADC, CAMS
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17110
I have over 18 years of experience working with individuals suffering from addiction and 10 years of experience working with individuals with mental health issues.
I am a License Mental Health and a National Certified Master's Level Drug and Alcohol Therapist. Presently, I am the only National Certified Anger Management Specialist in Harrisburg and Carlisle. Thank you for visiting my profile. If you are reading this, your suffering has likely reached a point where you are considering professional help. I am so pleased you have taken the first step towards wellness. I believe that you are the most important part of your healing. It is very important to me that you get the results you are looking for in therapy and that your experience is a very positive one. My practice is founded on evidence-based therapeutic interventions, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT).
I have over 18 years of experience working with individuals suffering from addiction and 10 years of experience working with individuals with mental health issues.
I am a License Mental Health and a National Certified Master's Level Drug and Alcohol Therapist. Presently, I am the only National Certified Anger Management Specialist in Harrisburg and Carlisle. Thank you for visiting my profile. If you are reading this, your suffering has likely reached a point where you are considering professional help. I am so pleased you have taken the first step towards wellness. I believe that you are the most important part of your healing. It is very important to me that you get the results you are looking for in therapy and that your experience is a very positive one. My practice is founded on evidence-based therapeutic interventions, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT).
(717) 619-8122 View (717) 619-8122
Photo of Vivian Harris - Vivian Speaks LLC, LMSW, MSW, CADC, CCHW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vivian Speaks LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MSW, CADC, CCHW
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17110  (Online Only)
As a Drug and Alcohol Counselor for over 15 years, my knowledge and compassion for helping others with addiction & life changes has allowed the opportunity to meet all people in all walks of life and help them through their obstacles with positive solutions.
Life's changes can be crucial and consistent, especially within the last two years. Trying to deal with stressful situations can lead to depression and/or negative decision making. Any situation can be addressed and managed with positive results. Let's talk! With an open mind, a listening ear, and the appropriate tools, you can make changes in any obstacle in your life with confidence and a solution based outlook! The life changes that were once a struggle in your life may become the learning experience to make those goals successful!
As a Drug and Alcohol Counselor for over 15 years, my knowledge and compassion for helping others with addiction & life changes has allowed the opportunity to meet all people in all walks of life and help them through their obstacles with positive solutions.
Life's changes can be crucial and consistent, especially within the last two years. Trying to deal with stressful situations can lead to depression and/or negative decision making. Any situation can be addressed and managed with positive results. Let's talk! With an open mind, a listening ear, and the appropriate tools, you can make changes in any obstacle in your life with confidence and a solution based outlook! The life changes that were once a struggle in your life may become the learning experience to make those goals successful!
(223) 218-4334 View (223) 218-4334
Photo of Diane Michelle Edmond - Diane Edmond Therapy and LPC Supervsion, MS, LPC, CAADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Diane Edmond Therapy and LPC Supervsion
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CAADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Waitlist for new clients
My areas of interest include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, codependency, substance abuse, adult children of alcoholics and drug addicts, relationship issues, sexual abuse, gender issues, and personality disorders.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder? Are you coping with the aftermath of trauma, abuse or effects of active military experience? Are you or a family member using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate? My clinical experience includes over 25 years in the field working in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient substance abuse, outpatient mental health , and working with children in foster care. I have an eclectic approach with a emphasis on cognitive therapy. I have an advanced certification in addictions and extensive work with trauma including EMDR.
My areas of interest include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, codependency, substance abuse, adult children of alcoholics and drug addicts, relationship issues, sexual abuse, gender issues, and personality disorders.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder? Are you coping with the aftermath of trauma, abuse or effects of active military experience? Are you or a family member using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate? My clinical experience includes over 25 years in the field working in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient substance abuse, outpatient mental health , and working with children in foster care. I have an eclectic approach with a emphasis on cognitive therapy. I have an advanced certification in addictions and extensive work with trauma including EMDR.
(717) 454-2377 View (717) 454-2377
Photo of Marcy J. S. Johnson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marcy J. S. Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harrisburg, PA 17101  (Online Only)
Sustainable addiction recovery and growth in other areas of life, occurring at the deepest levels of being, does happen for those who are seeking it.
