Therapists in Fort Collins, CO
![Photo of Noel H Peercy, LPC, CACIII, CHT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a7f7b92-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Noel H Peercy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CACIII, CHT
Verified Verified
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Welcome to Mind-Over-Matters, LLC counseling, I'm Noel. If you feel like you need change, feel 'off', and are interested in really having someone listen and connect with you, you've reached the right therapist. Let me help you share your story, explore the details, and help you reframe your experiences in ways that will help you achieve your goals, including: autoimmune symptom management, depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, and overcoming addiction. My approach is warm and kind, with just the right amount of humor to help you feel at home. Get movement, growth, and healing in ways that you can experience right away.
Welcome to Mind-Over-Matters, LLC counseling, I'm Noel. If you feel like you need change, feel 'off', and are interested in really having someone listen and connect with you, you've reached the right therapist. Let me help you share your story, explore the details, and help you reframe your experiences in ways that will help you achieve your goals, including: autoimmune symptom management, depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, and overcoming addiction. My approach is warm and kind, with just the right amount of humor to help you feel at home. Get movement, growth, and healing in ways that you can experience right away.
![Photo of Casey Knight, LPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a892b9d-a49f-4792-a069-bd5fe7050b1c/1/320x400.jpeg)
My path has been working with adults and young adults with addiction, grief, loss, trauma, esteem and crisis management.
The challenges in life can repeat like waves crashing against your life. Let us assist in moving away from those days of old and towards healing. Take the first steps on an adventure that can start building a life and legacy that fits your true and authentic self. This version has vitality, stability, vibrancy, renewal, and is moving on towards serenity and growth. Take this path, the less taken path, to unlock and establish this version, this legacy you are seeking, whatever that looks like. Start by taking the first step today, with great courage, to reach for this new you.
My path has been working with adults and young adults with addiction, grief, loss, trauma, esteem and crisis management.
The challenges in life can repeat like waves crashing against your life. Let us assist in moving away from those days of old and towards healing. Take the first steps on an adventure that can start building a life and legacy that fits your true and authentic self. This version has vitality, stability, vibrancy, renewal, and is moving on towards serenity and growth. Take this path, the less taken path, to unlock and establish this version, this legacy you are seeking, whatever that looks like. Start by taking the first step today, with great courage, to reach for this new you.
![Photo of Danny Shearer, LMFT, CAC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c6d6b14-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Danny Shearer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CAC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Fort Collins, CO 80524
I have been working in the mental health field for over 40 years. I started working in mental health facilities in my early 20's while I was in college. I have worked with adults and adolescents in all kinds of modalities, yet I seemed to focus more toward young people and their families with substance abuse problems and anxiety. Some of that stems from having to deal with my own addictions in my late teens and finally getting clean and sober at age 20. Thus, I understand what it is like to be overwhelmed by addiction and the need to engage in a recovery process.
I have been working in the mental health field for over 40 years. I started working in mental health facilities in my early 20's while I was in college. I have worked with adults and adolescents in all kinds of modalities, yet I seemed to focus more toward young people and their families with substance abuse problems and anxiety. Some of that stems from having to deal with my own addictions in my late teens and finally getting clean and sober at age 20. Thus, I understand what it is like to be overwhelmed by addiction and the need to engage in a recovery process.
![Photo of Jacob Anderson, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b334de0-a2ea-4918-8b3a-0900803d12db/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel broken or lost? Do you find yourself entrapped by negative cycles of thought or addiction? Are you feeling like you do not recognize yourself, or are disconnected from relationships? Do you find that you are overwhelmed or struggling to motivate yourself? Do you want an intentional touch point to be able to be candid and vulnerable without fear of judgment or consequences?
Do you feel broken or lost? Do you find yourself entrapped by negative cycles of thought or addiction? Are you feeling like you do not recognize yourself, or are disconnected from relationships? Do you find that you are overwhelmed or struggling to motivate yourself? Do you want an intentional touch point to be able to be candid and vulnerable without fear of judgment or consequences?
![Photo of Lee Gardner, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c74737f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lee Gardner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Collins, CO 80526
My specialties include: eating disorders, physical performance issues, addiction/recovery issues, adolescent acting out, divorce recovery, step-family dynamics, chronic pain, sex addiction and couples counseling.
