Substance Use Therapists in Chicago, IL
![Photo of Emmi Barnoski, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/482ce795-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emmi Barnoski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614 (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with eating disorders and substance use disorders, in group and individual therapy, as well as in issues affecting the families of these clients.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with diverse populations of various ages, cultures and backgrounds. I have come to tailor my clinical practice toward assisting clients in discovering their true and unique values that can lead to a life worth living. I combine elements of dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution focused therapy and unified protocol to create specific treatment planning based on each individual client's needs.
I have extensive experience working with eating disorders and substance use disorders, in group and individual therapy, as well as in issues affecting the families of these clients.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with diverse populations of various ages, cultures and backgrounds. I have come to tailor my clinical practice toward assisting clients in discovering their true and unique values that can lead to a life worth living. I combine elements of dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution focused therapy and unified protocol to create specific treatment planning based on each individual client's needs.
![Photo of Susan Kottra, LCSW, CADC, CODPII, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d7bd3bd-8004-4dcb-abac-4ef15cc157f1/1/320x400.png)
Susan Kottra
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, CODPII
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
Are you looking for treatment for trauma and substance use? Are you exploring gender or sexual identity? Are you managing chronic mental health concerns, family or origin issues or co-occurring mental health and physical health concerns? I have been practicing in the field of social work for 25 years. My approach is holistic and strength-based. I aim to create a safe space for you to explore personal struggles and experiences. I seek to help you gain increased awareness of your emotions and to cope safely and effectively. I believe in the power of individuals to create change through exploration and relationship.
Are you looking for treatment for trauma and substance use? Are you exploring gender or sexual identity? Are you managing chronic mental health concerns, family or origin issues or co-occurring mental health and physical health concerns? I have been practicing in the field of social work for 25 years. My approach is holistic and strength-based. I aim to create a safe space for you to explore personal struggles and experiences. I seek to help you gain increased awareness of your emotions and to cope safely and effectively. I believe in the power of individuals to create change through exploration and relationship.
![Photo of Chris Tennant, MSW, LCSW, C-EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a77136ff-ee2b-4013-a550-d34fbc9f9811/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chris Tennant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, C-EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
Your decision to seek therapy is a sign of strength, courage, and respect for your personal well-being. I welcome people facing a variety of challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use challenges, LBGTQ+ identities, relationship issues, and the general "stuck" feeling. My therapeutic style is caring, encouraging and individualized in order to help each person learn skills to work with their emotions, see situations without judgment and recognize solutions that fit personal values. I also have a strong emphasis on diversity and social justice and incorporate it into my practice.
Your decision to seek therapy is a sign of strength, courage, and respect for your personal well-being. I welcome people facing a variety of challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use challenges, LBGTQ+ identities, relationship issues, and the general "stuck" feeling. My therapeutic style is caring, encouraging and individualized in order to help each person learn skills to work with their emotions, see situations without judgment and recognize solutions that fit personal values. I also have a strong emphasis on diversity and social justice and incorporate it into my practice.
![Photo of Colleen Vitt, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80795ff4-73df-43fa-8540-aebf201f6315/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a LCSW with over 15 years of experience treating individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, insomnia, grief and loss, life transitions, as well as those wanting to cut back or stop substance use.
I have worked with many clients who feel that everything they do, everything about them is just "wrong", not enough, not worthy. I strive to help clients understand that they are deserving of connection, acceptance and peace regardless of what past experience, other people, or even their own mind might be telling them. My approach is collaborative, incorporating curiosity, authenticity, openness and humor. It is through this collaborative process that I am able to help individuals gain insight into long held beliefs and patterns of behavior and to ultimately develop new ways of relating to themselves and others.
I am a LCSW with over 15 years of experience treating individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, insomnia, grief and loss, life transitions, as well as those wanting to cut back or stop substance use.
I have worked with many clients who feel that everything they do, everything about them is just "wrong", not enough, not worthy. I strive to help clients understand that they are deserving of connection, acceptance and peace regardless of what past experience, other people, or even their own mind might be telling them. My approach is collaborative, incorporating curiosity, authenticity, openness and humor. It is through this collaborative process that I am able to help individuals gain insight into long held beliefs and patterns of behavior and to ultimately develop new ways of relating to themselves and others.
