Substance Use Counselling in Sydney, NSW

Photo of Helen Bennett, Counsellor in Sydney, NSW
Helen Bennett
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Surry Hills, NSW 2010
With both professional and lived experience of mental illness, substance use and weight stigma, Helen has been working in health and mental health care settings for fourteen years.
You don't need to be alone in how you're feeling and what you are experiencing. Therapy involves working with emotional pain, and in so doing we must access tremendous courage. It has taken courage for you to be considering counselling, to have spoken to a loved one about your mental health, to be here on this website right now, reading this. Empathy is a hostile environment for shame, and I will meet your courage with compassion and connection.
With both professional and lived experience of mental illness, substance use and weight stigma, Helen has been working in health and mental health care settings for fourteen years.
You don't need to be alone in how you're feeling and what you are experiencing. Therapy involves working with emotional pain, and in so doing we must access tremendous courage. It has taken courage for you to be considering counselling, to have spoken to a loved one about your mental health, to be here on this website right now, reading this. Empathy is a hostile environment for shame, and I will meet your courage with compassion and connection.
(02) 9100 0367 View (02) 9100 0367
Photo of Marijn Cugati, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Marijn Cugati
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA Prov
Verified Verified
North Sydney, NSW 2060
I work with a wide range of presentations, including depression, anxiety (generalised, social, phobias, panic), substance use, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and grief, anger, stress and self-esteem concerns.
Hello, I'm Marijn, Psychologist in North Sydney with a strong passion for my work. My approach is friendly, respectful, open, and non-judgemental. I have a strong and genuine interest in people and their life stories. I like to work collaboratively, working through what is going on for you, desired outcomes, and what can be done to achieve a required change. While working through this, I encourage a broad perspective, addressing emotional, physical, intellectual, social, occupational, and spiritual aspects which impact psychological wellbeing.
I work with a wide range of presentations, including depression, anxiety (generalised, social, phobias, panic), substance use, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and grief, anger, stress and self-esteem concerns.
Hello, I'm Marijn, Psychologist in North Sydney with a strong passion for my work. My approach is friendly, respectful, open, and non-judgemental. I have a strong and genuine interest in people and their life stories. I like to work collaboratively, working through what is going on for you, desired outcomes, and what can be done to achieve a required change. While working through this, I encourage a broad perspective, addressing emotional, physical, intellectual, social, occupational, and spiritual aspects which impact psychological wellbeing.
(02) 9100 0717 View (02) 9100 0717
Photo of Mary McConochie, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Mary McConochie
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Woollahra, NSW 2025
I have over ten years experience working with children, adolescents and adults experiencing various mental health issues. I work with various mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, grief and loss, trauma and substance use and dependence. I use evidence based psychological interventions to treat mental health disorders, which include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Mindfulness and Relapse Prevention.
I have over ten years experience working with children, adolescents and adults experiencing various mental health issues. I work with various mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, grief and loss, trauma and substance use and dependence. I use evidence based psychological interventions to treat mental health disorders, which include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Mindfulness and Relapse Prevention.
(02) 9054 5269 View (02) 9054 5269
Photo of The TARA Clinic, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
The TARA Clinic
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Bronte, NSW 2024  (Online Only)
Society has viewed addiction as a weakness that you are powerless over or a defect of character only impacting those from lower socioeconomic status. The reality is that addiction doesn't discriminate! The TARA Clinic helps busy and successful people to regain control over substance use and addiction while leaving the guilt and shame behind, because we believe that everyone deserves to find the freedom they truly crave.
Society has viewed addiction as a weakness that you are powerless over or a defect of character only impacting those from lower socioeconomic status. The reality is that addiction doesn't discriminate! The TARA Clinic helps busy and successful people to regain control over substance use and addiction while leaving the guilt and shame behind, because we believe that everyone deserves to find the freedom they truly crave.
(02) 8074 5497 View (02) 8074 5497