Hi there and welcome! I offer secure Teletherapy for a variety of mental health and addiction-related concerns. I am accepting new clients who live in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Florida. My areas of expertise are in supporting healthcare professionals, those with anxiety, depression, self-esteem/body-image concerns, relationship challenges, life transitions and addictions. I am passionate about supporting people who need thoughtful guidance in their life's next steps. Together, we can tackle your biggest challenges so that you can enjoy a more fulfilling and rewarding life. Really!
Sustainable addiction recovery and growth in other areas of life, occurring at the deepest levels of being, does happen for those who are seeking it.
Hi there and welcome! I offer secure Teletherapy for a variety of mental health and addiction-related concerns. I am accepting new clients who live in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Florida. My areas of expertise are in supporting healthcare professionals, those with anxiety, depression, self-esteem/body-image concerns, relationship challenges, life transitions and addictions. I am passionate about supporting people who need thoughtful guidance in their life's next steps. Together, we can tackle your biggest challenges so that you can enjoy a more fulfilling and rewarding life. Really!
(610) 890-4244 View (610) 890-4244
Photo of Gene Middleton, CADC, CIP, CEAP, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Gene Middleton
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC, CIP, CEAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Having lived through addiction myself I know first hand how you feel and what you may be going through.
Having worked in the field of Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency and treatment for over 35 years, I lived through the disease of addiction myself. Today, helping individuals and families from all walks of life to be able to receive the help they need I believe that experiencing the horrors of the illness first hand far better prepared me to help those in need than the years of professional training that have followed. Today, fortunate to have lived the past 40 + years in my own recovery, I remain forever grateful to those who cared enough to help me at a time when I could not help myself.
Having lived through addiction myself I know first hand how you feel and what you may be going through.
Having worked in the field of Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency and treatment for over 35 years, I lived through the disease of addiction myself. Today, helping individuals and families from all walks of life to be able to receive the help they need I believe that experiencing the horrors of the illness first hand far better prepared me to help those in need than the years of professional training that have followed. Today, fortunate to have lived the past 40 + years in my own recovery, I remain forever grateful to those who cared enough to help me at a time when I could not help myself.
(570) 731-8365 View (570) 731-8365
Photo of Dr. Marcelle Giovannetti, ACS, LPC, NCC, CADC, CCTP-II, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Marcelle Giovannetti
Licensed Professional Counselor, ACS, LPC, NCC, CADC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harrisburg, PA 17101
My areas of expertise in counseling include substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, trauma and multicultural counseling.
I am a full-time Assistant Professor in Messiah University’s Graduate Counseling Program. I also works part-time as a clinician and am the owner of Courageous Hope Counseling LLC. I identify as an immigrant woman of Indian decent and have lived in several countries. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Elizabethtown College, a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Shippensburg University, a doctoral degree from Shippensburg University in Counselor Education and Supervision. and a postgraduate certificate in Social Justice from Harvard University.
My areas of expertise in counseling include substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, trauma and multicultural counseling.
I am a full-time Assistant Professor in Messiah University’s Graduate Counseling Program. I also works part-time as a clinician and am the owner of Courageous Hope Counseling LLC. I identify as an immigrant woman of Indian decent and have lived in several countries. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Elizabethtown College, a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Shippensburg University, a doctoral degree from Shippensburg University in Counselor Education and Supervision. and a postgraduate certificate in Social Justice from Harvard University.
(717) 775-6704 View (717) 775-6704
Photo of Kathyrn R Maz - Kathryn R, Maz, PsyD., PsyD, CSAT, Psychologist
Kathryn R, Maz, PsyD.
Psychologist, PsyD, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harrisburg, PA 17103
I am EMDR trained through the EMDRA approved EMDR Basic Training Program, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and have completed the beginner level training in Somatic Experiencing.
For over 35 years I have been honored with the experience of helping individuals being held back by addictions, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. I seek to provide a judgement free, in-depth understanding of my clients' journeys, provide tools for increasing self esteem, understanding and effectively experiencing emotions, and challenging difficult behavioral patterns. I assist couples in reconciling the hurts of the past and moving towards shared unity and deeper intimacy. Some of the areas I specifically specialize in include: substance abuse, sexual addictions, anger, trauma, self injury, and LGBTQIA issues.
I am EMDR trained through the EMDRA approved EMDR Basic Training Program, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and have completed the beginner level training in Somatic Experiencing.