![Photo of Carlos Echevarria, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48fa5e30-df93-4a27-8acb-1c85fc7200d5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carlos Echevarria
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60611 (Online Only)
I am passionate about the population I serve and am committed to advocating for mental health awareness and destigmatizing conversations around substance use disorders.
Welcome! I'm Carlos Echevarria, a dedicated and compassionate licensed clinical social worker practicing in Chicago, IL. As a Latinx therapist, my practice focuses on providing support and guidance to individuals facing various mental health challenges, including substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety.
I am passionate about the population I serve and am committed to advocating for mental health awareness and destigmatizing conversations around substance use disorders.
Welcome! I'm Carlos Echevarria, a dedicated and compassionate licensed clinical social worker practicing in Chicago, IL. As a Latinx therapist, my practice focuses on providing support and guidance to individuals facing various mental health challenges, including substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety.
![Photo of Rebecca Ebben, LCPC, ATR](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f43cc9ec-709b-46c4-aa78-fde044a1f99c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience as a counselor and art therapist in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, as well as a background in treating substance use disorders from a harm reductionist standpoint.
I use both talk therapy and art therapy to assist clients in building insight into thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as developing skills to cope with difficult life stressors. I strongly believe that practicing kindness and self-compassion does not contradict with personal growth and self-improvement. I view the client as the expert in their own life when identifying areas to work on and setting goals, and I see myself as a "fellow traveler" who, through non-judgemental collaboration and support, can help guide the client towards living a life that feels in line with their personal values.
I have extensive experience as a counselor and art therapist in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, as well as a background in treating substance use disorders from a harm reductionist standpoint.
I use both talk therapy and art therapy to assist clients in building insight into thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as developing skills to cope with difficult life stressors. I strongly believe that practicing kindness and self-compassion does not contradict with personal growth and self-improvement. I view the client as the expert in their own life when identifying areas to work on and setting goals, and I see myself as a "fellow traveler" who, through non-judgemental collaboration and support, can help guide the client towards living a life that feels in line with their personal values.
![Photo of Devon Migues, LCPC, NBCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/351a1faf-e915-4478-af1f-066743abc885/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in identity development & life transition work, harm reduction for individuals with substance use issues, relationship issues, mood & anxiety challenges, and supporting individuals who have endured trauma. I am a kink and poly aware therapist who enjoys working with relationships. I relying on an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) lens when working with relationship struggles. I am dedicated to serving Chicagoland’s LGBTQIA+ community and have a deep background in advocacy and direct service. I am especially dedicated to supporting TGNC individuals in the unique aspects of their journeys.
I specialize in identity development & life transition work, harm reduction for individuals with substance use issues, relationship issues, mood & anxiety challenges, and supporting individuals who have endured trauma. I am a kink and poly aware therapist who enjoys working with relationships. I relying on an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) lens when working with relationship struggles. I am dedicated to serving Chicagoland’s LGBTQIA+ community and have a deep background in advocacy and direct service. I am especially dedicated to supporting TGNC individuals in the unique aspects of their journeys.
![Photo of Mallory Mareski, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da096f98-21c0-4932-96f1-189365400377/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mallory Mareski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My past experiences include working with a diverse group of individuals and groups who have experienced domestic violence, military sexual trauma, incarceration, life transitions, as well as clients experiencing challenges with interpersonal relationships, depression, anxiety, substance use, emotional regulation, and coping with past traumatic experiences.
I approach therapy with the aim of fostering a healthy and strong therapeutic alliance to create a genuine and collaborative relationship to address life’s challenges together. I establish a non-judgmental and communicative space that allows us to explore challenging topics such as past trauma, stigma, emotional difficulties, and overwhelmed feelings. Together we will identify the impact of past experiences on current functioning, exploring the interplay of the physical, mental, and emotional.
My past experiences include working with a diverse group of individuals and groups who have experienced domestic violence, military sexual trauma, incarceration, life transitions, as well as clients experiencing challenges with interpersonal relationships, depression, anxiety, substance use, emotional regulation, and coping with past traumatic experiences.