Photo of Aaron Skilton, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Aaron Skilton
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
I am a psychologist and clinical psychology registrar with immediate availability to begin treatment. I have broad experience in child and adult mental health and have worked in multiple treatment settings - the Centre for Emotional Health (child anxiety), St Vincent’s Hospital (adult anxiety, OCD, phobia, panic attacks, social anxiety), Westmead Children's Hospital (chronic illness, chronic pain), and the Sydney University Clinic (adult anxiety, depression, ADHD, family therapy). I currently work part-time as a psychologist at Northern Beaches Hospital.
I am a psychologist and clinical psychology registrar with immediate availability to begin treatment. I have broad experience in child and adult mental health and have worked in multiple treatment settings - the Centre for Emotional Health (child anxiety), St Vincent’s Hospital (adult anxiety, OCD, phobia, panic attacks, social anxiety), Westmead Children's Hospital (chronic illness, chronic pain), and the Sydney University Clinic (adult anxiety, depression, ADHD, family therapy). I currently work part-time as a psychologist at Northern Beaches Hospital.
(02) 8403 0826 View (02) 8403 0826
Photo of Travis Michael Grogan, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Travis Michael Grogan
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
I support individuals with their mental health, specifically depression, anxiety, substance use, emotional regulation, social skills, identity, self-esteem, and relationships.
I'm here to help people navigate life's complex twists and turns. I love to work with adolescents (15+) and adults, couples, and families, supporting them to understand why they are seeking therapy and to build strategies to grow develop lasting change. My ideal client(s) is a person or a couple who comes to the first session, that's it. Often, that can be the biggest of step!
I support individuals with their mental health, specifically depression, anxiety, substance use, emotional regulation, social skills, identity, self-esteem, and relationships.
I'm here to help people navigate life's complex twists and turns. I love to work with adolescents (15+) and adults, couples, and families, supporting them to understand why they are seeking therapy and to build strategies to grow develop lasting change. My ideal client(s) is a person or a couple who comes to the first session, that's it. Often, that can be the biggest of step!
(02) 9100 0027 View (02) 9100 0027
Photo of Stacey McCraw, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Stacey McCraw
Psychologist, MPsych, MACPA
Verified Verified
Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
I have special interests in providing therapy to adults experiencing anxiety (panic or social), often on a background of trauma or difficult childhood experiences, and sometimes with substance use. Finding direction and purpose, overcoming depressed mood, and reducing relationship and work pressures are also common challenges that I assist with. I offer strategies useful for managing overwhelming feelings so that you can have more choice in how to respond to stress.
I have special interests in providing therapy to adults experiencing anxiety (panic or social), often on a background of trauma or difficult childhood experiences, and sometimes with substance use. Finding direction and purpose, overcoming depressed mood, and reducing relationship and work pressures are also common challenges that I assist with. I offer strategies useful for managing overwhelming feelings so that you can have more choice in how to respond to stress.
(02) 9331 7546 View (02) 9331 7546
Photo of Danielle Jenkins, Counsellor in Sydney, NSW
Danielle Jenkins
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Glebe, NSW 2037
My clients are typically seeking peace in areas of their life involving, but not limited to: Relationships; Substance Use; Parenting; Grief & Loss; Trauma; Career Management.
My clients are typically seeking peace in areas of their life involving, but not limited to: Relationships; Substance Use; Parenting; Grief & Loss; Trauma; Career Management.
(02) 9100 0637 View (02) 9100 0637
Photo of Drummoyne Psychology, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Drummoyne Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified Verified
Drummoyne, NSW 2047
The staff at Drummoyne enjoy using a variety of psychological methods to assist those who describe feeling stuck in repetitive patterns to enact change in one or multiple areas of their life, including lifestyle, substance use, depression, anxiety, relationships, and work.
The staff at Drummoyne Psychology are warm and non-judgemental Clinical Psychologists. They work with people to increase life quality, taking a holistic approach to bring sustained change. They aim to work with each person in a tailored application of psychology, to reduce suffering, build resilience and cultivate inner contentment. The staff at Drummoyne Psycholo are experienced therapists who are also experienced relationship counsellors and have a passion for improving communication, increasing validation and fostering connection in relationships.