For over 35 years I have been honored with the experience of helping individuals being held back by addictions, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. I seek to provide a judgement free, in-depth understanding of my clients' journeys, provide tools for increasing self esteem, understanding and effectively experiencing emotions, and challenging difficult behavioral patterns. I assist couples in reconciling the hurts of the past and moving towards shared unity and deeper intimacy. Some of the areas I specifically specialize in include: substance abuse, sexual addictions, anger, trauma, self injury, and LGBTQIA issues.
(717) 208-8197 View (717) 208-8197
Photo of Brandi Gurcak, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brandi Gurcak
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Harrisburg, PA 17111
My specialties include attachment, dissociative disorders, trauma and PTSD, chemical addiction, and hoarding.
Specializing in attachment and trauma, I work with individuals who are seeking to gain greater freedom to make choices around how they live in the world. This may include increasing overall well-being, developing resources for coping, and/or creating a clearer sense of purpose. Often our negative experiences can result in disconnection from our relationships, dissociation or difficulty participating wholly in our experiences, and addictive patterns. Therapy can help us to return to a more intuitive way of living which is centered in curiosity and compassion through connection.
My specialties include attachment, dissociative disorders, trauma and PTSD, chemical addiction, and hoarding.
Specializing in attachment and trauma, I work with individuals who are seeking to gain greater freedom to make choices around how they live in the world. This may include increasing overall well-being, developing resources for coping, and/or creating a clearer sense of purpose. Often our negative experiences can result in disconnection from our relationships, dissociation or difficulty participating wholly in our experiences, and addictive patterns. Therapy can help us to return to a more intuitive way of living which is centered in curiosity and compassion through connection.
(412) 844-5814 View (412) 844-5814
Photo of Shonyah Hawkins-Cottman, PhD, MA, BCCC, CCTP, AMS
Shonyah Hawkins-Cottman
PhD, MA, BCCC, CCTP, AMS
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17101
With over 10 years of experience supporting individuals overcoming, substance misuse, anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma, empowering individuals to shift their perspective, refocus pain, habits, hang-ups into becoming one's optimal self.
Do you need a Certified Trauma Professional and Substance Use Disorder Clinician who has a passion for helping individuals explore ways to overcome cognitive and behavioral challenges that may exist? Are you trying to find a caring, experienced therapist who will provide a supportive environment that will meet your individual needs? Let me help you arrest your maladaptive behaviors and emotions through managing your thoughts and cognitions, using positivity and mindfulness to encourage optimism and excitement about the future as you reconcile your past while standing in the present. Freedom, growth, and lasting change is near!
With over 10 years of experience supporting individuals overcoming, substance misuse, anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma, empowering individuals to shift their perspective, refocus pain, habits, hang-ups into becoming one's optimal self.
Do you need a Certified Trauma Professional and Substance Use Disorder Clinician who has a passion for helping individuals explore ways to overcome cognitive and behavioral challenges that may exist? Are you trying to find a caring, experienced therapist who will provide a supportive environment that will meet your individual needs? Let me help you arrest your maladaptive behaviors and emotions through managing your thoughts and cognitions, using positivity and mindfulness to encourage optimism and excitement about the future as you reconcile your past while standing in the present. Freedom, growth, and lasting change is near!
(717) 563-7222 View (717) 563-7222
Chad Shaeffer
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA,CADC
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17101
When you are trapped within the jaws of addiction, the hope of escape and recovery seems absolutely impossible. Sometimes you are tempted to just "throw in the towel" and surrender to the thought that you are destined to be an "addict" for the rest of your life--that you just don't have what it takes to change. But based on my own personal background, years of hands-on experience, and education, I can assure you that this defeatist feeling is wrong, although understandable.
When you are trapped within the jaws of addiction, the hope of escape and recovery seems absolutely impossible. Sometimes you are tempted to just "throw in the towel" and surrender to the thought that you are destined to be an "addict" for the rest of your life--that you just don't have what it takes to change. But based on my own personal background, years of hands-on experience, and education, I can assure you that this defeatist feeling is wrong, although understandable.