I approach therapy with the aim of fostering a healthy and strong therapeutic alliance to create a genuine and collaborative relationship to address life’s challenges together. I establish a non-judgmental and communicative space that allows us to explore challenging topics such as past trauma, stigma, emotional difficulties, and overwhelmed feelings. Together we will identify the impact of past experiences on current functioning, exploring the interplay of the physical, mental, and emotional.
![Photo of Cassandra Brandes, PhD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/445654c5-d3d7-43bb-9c5c-b4960d117611/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mental health is intimately connected with every aspect of your life—your work, school, relationships, and overall well-being. Acknowledging the need for support is a crucial step towards achieving balance and fulfillment, and I offer a supportive space where you can explore your experiences without judgment. I work with adults and teens with a variety of concerns, but I specialize in anxiety, depression, alcohol or other substance use problems, addiction, OCD, ADHD, relationship issues, life transitions, and LGBTQIA+ and non-monogamy-related concerns.
Mental health is intimately connected with every aspect of your life—your work, school, relationships, and overall well-being. Acknowledging the need for support is a crucial step towards achieving balance and fulfillment, and I offer a supportive space where you can explore your experiences without judgment. I work with adults and teens with a variety of concerns, but I specialize in anxiety, depression, alcohol or other substance use problems, addiction, OCD, ADHD, relationship issues, life transitions, and LGBTQIA+ and non-monogamy-related concerns.
![Photo of Brian B McCann, MSW, LSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30ba9937-293d-41af-8773-f2c3bf93e431/1/320x400.jpeg)
I've previously worked in the substance use field and specialize specifically in all types of substance use disorders.
The issues that I help folks with include substance use, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma, body dysmorphia, & interpersonal relationships. I firmly believe that evidence-based psychotherapy, focused on one’s identity and their own experiences, can provide individuals with the agency they need to live the best version of their lives. It is critical to me that those I work with know that their uniqueness is part of what contributes to their strengths. Furthermore, it contributes to the strength-based approach I believe best helps individuals learn to love themselves in society today.
I've previously worked in the substance use field and specialize specifically in all types of substance use disorders.
The issues that I help folks with include substance use, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma, body dysmorphia, & interpersonal relationships. I firmly believe that evidence-based psychotherapy, focused on one’s identity and their own experiences, can provide individuals with the agency they need to live the best version of their lives. It is critical to me that those I work with know that their uniqueness is part of what contributes to their strengths. Furthermore, it contributes to the strength-based approach I believe best helps individuals learn to love themselves in society today.
![Photo of Richard M. Randolph, CADC, MA, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a6336a4-0574-491b-8387-42fdd2811a78/1/320x400.jpeg)
Richard M. Randolph
Licensed Professional Counselor, CADC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60643
I am a dedicated faith based therapist practicing at Solutions Counselling and Consulting Group. I have over 19 years of providing inpatient and outpatient services to those with Substance Use Disorders. Additionally I have worked with client that are in need of Mental Health therapy for 10 years. My goals are to help clients find solutions to the challenges impacting their mental, behavioral, social-emotional health and overall well-being. I work one-on-one and in small group settings in a safe, caring, and confidential environment.
I am a dedicated faith based therapist practicing at Solutions Counselling and Consulting Group. I have over 19 years of providing inpatient and outpatient services to those with Substance Use Disorders. Additionally I have worked with client that are in need of Mental Health therapy for 10 years. My goals are to help clients find solutions to the challenges impacting their mental, behavioral, social-emotional health and overall well-being. I work one-on-one and in small group settings in a safe, caring, and confidential environment.
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![Photo of Elaine A. Gordon, AM, LCSW, CADC, A-CBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5186759b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Elaine A. Gordon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LCSW, CADC, A-CBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611
I am also a certified alcohol and drug counselor with experience treating substance use disorders.
I am a solution-focused therapist with a collaborative, non-judgemental, and client centered approach to treatment. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their challenges and make progress towards creating healthy and satisfying lives. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other empirically validated treatments such as prolonged exposure (PE) and ERP. I have experience working with diverse populations in a variety of settings providing treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, and social anxiety.