The staff at Drummoyne enjoy using a variety of psychological methods to assist those who describe feeling stuck in repetitive patterns to enact change in one or multiple areas of their life, including lifestyle, substance use, depression, anxiety, relationships, and work.
The staff at Drummoyne Psychology are warm and non-judgemental Clinical Psychologists. They work with people to increase life quality, taking a holistic approach to bring sustained change. They aim to work with each person in a tailored application of psychology, to reduce suffering, build resilience and cultivate inner contentment. The staff at Drummoyne Psycholo are experienced therapists who are also experienced relationship counsellors and have a passion for improving communication, increasing validation and fostering connection in relationships.
(02) 8188 4629 View (02) 8188 4629
Photo of Joseph Zhang, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Joseph Zhang
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burwood, NSW 2134
I am interested in a range of presentations including anxiety, self-esteem, relationships/attachment, substance use/addictions, depression, trauma, and personality.
I am interested in a range of presentations including anxiety, self-esteem, relationships/attachment, substance use/addictions, depression, trauma, and personality.
(02) 9538 7018 View (02) 9538 7018
Photo of Katrina English, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Katrina English
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leichhardt, NSW 2040
I am a registered psychologist working with young people (14+) and adults who experience mood and/or emotion dysregulation; struggle with addictive or compulsive behaviours, including substance use, suicidal thoughts and self-harm; eating disorders; and people who have experienced trauma, including painful early life experiences. I have experience working with individuals, groups and families across education, health and community settings. I aim to create a warm and validating space in which you can safely explore your challenges and work towards a greater sense of self-agency, and compassionate understanding of yourself.
I am a registered psychologist working with young people (14+) and adults who experience mood and/or emotion dysregulation; struggle with addictive or compulsive behaviours, including substance use, suicidal thoughts and self-harm; eating disorders; and people who have experienced trauma, including painful early life experiences. I have experience working with individuals, groups and families across education, health and community settings. I aim to create a warm and validating space in which you can safely explore your challenges and work towards a greater sense of self-agency, and compassionate understanding of yourself.
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Photo of Clinical Psychology & Counselling Centre, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Clinical Psychology & Counselling Centre
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified Verified
Edgecliff, NSW 2027
We are a small group of psychologists, providing individual and couples counselling and psychological assessments. We treat depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance use issues, relationship difficulties and a wide range of emotional and psychological problems. We can arrange assessments and provide reports for legal and individual purposes. All our psychologists are Medicare approved and registered with private health insurers. Call us to find out more information.
We are a small group of psychologists, providing individual and couples counselling and psychological assessments. We treat depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance use issues, relationship difficulties and a wide range of emotional and psychological problems. We can arrange assessments and provide reports for legal and individual purposes. All our psychologists are Medicare approved and registered with private health insurers. Call us to find out more information.
(02) 8069 5406 View (02) 8069 5406
Photo of Vass Tsiakalis, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Vass Tsiakalis
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Erskineville, NSW 2043
Vass holds degrees in Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, and works with individuals through short-term counselling and longer-term psychotherapy. He provides treatment for life dissatisfaction, negative thinking, anxiety, substance use, relationship difficulties, and others. Vass is also trained in the Life Management Program to determine the root causes of dissatisfaction in life and the blocks to personal growth.
Vass holds degrees in Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, and works with individuals through short-term counselling and longer-term psychotherapy. He provides treatment for life dissatisfaction, negative thinking, anxiety, substance use, relationship difficulties, and others. Vass is also trained in the Life Management Program to determine the root causes of dissatisfaction in life and the blocks to personal growth.
(02) 8806 0069 View (02) 8806 0069
Photo of Simon van der Stap, Counsellor in Sydney, NSW
Simon van der Stap
Counsellor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wolli Creek, NSW 2205
I offer a warm, genuine, Person-Centred approach and have extensive clinical experience with Substance Use Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Workplace Bullying, Life-Goals, Assertiveness Training and sudden, Life-Changing Events.