(717) 674-3864 View (717) 674-3864
Photo of Jennifer Page, LPC, MAC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Page
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17112
I hold certifications as a Master of Addiction counselor as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I recognize that life is tough, and we are often going into a crisis or coming out of one. Recognizing that you need a non-biased professional to help you navigate these hard times is brave and commendable. It is an honor to be able to step into other's lives at such critical times. It is a calling that I take very seriously, and I work hard to create a safe, warm yet direct approach.
I hold certifications as a Master of Addiction counselor as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I recognize that life is tough, and we are often going into a crisis or coming out of one. Recognizing that you need a non-biased professional to help you navigate these hard times is brave and commendable. It is an honor to be able to step into other's lives at such critical times. It is a calling that I take very seriously, and I work hard to create a safe, warm yet direct approach.
(717) 946-8294 View (717) 946-8294
Photo of Melissa Lopez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17101  (Online Only)
Trauma can manifest into problem areas such as problem sexual behaviors, substance/alcohol abuse, depression/anxiety, social/work difficulties, perfectionism, self-harm, and/or self-esteem.
Hello & Welcome! So very glad you are here. My name is Melissa Lopez. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 17 years of direct practice experience. I specialize in trauma recovery.
Trauma can manifest into problem areas such as problem sexual behaviors, substance/alcohol abuse, depression/anxiety, social/work difficulties, perfectionism, self-harm, and/or self-esteem.
Hello & Welcome! So very glad you are here. My name is Melissa Lopez. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 17 years of direct practice experience. I specialize in trauma recovery.
(484) 209-5213 View (484) 209-5213
Photo of Kassandra Luttmann, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kassandra Luttmann
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17101  (Online Only)
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 5 years of professional working experience. I have worked with clients who are struggling with substance abuse and coping with addiction, depression, anxiety, and stress. It takes courage to make that first step in making changes for a happier, more fulfilling life.
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 5 years of professional working experience. I have worked with clients who are struggling with substance abuse and coping with addiction, depression, anxiety, and stress. It takes courage to make that first step in making changes for a happier, more fulfilling life.
(484) 673-6863 View (484) 673-6863
Photo of Tiffany Dampier, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tiffany Dampier
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17101
I have experience working in addiction treatment and enjoy working with individuals in recovery to address their underlying mental health concerns.
Are you struggling to remain psychologically flexible in an ever-changing world? Psychological flexibility means contacting the present moment fully as a conscious human being and based on what the situation affords, changing or persisting in behavior in the service of chosen values.
I have experience working in addiction treatment and enjoy working with individuals in recovery to address their underlying mental health concerns.
Are you struggling to remain psychologically flexible in an ever-changing world? Psychological flexibility means contacting the present moment fully as a conscious human being and based on what the situation affords, changing or persisting in behavior in the service of chosen values.
(717) 912-8859 View (717) 912-8859
Photo of John Goldman, LCSW, CAADC, EMDR, CCTP-II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
John Goldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAADC, EMDR, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Waitlist for new clients
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified EMDR Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor, my primary area of expertise is serving clients with trauma and substance-use concerns, as well as anxiety and life stressors.
I believe people are the sum of their lived experiences. I am passionate about helping clients address their trauma and significant life events so they can live the best version of their life. I offer sessions in a safe and judgment-free space where my goal is to support clients in developing the tools they need to address the challenges facing them.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified EMDR Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor, my primary area of expertise is serving clients with trauma and substance-use concerns, as well as anxiety and life stressors.
I believe people are the sum of their lived experiences. I am passionate about helping clients address their trauma and significant life events so they can live the best version of their life. I offer sessions in a safe and judgment-free space where my goal is to support clients in developing the tools they need to address the challenges facing them.
(717) 942-9361 View (717) 942-9361
Photo of Akeya Kester - A Key To Peace, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
A Key To Peace
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17121
I have experience in substance abuse, anxiety, depression, career, multicultural issues and conflict and family.
The goal of Psychotherapy is to offer support and/or crisis intervention, resolve problems related to anger, anxiety, and depression; enhance self-awareness and learn coping skills. My goal is to help guide my clients to become the best version of themselves through talk therapy.
I have experience in substance abuse, anxiety, depression, career, multicultural issues and conflict and family.
The goal of Psychotherapy is to offer support and/or crisis intervention, resolve problems related to anger, anxiety, and depression; enhance self-awareness and learn coping skills. My goal is to help guide my clients to become the best version of themselves through talk therapy.
