Addiction Psychologists and Therapists in Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC

Jeremy Cohen
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Yarraville, VIC 3013
I am a creative and collaborative clinician with a practice wisdom that has developed over twenty-five years in clinical and public health roles working with individuals, kids and teens, couples and groups, ranging across Alcohol & Other Drug, Oncology Hospital Social Work, Hospital Mental Health and Juvenile Justice sectors as well as in private practice.
My eclectic approach draws on different clinical modalities in which I am proficient, tailored to the needs of each client – approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Depth psychology, psychoanalytic psychotherapy or other hybrid approaches.
I am a creative and collaborative clinician with a practice wisdom that has developed over twenty-five years in clinical and public health roles working with individuals, kids and teens, couples and groups, ranging across Alcohol & Other Drug, Oncology Hospital Social Work, Hospital Mental Health and Juvenile Justice sectors as well as in private practice.
My eclectic approach draws on different clinical modalities in which I am proficient, tailored to the needs of each client – approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Depth psychology, psychoanalytic psychotherapy or other hybrid approaches.
(03) 9007 2552 View (03) 9007 2552
Chanelle Adam
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Hawthorn, VIC 3122
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but at the heart of therapy is connection - and that’s what I try my best to prioritise in our sessions. I believe therapy shouldn’t feel clinical or detached; it should feel like a conversation with someone who truly sees you. I work specifically with young adults aged 18 - 35, and I have a special interest in working with trauma, attachment difficulties, anxiety disorders, young adults who are experiencing family and relationship difficulties, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people who are experiencing identity struggles or those just feeling "stuck".
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but at the heart of therapy is connection - and that’s what I try my best to prioritise in our sessions. I believe therapy shouldn’t feel clinical or detached; it should feel like a conversation with someone who truly sees you. I work specifically with young adults aged 18 - 35, and I have a special interest in working with trauma, attachment difficulties, anxiety disorders, young adults who are experiencing family and relationship difficulties, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people who are experiencing identity struggles or those just feeling "stuck".
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Awombda Codd
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Footscray, VIC 3011
She has worked in the community sector for over 25 years in mental health, homelessness and drug and alcohol.
Balancing challenge and support Awombda incorporates somatic experiencing, art therapy, DBT, strengths based approach and mindfulness into her practice. “I hope to offer my clients an alternative experience by supporting them to find a sense of freedom from the patterns of the past”.
She has worked in the community sector for over 25 years in mental health, homelessness and drug and alcohol.
Balancing challenge and support Awombda incorporates somatic experiencing, art therapy, DBT, strengths based approach and mindfulness into her practice. “I hope to offer my clients an alternative experience by supporting them to find a sense of freedom from the patterns of the past”.
(03) 8797 5391 View (03) 8797 5391
Nelly Uhlenkott
Psychotherapist, MA, AASW
Brunswick, VIC 3056
People come to see me for many different reasons, such as experiencing depression or anxiety; having relationship difficulties (with partners, family, friends, or colleagues); living with the impacts of trauma; going through major life transitions or loss; managing addictions; exploring aspects of sexuality; dealing with a harsh inner critic; or feeling "stuck”/lost and seeking direction, meaning, or purpose.
Therapy can help you better understand yourself and your patterns - and get back in the driver's seat of your life, where you can make conscious choices instead of running on "autopilot". Finding new ways forward can transform your relationship with yourself and with others, and your outlook on life. I'm here to guide that process.
People come to see me for many different reasons, such as experiencing depression or anxiety; having relationship difficulties (with partners, family, friends, or colleagues); living with the impacts of trauma; going through major life transitions or loss; managing addictions; exploring aspects of sexuality; dealing with a harsh inner critic; or feeling "stuck”/lost and seeking direction, meaning, or purpose.
Therapy can help you better understand yourself and your patterns - and get back in the driver's seat of your life, where you can make conscious choices instead of running on "autopilot". Finding new ways forward can transform your relationship with yourself and with others, and your outlook on life. I'm here to guide that process.
(03) 8595 5018 View (03) 8595 5018
Chloe Shale
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Chelsea Heights, VIC 3196
Chloe supports clients navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, adjustment difficulties, life transitions, trauma, and addiction.
Warm, calm, and non-judgemental, Chloe creates a safe space where clients can explore both immediate challenges and deeper patterns they wish to shift. Drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), she helps clients not only reduce symptoms but also reconnect with their values and build a life that feels meaningful and aligned.
Chloe supports clients navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, adjustment difficulties, life transitions, trauma, and addiction.
Warm, calm, and non-judgemental, Chloe creates a safe space where clients can explore both immediate challenges and deeper patterns they wish to shift. Drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), she helps clients not only reduce symptoms but also reconnect with their values and build a life that feels meaningful and aligned.
0422 092 191 View 0422 092 191
Derek Goodlake
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
Sandringham, VIC 3191
I've been a counsellor and therapist for over 22 years working with diverse client groups across Australia, the UK, the Irish Republic Along the way, I've trained in talking therapies, CBT, working with dissociation, parts, alcohol and drugs and hypnotherapy.