My name is Simon van der Stap and at Creative State Counselling and Psychotherapy, I'm passionate about helping people create the changes they want for their lives. Whether you struggle with clinical disorders such as anxiety or depression, historical issues such as trauma, self-defeating habits and behaviours that keep you stuck, lack of direction or assertiveness, or simply a desire for a richer and more meaningful life, being in a state to create lasting change is the first step. I've helped hundreds of people achieve their health, wellness, career and life-direction goals, and I look forward to working with you.
I offer a warm, genuine, Person-Centred approach and have extensive clinical experience with Substance Use Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Workplace Bullying, Life-Goals, Assertiveness Training and sudden, Life-Changing Events.
My name is Simon van der Stap and at Creative State Counselling and Psychotherapy, I'm passionate about helping people create the changes they want for their lives. Whether you struggle with clinical disorders such as anxiety or depression, historical issues such as trauma, self-defeating habits and behaviours that keep you stuck, lack of direction or assertiveness, or simply a desire for a richer and more meaningful life, being in a state to create lasting change is the first step. I've helped hundreds of people achieve their health, wellness, career and life-direction goals, and I look forward to working with you.
(02) 9159 3750 View (02) 9159 3750
Photo of Jennifer Gardner, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Jennifer Gardner
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Pymble, NSW 2073
Jenn is experienced in assessment and treatment of a range of mental health concerns, with particular expertise in treating complex presentations from age 19 up, including: complex trauma, PTSD, substance use, grief/loss, mood/anxiety disorders, emotional dysregulation and personality disorders.
Jenn has a warm, empathic, collaborative, trauma-informed approach to therapy. She is passionate about supporting and empowering people to improve their emotional wellbeing, increase quality of life, cope with difficulties, manage distress, and bring about meaningful, lasting change.
Jenn is experienced in assessment and treatment of a range of mental health concerns, with particular expertise in treating complex presentations from age 19 up, including: complex trauma, PTSD, substance use, grief/loss, mood/anxiety disorders, emotional dysregulation and personality disorders.
Jenn has a warm, empathic, collaborative, trauma-informed approach to therapy. She is passionate about supporting and empowering people to improve their emotional wellbeing, increase quality of life, cope with difficulties, manage distress, and bring about meaningful, lasting change.
0438 299 873 View 0438 299 873
Photo of Saniya Singh, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Saniya Singh
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Burwood, NSW 2134
I have a special interest in working with trauma and attachment injuries, co-occurring difficulties, such as disordered eating, self-harm, substance use and relationship difficulties.
I am a Psychologist and PhD (Clinical Psychology) Candidate at the University of Wollongong. I work with people from medium to long-term, depending on their needs to address a range of difficulties including anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, anger and issues with identity. I adopt an exploratory and curious approach to help people understand themselves and their behavioural patterns. I use a combination of skills based approaches (cognitive behaviour therapy and acceptance based approaches) and deeper approaches (e.g., attachment, schema and psychodynamic approaches) in my work to make therapy meaningful and practical.
I have a special interest in working with trauma and attachment injuries, co-occurring difficulties, such as disordered eating, self-harm, substance use and relationship difficulties.
I am a Psychologist and PhD (Clinical Psychology) Candidate at the University of Wollongong. I work with people from medium to long-term, depending on their needs to address a range of difficulties including anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, anger and issues with identity. I adopt an exploratory and curious approach to help people understand themselves and their behavioural patterns. I use a combination of skills based approaches (cognitive behaviour therapy and acceptance based approaches) and deeper approaches (e.g., attachment, schema and psychodynamic approaches) in my work to make therapy meaningful and practical.
(02) 8105 6839 View (02) 8105 6839
Photo of Amber Rules - Sydney Addictions Recovery, Psychotherapist in Sydney, NSW
Amber Rules - Sydney Addictions Recovery
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Leichhardt, NSW 2040
I specialise in helping clients manage substance use issues, such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco, as well as potentially addictive behaviours such as gambling.