I work with clients who feel stuck; stuck in the emotion and negative thoughts associated with life's stressors. Clients, who are beginning to realize that there will always be the struggle of relationships or money matters or health concerns or..., yet understand that they can begin to develop a different outlook, belief system.
My specialties include: eating disorders, physical performance issues, addiction/recovery issues, adolescent acting out, divorce recovery, step-family dynamics, chronic pain, sex addiction and couples counseling.
I work with clients who feel stuck; stuck in the emotion and negative thoughts associated with life's stressors. Clients, who are beginning to realize that there will always be the struggle of relationships or money matters or health concerns or..., yet understand that they can begin to develop a different outlook, belief system.
![Photo of Shawn Whitney - Restoration Family Therapy, MS, LMFT, S-PSB, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e18ac29-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Restoration Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, S-PSB
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Waitlist for new clients
I also administer Prepare/Enrich Inventories, and substance use screenings.
I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups around psychosocial and medical health issues. I am a Colorado and Washington State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. The psychosocial conditions I provide treatment for include: addictions/compulsions, anxiety and depression, abuse and trauma, marriage/relationship issues, health and wellness, spirituality/faith issues, identity development issues, and sexuality. I believe a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to health is the most comprehensive method of treatment.
I also administer Prepare/Enrich Inventories, and substance use screenings.
I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups around psychosocial and medical health issues. I am a Colorado and Washington State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. The psychosocial conditions I provide treatment for include: addictions/compulsions, anxiety and depression, abuse and trauma, marriage/relationship issues, health and wellness, spirituality/faith issues, identity development issues, and sexuality. I believe a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to health is the most comprehensive method of treatment.
![Photo of Steven Huett Saint-Clair, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e163446f-92db-49b6-be5f-19917f503900/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked with mental illness and addiction in Denver for a decade.
I offer a range of specialty services that generally fall outside the typical categories and tend to use a “whole person” approach to treatment and stabilization, though over the last 10+ years of intensive couple’s and individual work I’ve treated almost everything and welcome all issues large or small, no matter the complexity. I offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy as well as Spiritual Emergence Coaching and meditation training for issues where mental health and spirituality meet. Lastly, I offer specialty testing to precisely identify problems and diagnoses, then use these to best determine what treatment will be most helpful.
I have worked with mental illness and addiction in Denver for a decade.
I offer a range of specialty services that generally fall outside the typical categories and tend to use a “whole person” approach to treatment and stabilization, though over the last 10+ years of intensive couple’s and individual work I’ve treated almost everything and welcome all issues large or small, no matter the complexity. I offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy as well as Spiritual Emergence Coaching and meditation training for issues where mental health and spirituality meet. Lastly, I offer specialty testing to precisely identify problems and diagnoses, then use these to best determine what treatment will be most helpful.
![Photo of Higher Sights Counseling - Higher Sights - Therapy, EMDR, & Med Management, LCSW, LPC, LAC, APRN, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53654339-aadd-43c4-9746-38793f0cbc99/1/320x400.jpeg)
Higher Sights - Therapy, EMDR, & Med Management
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW, LPC, LAC, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Our counselors specialize in marital counseling, anxiety, depression, trauma, family and relationship issues, ADHD, and addiction/substance abuse.
Accepting New Clients! Immediate openings, book instantly through our website in bio! We understand that being stuck and feeling like everything you have tried has left you hopeless is one of the most painful experiences. We help our clients feel empowered by helping them to see their own strengths and by teaching them new research-based tools to help focus and guide them for lasting change. We believe that therapy is a starting point to healing and changing patterns that have not been working. We work to help each unique client develop a new way to feel confident in approaching life matter what comes their way.
Our counselors specialize in marital counseling, anxiety, depression, trauma, family and relationship issues, ADHD, and addiction/substance abuse.
Accepting New Clients! Immediate openings, book instantly through our website in bio! We understand that being stuck and feeling like everything you have tried has left you hopeless is one of the most painful experiences. We help our clients feel empowered by helping them to see their own strengths and by teaching them new research-based tools to help focus and guide them for lasting change. We believe that therapy is a starting point to healing and changing patterns that have not been working. We work to help each unique client develop a new way to feel confident in approaching life matter what comes their way.