I am also a certified alcohol and drug counselor with experience treating substance use disorders.
I am a solution-focused therapist with a collaborative, non-judgemental, and client centered approach to treatment. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their challenges and make progress towards creating healthy and satisfying lives. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other empirically validated treatments such as prolonged exposure (PE) and ERP. I have experience working with diverse populations in a variety of settings providing treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, and social anxiety.
![Photo of Aj (Abby) Carlson, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c5cd153-c7cc-4800-8a9f-15e87bc90fd0/2/320x400.jpeg)
As human beings, we all have a need to be seen, heard, and understood. Our relational needs are particularly important when in a place of struggle. As your therapist, I will strive to hold space, offer safety and relational connection as you reimagine and change your relationship with yourself, others, and the world around. I am experienced and passionate about working with individuals, groups, and queer couples. Areas of focus include LGBTQ identity work, becoming an anti-racist, embodiment, substance use, spiritual trauma, interpersonal and internal conflict, and anxiety.
As human beings, we all have a need to be seen, heard, and understood. Our relational needs are particularly important when in a place of struggle. As your therapist, I will strive to hold space, offer safety and relational connection as you reimagine and change your relationship with yourself, others, and the world around. I am experienced and passionate about working with individuals, groups, and queer couples. Areas of focus include LGBTQ identity work, becoming an anti-racist, embodiment, substance use, spiritual trauma, interpersonal and internal conflict, and anxiety.
![Photo of Casey McDonagh, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e22cd7d0-ad46-49f0-ad58-f5732c8c1121/2/320x400.jpeg)
Casey McDonagh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with clients who are struggling with their identity, relationships, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, trauma, substance use, and body image/disordered eating.
I have experience working with both adolescents and adults, providing individual therapy and group therapy in private practice, outpatient treatment, and inpatient treatment settings. I believe that healing and growth is possible when we are met with support, compassion, and accountability. I take a holistic and non-judgmental approach to help my clients meet their goals, explore their relationships, and feel more confident in their decisions.
I specialize in working with clients who are struggling with their identity, relationships, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, trauma, substance use, and body image/disordered eating.
I have experience working with both adolescents and adults, providing individual therapy and group therapy in private practice, outpatient treatment, and inpatient treatment settings. I believe that healing and growth is possible when we are met with support, compassion, and accountability. I take a holistic and non-judgmental approach to help my clients meet their goals, explore their relationships, and feel more confident in their decisions.
![Photo of Justin Kozak, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/331253dd-0bea-4f95-93eb-fc508d65c710/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Justin Kozak. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 10 years of clinical experience, and I am open to working with anyone; and have a wide range of experience treating Substance Use, Behavioral Issues, Anger Management, Depression, Trauma, and PTSD. I use Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Multicultural and Solution Focused Brief Therapies during a treatment session with my clients. I believe counseling is a partnership that assists you in exploring and addressing your mental, emotional, and behavioral needs.
I'm Justin Kozak. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 10 years of clinical experience, and I am open to working with anyone; and have a wide range of experience treating Substance Use, Behavioral Issues, Anger Management, Depression, Trauma, and PTSD. I use Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Multicultural and Solution Focused Brief Therapies during a treatment session with my clients. I believe counseling is a partnership that assists you in exploring and addressing your mental, emotional, and behavioral needs.
![Photo of Hannah Schwartz, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/550433cd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hannah Schwartz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618 (Online Only)
Common areas of focus in my sessions include: trauma, stress, anxiety, substance use concerns, grief/bereavement, LGBTQIAA concerns, and relationship concerns.
Life is messy and unpredictable. My counseling style is a client-centered and collaborative. My job is to help navigate you through your journey and provide you with any additional skills/tools you may require. Day time appointments available.
Common areas of focus in my sessions include: trauma, stress, anxiety, substance use concerns, grief/bereavement, LGBTQIAA concerns, and relationship concerns.
Life is messy and unpredictable. My counseling style is a client-centered and collaborative. My job is to help navigate you through your journey and provide you with any additional skills/tools you may require. Day time appointments available.