(412) 324-4341 View (412) 324-4341
Photo of Darcie Rudolf, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Darcie Rudolf
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Harrisburg, PA 17112  (Online Only)
I hold my MA in Counseling Psychology from Arcadia University and certificates in Trauma and PTSD Management. I changed careers 11 years ago to support students navigate adulthood, and families impacted by substance use disorder. Also, I support grieving children, teens, adults, and individuals with Autism. Through personal grief, I understand that loss is not something you just get over. It changes you. Healing begins with support, time, and space to actively grieve and nurture your wellbeing.
I hold my MA in Counseling Psychology from Arcadia University and certificates in Trauma and PTSD Management. I changed careers 11 years ago to support students navigate adulthood, and families impacted by substance use disorder. Also, I support grieving children, teens, adults, and individuals with Autism. Through personal grief, I understand that loss is not something you just get over. It changes you. Healing begins with support, time, and space to actively grieve and nurture your wellbeing.
(215) 608-1123 View (215) 608-1123
Photo of Carl Heffermehl, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carl Heffermehl
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17112
I have the most experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and interpersonal relationships, I also have experience with ADHD, paranoia, bi-polar, and schizophrenia.
I am a licensed professional counselor with experience working with individuals to help them with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, relationships, and interpersonal issues across their life. I mainly work with individuals, one-on-one, but have worked with couples and families, and troubled populations like youth on probation. My goal is to help individuals find a balance in their life where they are able to reduce their mental health stress/impact, and their overall life stress, by establishing and implementing healthy balance, coping skills, and boundaries in their life to improve not only their life, but their sense of self.
I have the most experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and interpersonal relationships, I also have experience with ADHD, paranoia, bi-polar, and schizophrenia.
I am a licensed professional counselor with experience working with individuals to help them with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, relationships, and interpersonal issues across their life. I mainly work with individuals, one-on-one, but have worked with couples and families, and troubled populations like youth on probation. My goal is to help individuals find a balance in their life where they are able to reduce their mental health stress/impact, and their overall life stress, by establishing and implementing healthy balance, coping skills, and boundaries in their life to improve not only their life, but their sense of self.
(717) 912-9718 View (717) 912-9718
Photo of Merle Mullins, LCSW, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Merle Mullins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17110
I help my clients overcome the issues that arise in family and work life: anxiety and depression, marital discord, healing after an affair, parenting strategies, anger management, addictions, step-family difficulties, or dealing with separation or divorce. I help people deal with behavior problems and relationship issues in the workplace, school, or community, including depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, obsessions and compulsions, grief and loss, and an inability to find meaning or purpose in life. I am also available for telecounseling sessions.
I help my clients overcome the issues that arise in family and work life: anxiety and depression, marital discord, healing after an affair, parenting strategies, anger management, addictions, step-family difficulties, or dealing with separation or divorce. I help people deal with behavior problems and relationship issues in the workplace, school, or community, including depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, obsessions and compulsions, grief and loss, and an inability to find meaning or purpose in life. I am also available for telecounseling sessions.
(717) 546-9750 View (717) 546-9750
Photo of Dr. Christopher T. Watts Sr, PhD, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Christopher T. Watts Sr
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Watts looks forward to working with individuals and families struggling with anxiety, depression, excessive worries, marriage/couples conflict, child and adolescent development, addiction, select mutism, and various other psychosocial concerns.
Dr. Christopher T. Watts, Sr is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Board Certified Counselor, and National Certified Custody Evaluator who has worked with children, adolescence, adults, couples, families, and groups since 2005. He is the founder and owner of C.T. Watts & Associates, PC located in Harrisburg, PA.
Watts looks forward to working with individuals and families struggling with anxiety, depression, excessive worries, marriage/couples conflict, child and adolescent development, addiction, select mutism, and various other psychosocial concerns.
Dr. Christopher T. Watts, Sr is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Board Certified Counselor, and National Certified Custody Evaluator who has worked with children, adolescence, adults, couples, families, and groups since 2005. He is the founder and owner of C.T. Watts & Associates, PC located in Harrisburg, PA.
(717) 963-2269 View (717) 963-2269
1
Addiction Therapists

What is the best therapy for addiction?

Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.

How long does therapy for addiction take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.

How effective is drug addiction treatment?

Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.

How can you get addiction treatment for someone?

The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.