![Photo of Stephen Paul Willmer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da1f900a-b930-41f9-afbf-e3d2455ceecb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stephen Paul Willmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fort Collins, CO 80521 (Online Only)
I am an experienced mental health provider with over 17 years' of experience in the mental health field. Some of my experience includes, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, couples/family issues, major life changes, grief, addiction, domestic violence, parenting and many other issues. I specialize in helping people with anxiety, relationship/family issues and addiction. My goal is to meet with you where you are today with a nonjudgmental approach. My approach can be direct while focusing on achieving solutions to whatever it is that you may be experiencing now and from the past.
I am an experienced mental health provider with over 17 years' of experience in the mental health field. Some of my experience includes, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, couples/family issues, major life changes, grief, addiction, domestic violence, parenting and many other issues. I specialize in helping people with anxiety, relationship/family issues and addiction. My goal is to meet with you where you are today with a nonjudgmental approach. My approach can be direct while focusing on achieving solutions to whatever it is that you may be experiencing now and from the past.
![Photo of Kathy Esarey, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f93698c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties involve working through trauma and increasing effective relationships as well as addictions and substance abuse treatment.
Are you looking for something different? Are you facing a difficult situation? Are you overwhelmed by circumstances? Has life thrown you a curveball? Are you seeking something greater? Counseling can support you through this, inspire you to find more and support you to find hope for change. There is help through difficult times and understanding from a trusted source. Experience a fresh perspective combined with knowledge and experience to help with any curveball.
My specialties involve working through trauma and increasing effective relationships as well as addictions and substance abuse treatment.
Are you looking for something different? Are you facing a difficult situation? Are you overwhelmed by circumstances? Has life thrown you a curveball? Are you seeking something greater? Counseling can support you through this, inspire you to find more and support you to find hope for change. There is help through difficult times and understanding from a trusted source. Experience a fresh perspective combined with knowledge and experience to help with any curveball.
![Photo of Higher Sights Counseling - Higher Sights - Therapy, EMDR & Med Management, LCSW, LPC, LAC, PMHNP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1d6a32b-aa0d-47a2-ad4e-6d5462747329/1/320x400.jpeg)
Higher Sights - Therapy, EMDR & Med Management
LCSW, LPC, LAC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Our counselors specialize in marital counseling, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, family and other relationship issues, ADD/ADHD, and addiction/substance abuse.
Accepting New Clients! Immediate openings, book instantly through our website in bio! We understand that being stuck and feeling like everything you have tried has left you hopeless is one of the most painful experiences. We help our clients feel empowered by helping them to see their own strengths and by teaching them new research-based tools to help focus and guide them for lasting change. We believe that therapy is a starting point to healing and changing patterns that have not been working. We work to help each unique client develop a new way to feel confident in approaching life matter what comes their way.
Our counselors specialize in marital counseling, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, family and other relationship issues, ADD/ADHD, and addiction/substance abuse.
Accepting New Clients! Immediate openings, book instantly through our website in bio! We understand that being stuck and feeling like everything you have tried has left you hopeless is one of the most painful experiences. We help our clients feel empowered by helping them to see their own strengths and by teaching them new research-based tools to help focus and guide them for lasting change. We believe that therapy is a starting point to healing and changing patterns that have not been working. We work to help each unique client develop a new way to feel confident in approaching life matter what comes their way.