![Photo of Jake Rose, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f080b091-4100-40d8-b3a8-edc4b249de22/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jake Rose
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60654 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with substance use, codependency, relationship issues, shame, grief/loss, and disordered eating. I am specifically passionate about working with adults in the LGBTQ+ community. I utilize a strengths-based, solution-focused perspective and offer therapeutic interventions with warmth, humor, and directness.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with substance use, codependency, relationship issues, shame, grief/loss, and disordered eating. I am specifically passionate about working with adults in the LGBTQ+ community. I utilize a strengths-based, solution-focused perspective and offer therapeutic interventions with warmth, humor, and directness.
![Photo of Neeva Sandhu, LCPC, CRADC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe84adfb-4c40-490e-9bac-795d2b9d7eda/1/320x400.png)
Neeva Sandhu
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CRADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
My areas of expertise include working with concerns related to identity, life transitions, relationships, and intergenerational issues as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and substance use.
I approach therapy with warmth, acceptance, and humor through a culturally humble, anti-oppressive lens. I will work with you to understand the intersection of your identities, values, and beliefs, with the understanding that they are multi-faceted. My goal is to meet you where you are and understand the context of your life (familial, social, cultural, environmental). Together, we'll identify what’s important to you and work together to empower your sense of self and improve your quality of life.
My areas of expertise include working with concerns related to identity, life transitions, relationships, and intergenerational issues as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and substance use.
I approach therapy with warmth, acceptance, and humor through a culturally humble, anti-oppressive lens. I will work with you to understand the intersection of your identities, values, and beliefs, with the understanding that they are multi-faceted. My goal is to meet you where you are and understand the context of your life (familial, social, cultural, environmental). Together, we'll identify what’s important to you and work together to empower your sense of self and improve your quality of life.
![Photo of Jenna Jablonski, MA,LCPC, CCTP, CADC, CSITP, CAGCS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/571fbd31-874f-4ff1-acaf-cfb0c09a99cb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jenna Jablonski
Counselor, MA,LCPC, CCTP, CADC, CSITP, CAGCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University along with an additional certifications in substance use counseling, trauma, advanced grief, and integrative sex therapy. I use a person-centered orientation to treat adults with a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, panic, life/relationship/education/career transitions, grief, issues with attachment and relationships, self-esteem and self image, chronic mental health challenges, and maladaptive coping including challenges with substance use, avoidance, codependence, self-harm, isolation, and people-pleasing.
I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University along with an additional certifications in substance use counseling, trauma, advanced grief, and integrative sex therapy. I use a person-centered orientation to treat adults with a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, panic, life/relationship/education/career transitions, grief, issues with attachment and relationships, self-esteem and self image, chronic mental health challenges, and maladaptive coping including challenges with substance use, avoidance, codependence, self-harm, isolation, and people-pleasing.
![Photo of Christopher Nora, MS, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48470f7c-10a7-4cfe-8df3-4c6b0963f85a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher Nora
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602
I have interest in continuing to work with adult client populations experiencing moderate to severe anxiety, depression, obsessive and compulsive symptom presentation, as well as trauma and substance use.
I am a firm believer that the success of a therapeutic relationship can be determined within the first two sessions. A strong alliance between the practitioner and client is essential for the success of treatment. As such, I place a strong emphasis on creating an environment that fosters comfortable conversation, safety, and openness between us as partners in the therapeutic process. By doing so, and allowing conversation to flow naturally, I believe that a more authentic alliance can begin to develop. I adhere mainly to cognitive behavioral theory to serve as the backbone for the therapeutic techniques that I employ.
I have interest in continuing to work with adult client populations experiencing moderate to severe anxiety, depression, obsessive and compulsive symptom presentation, as well as trauma and substance use.
I am a firm believer that the success of a therapeutic relationship can be determined within the first two sessions. A strong alliance between the practitioner and client is essential for the success of treatment. As such, I place a strong emphasis on creating an environment that fosters comfortable conversation, safety, and openness between us as partners in the therapeutic process. By doing so, and allowing conversation to flow naturally, I believe that a more authentic alliance can begin to develop. I adhere mainly to cognitive behavioral theory to serve as the backbone for the therapeutic techniques that I employ.
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Substance Use Therapists
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, counselors, 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.