Do you struggle with drugs, alcohol, gambling or another addictive behaviour that is difficult to shake? Or are you a family member who is impacted by someone else's addictive behaviours? I can help you understand addiction and make sense of the chaos it causes in your life. Together, we'll use a combination of education, information and counselling support to ensure you can make choices that you're happy with, and live a life you're proud of. I also work with people experiencing complex mental and physical health issues that can accompany addiction, such as ADHD/ADD, chronic pain, relational difficulties, and psychiatric diagnoses.
I specialise in helping clients manage substance use issues, such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco, as well as potentially addictive behaviours such as gambling.
Do you struggle with drugs, alcohol, gambling or another addictive behaviour that is difficult to shake? Or are you a family member who is impacted by someone else's addictive behaviours? I can help you understand addiction and make sense of the chaos it causes in your life. Together, we'll use a combination of education, information and counselling support to ensure you can make choices that you're happy with, and live a life you're proud of. I also work with people experiencing complex mental and physical health issues that can accompany addiction, such as ADHD/ADD, chronic pain, relational difficulties, and psychiatric diagnoses.
(02) 9158 6064 View (02) 9158 6064
Photo of Kerrie Ann Baker, Counsellor in Sydney, NSW
Kerrie Ann Baker
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Smithfield, NSW 2164
Hi, I'm Kerrie. I'm a Clinical Counsellor who is passionate about working in the mental health space. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, using drugs or alcohol to help you cope? Are you unable to move past a challenging time in your life or sick of waking up every day feeling the same? Are you ready to get help? I work with adults with a variety of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorder, grief and loss, relationship issues and developing boundaries.
Hi, I'm Kerrie. I'm a Clinical Counsellor who is passionate about working in the mental health space. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, using drugs or alcohol to help you cope? Are you unable to move past a challenging time in your life or sick of waking up every day feeling the same? Are you ready to get help? I work with adults with a variety of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorder, grief and loss, relationship issues and developing boundaries.
(02) 8105 5818 View (02) 8105 5818
Photo of Aly Birmingham Geats, Counsellor in Sydney, NSW
Aly Birmingham Geats
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Wahroonga, NSW 2076
Are you struggling with your drinking or substance use? Do you have some grief or trauma in your life or from your past that you can't move on from? I work to support women and their families with these issues specifically. Please give me a call so we can talk about what you would do to start living a life you are happy in. I never judge and always care about your journey with discretion and complete confidentiality, Aly.
Are you struggling with your drinking or substance use? Do you have some grief or trauma in your life or from your past that you can't move on from? I work to support women and their families with these issues specifically. Please give me a call so we can talk about what you would do to start living a life you are happy in. I never judge and always care about your journey with discretion and complete confidentiality, Aly.
(02) 8403 0338 View (02) 8403 0338
Photo of Jasmine Wong, Psychologist in Sydney, NSW
Jasmine Wong
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Ryde, NSW 2113
I have worked extensively in the public health sector, predominantly in the fields of health psychology (including chronic pain, spinal cord injury, diabetes and orthopaedic rehabilitation) and substance use/addiction.
I enjoy connecting with and understanding each client as a unique individual who deserves a supportive space for exploration and reflection. I am skilled at assisting my clients to explore issues and challenges which interfere with their desired level of wellbeing and personal growth. I help my clients to make sense of their experiences and develop better ways of living and coping through a balance of acceptance and change.
I have worked extensively in the public health sector, predominantly in the fields of health psychology (including chronic pain, spinal cord injury, diabetes and orthopaedic rehabilitation) and substance use/addiction.
I enjoy connecting with and understanding each client as a unique individual who deserves a supportive space for exploration and reflection. I am skilled at assisting my clients to explore issues and challenges which interfere with their desired level of wellbeing and personal growth. I help my clients to make sense of their experiences and develop better ways of living and coping through a balance of acceptance and change.
(02) 8503 4419 View (02) 8503 4419

See more therapy options for Sydney

Substance Use Counsellors

How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?

In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.

How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?

Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.

How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.

Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?

There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.