15 Second Videos
Higher Sights - Therapy, EMDR & Med Management
Phil Hartwick
Kent A. Tompkins
![Photo of Shane Grae LeMaster, MA, PhD(c), LAC, CMPC, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40118c69-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Shane Grae LeMaster
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, PhD(c), LAC, CMPC
Verified Verified
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Here at Mind-Ops we focus on one overarching life concept - O.ptimal ... P.erformance... S.olutions. We offer a wide range of services, most of which are delivered at our Ft. Collins office, through teletherapy, or at sites that are most conducive to the individualized change process of each client. Whether you are an individual, a team, or a business, we at Mind-Ops can help you attain your greatest potential. We can all be better and that's where our staff come in. Here at Mind-Ops, we also offer self-paced online educational courses through our Mind-Ops Online University
Here at Mind-Ops we focus on one overarching life concept - O.ptimal ... P.erformance... S.olutions. We offer a wide range of services, most of which are delivered at our Ft. Collins office, through teletherapy, or at sites that are most conducive to the individualized change process of each client. Whether you are an individual, a team, or a business, we at Mind-Ops can help you attain your greatest potential. We can all be better and that's where our staff come in. Here at Mind-Ops, we also offer self-paced online educational courses through our Mind-Ops Online University
![Photo of Vickie Gerber, LPC, ADS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a636d45-61d5-4854-8bee-5acef6761802/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vickie Gerber is an LPC and is a mental health therapist with Rise Above Wellness/Performance Counseling. She earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University in 2015. Vickie specializes in working with adults and older adolescents (16+) dealing with chronic pain, athletic performance and acute injury prevention and recovery. She is passionate about helping others discover deep healing especially from trauma, find enduring wellness, and become empowered to take control of what is within their reach to make lasting positive changes in their lives.
Vickie Gerber is an LPC and is a mental health therapist with Rise Above Wellness/Performance Counseling. She earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University in 2015. Vickie specializes in working with adults and older adolescents (16+) dealing with chronic pain, athletic performance and acute injury prevention and recovery. She is passionate about helping others discover deep healing especially from trauma, find enduring wellness, and become empowered to take control of what is within their reach to make lasting positive changes in their lives.
![Photo of Sarah Laub, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2fb30b7-8298-4b5b-bc9a-e50c05df6d4e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Laub
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fort Collins, CO 80526 (Online Only)
Life is a journey, often filled with moments of feeling stuck and uncertain about ourselves and our path. Therapy provides an opportunity to pause, reflect inwardly, and connect in order to gain clarity and work towards meaningful change. As your therapist, I bring warmth, compassion, respect, and humor to our work together. My aim is to create a safe environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. Together, we will personalize an approach that encompasses all aspects of human experience: body, mind, spirit, and relationships.
Life is a journey, often filled with moments of feeling stuck and uncertain about ourselves and our path. Therapy provides an opportunity to pause, reflect inwardly, and connect in order to gain clarity and work towards meaningful change. As your therapist, I bring warmth, compassion, respect, and humor to our work together. My aim is to create a safe environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. Together, we will personalize an approach that encompasses all aspects of human experience: body, mind, spirit, and relationships.
![Photo of Mike Tepp, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0416af52-6470-4448-9a0c-3e99e34b57e8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Living a full, satisfying, and authentic life is rarely something that comes from an unexamined life in modern times. It's not easy to understand who we are, what we want and don't want, and even what is important to us. But it is not impossible and if you are willing to take the plunge into the journey of self-discovery, finding peace, letting go, moving on, finally taking more, or whatever else is holding you back in life or in your way; I am honored to be on the journey with you. Humility and honoring thy self are cornerstones of how I life to work with my clients. I will not judge you, are you willing to do the same?
Living a full, satisfying, and authentic life is rarely something that comes from an unexamined life in modern times. It's not easy to understand who we are, what we want and don't want, and even what is important to us. But it is not impossible and if you are willing to take the plunge into the journey of self-discovery, finding peace, letting go, moving on, finally taking more, or whatever else is holding you back in life or in your way; I am honored to be on the journey with you. Humility and honoring thy self are cornerstones of how I life to work with my clients. I will not judge you, are you willing to do the same?
![Photo of Jo L Vanderkloot, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45adaa47-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you trapped in a complex family and/or work situation? If both, there may be a similar pattern of causes even in dissimilar situations. Understanding complexity can identify basic hidden patterns. Some clients experience chronic or acute physical illnesses: these are clues to unraveling the complexities. Emotional and physical problems may be a surface expression of buried family or personal trauma. For my clients, discovering patterns embedded in family behaviors can help them manage their current problematic situations. Psychotherapy can help clients move forward in systems that seem beyond their control.
Are you trapped in a complex family and/or work situation? If both, there may be a similar pattern of causes even in dissimilar situations. Understanding complexity can identify basic hidden patterns. Some clients experience chronic or acute physical illnesses: these are clues to unraveling the complexities. Emotional and physical problems may be a surface expression of buried family or personal trauma. For my clients, discovering patterns embedded in family behaviors can help them manage their current problematic situations. Psychotherapy can help clients move forward in systems that seem beyond their control.
![Photo of Lindy Pearson, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4776fb8f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindy Pearson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Collins, CO 80525
My approach begins with the belief that the human experience is to know both joy and pain, & every variation of emotion in-between, often in the same moment. I believe that which has been wounded in relationship must be healed in relationship. In order for your true self to emerge it must be witnessed. Just as our deepest glory must be held, so too must our wounds. In these places we will engage a posture of curiosity of how those wounds have impacted your style of relating and the ways you have had to adapt to cope.
My approach begins with the belief that the human experience is to know both joy and pain, & every variation of emotion in-between, often in the same moment. I believe that which has been wounded in relationship must be healed in relationship. In order for your true self to emerge it must be witnessed. Just as our deepest glory must be held, so too must our wounds. In these places we will engage a posture of curiosity of how those wounds have impacted your style of relating and the ways you have had to adapt to cope.
Center for Family & Couple Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Since 1991 our therapists have provided therapy to a diverse population of clients. We use evidence-based therapies to treat a wide range of individual, couple, and family issues. Our fees are on a sliding scale ranging from $25-$85. Our therapy is brief, strengths-based, and solution-focused. When you call, we will conduct a brief phone intake and schedule your first appointment. Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions are available for your convenience. We welcome all clients regardless of race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, ability, family form, relational status, religion or presenting problem.
Since 1991 our therapists have provided therapy to a diverse population of clients. We use evidence-based therapies to treat a wide range of individual, couple, and family issues. Our fees are on a sliding scale ranging from $25-$85. Our therapy is brief, strengths-based, and solution-focused. When you call, we will conduct a brief phone intake and schedule your first appointment. Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions are available for your convenience. We welcome all clients regardless of race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, ability, family form, relational status, religion or presenting problem.
![Photo of Sean Lawlor, LPCC, MA, MFA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e6a79ff-b5c4-4b88-bdfa-074eb13c848d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sean Lawlor
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, LPCC, MA, MFA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Life can be overwhelming, and Western culture does not readily offer the tools to help us navigate the impact. We end up carrying stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression in our bodies, and if the the cycle continues, we can end up burnt out. In the confusion, we may turn toward substances, behaviors, and other strategies to cope, which ultimately leave us more burdened than before. As hopeless as things can seem, there are always opportunities to change your inner and outer patterns. Over time, these small changes can redirect your life toward alignment, fulfillment, and ease grounded in the present moment.
Life can be overwhelming, and Western culture does not readily offer the tools to help us navigate the impact. We end up carrying stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression in our bodies, and if the the cycle continues, we can end up burnt out. In the confusion, we may turn toward substances, behaviors, and other strategies to cope, which ultimately leave us more burdened than before. As hopeless as things can seem, there are always opportunities to change your inner and outer patterns. Over time, these small changes can redirect your life toward alignment, fulfillment, and ease grounded in the present moment.
![Photo of Jennifer Bergin - LightHouse WholeHealth Therapy Center, LPC, MFT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33c7de84-e1d2-462c-a1b7-d406d56bb541/1/320x400.jpeg)
LightHouse WholeHealth Therapy Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MFT
Verified Verified
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Jennifer is the founder and co-owner of LIghtHouse WholeHealth Therapy Center. We accept insurance, FSA/HSA, credit cards and cash. We are currently taking new patients! She started practicing in 2009. Before this she was in education for 12 years. She specializes in trauma, individual, couples and family therapy. She treats individuals, children, couples and families. She has experience working in outpatient, crisis intervention, foster, adoption, family systems, premarital, marital, perinatal and postnatal and intensive in home therapy and group therapy. www.lhhealththerapies.com.
Jennifer is the founder and co-owner of LIghtHouse WholeHealth Therapy Center. We accept insurance, FSA/HSA, credit cards and cash. We are currently taking new patients! She started practicing in 2009. Before this she was in education for 12 years. She specializes in trauma, individual, couples and family therapy. She treats individuals, children, couples and families. She has experience working in outpatient, crisis intervention, foster, adoption, family systems, premarital, marital, perinatal and postnatal and intensive in home therapy and group therapy. www.lhhealththerapies.com.
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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.