I specialise in using EMDR to process trauma. You may feel overwhelmed with negative thoughts, memories and fears about the future. Often no amount of arguing with ourselves seems to help. Maybe you've tried talking therapy before but the underlying problems are still there. Perhaps you're fed up with telling your story again and again. I use EMDR because it isn't talking therapy and doesn't require repeated exposure to traumatic memories, which is often traumatising in itself. I don't need to ask you to go into details of traumatic events.
I've been a counsellor and therapist for over 22 years working with diverse client groups across Australia, the UK, the Irish Republic Along the way, I've trained in talking therapies, CBT, working with dissociation, parts, alcohol and drugs and hypnotherapy.
I specialise in using EMDR to process trauma. You may feel overwhelmed with negative thoughts, memories and fears about the future. Often no amount of arguing with ourselves seems to help. Maybe you've tried talking therapy before but the underlying problems are still there. Perhaps you're fed up with telling your story again and again. I use EMDR because it isn't talking therapy and doesn't require repeated exposure to traumatic memories, which is often traumatising in itself. I don't need to ask you to go into details of traumatic events.
(03) 7500 5043 View (03) 7500 5043
Dr Kimberly Mercuri
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Coburg North, VIC 3058
Our ideal clients are children, adolescents, adults and families seeking thoughtful, compassionate psychological support. Many come to DKM feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or wanting clarity around mental health, neurodivergence, learning, behaviour or emotional wellbeing. Our team helps by taking time to understand the whole person, offering neuroaffirming, trauma-informed therapy and assessment, and providing practical recommendations that support meaningful next steps at home, school, work and in relationships.
Our ideal clients are children, adolescents, adults and families seeking thoughtful, compassionate psychological support. Many come to DKM feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or wanting clarity around mental health, neurodivergence, learning, behaviour or emotional wellbeing. Our team helps by taking time to understand the whole person, offering neuroaffirming, trauma-informed therapy and assessment, and providing practical recommendations that support meaningful next steps at home, school, work and in relationships.
0431 681 861 View 0431 681 861
Ruairi Gallagher
Social Worker, AMHSW
2 Endorsed
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Whilst working on Vancouver Island, I ran addictions support groups made up of an assortment of individuals.
Since returning to Australia in 2014, my focus has largely been on PTSD and how it impacts sexuality, pleasure and identity. I held a counsellor role at a rights-based sex worker organisation and I continue trauma-specific counselling at a sexual assault centre. I also have a long-standing activist history, participating in many social justice campaigns.
Whilst working on Vancouver Island, I ran addictions support groups made up of an assortment of individuals.
Since returning to Australia in 2014, my focus has largely been on PTSD and how it impacts sexuality, pleasure and identity. I held a counsellor role at a rights-based sex worker organisation and I continue trauma-specific counselling at a sexual assault centre. I also have a long-standing activist history, participating in many social justice campaigns.
(03) 8338 4331 View (03) 8338 4331
Yulia Mitchell
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Doncaster, VIC 3108
A very warm welcome! My name is Yulia Mitchell and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Eco-psychotherapist, Registered EMDR practitioner and qualified Mindfulness-Based-Stress- Reduction Teacher. My passion is to provide you with a high quality evidence-based and yet very holistic and individually tailored therapy in a safe, compassionate, trauma-informed and nurturing space. Whether you need a temporary and immediate relief from the challenges you experience or you would like to dive deeper into the existential stuff and really unpack internal processes in a search for meaning - I am here to support you.
A very warm welcome! My name is Yulia Mitchell and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Eco-psychotherapist, Registered EMDR practitioner and qualified Mindfulness-Based-Stress- Reduction Teacher. My passion is to provide you with a high quality evidence-based and yet very holistic and individually tailored therapy in a safe, compassionate, trauma-informed and nurturing space. Whether you need a temporary and immediate relief from the challenges you experience or you would like to dive deeper into the existential stuff and really unpack internal processes in a search for meaning - I am here to support you.
(03) 8771 4505 View (03) 8771 4505
Prodigal Family Services
Counsellor, ACA-L4
Caulfield North, VIC 3161
I'm an Addiction Specialist, Clinical Counsellor, Christian Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor.
My passion is to help individuals and their families connect through the crisis of addiction and recovery. I also offer Clinical Supervision, Relationship Counselling and Generalised Counselling dealing with issues including mental health, grief & loss, life transitions, men’s issues, pornography addiction, work & relational stress and family therapy. ​
I'm an Addiction Specialist, Clinical Counsellor, Christian Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor.
My passion is to help individuals and their families connect through the crisis of addiction and recovery. I also offer Clinical Supervision, Relationship Counselling and Generalised Counselling dealing with issues including mental health, grief & loss, life transitions, men’s issues, pornography addiction, work & relational stress and family therapy. ​
(03) 8658 8900 View (03) 8658 8900
Melissa Smoker
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Greensborough, VIC 3088
Melissa currently provides individual therapy to teens and adults experiencing a range of issues including trauma, sleep concerns, addictions, life transitions, general anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, ADHD coaching.
I am currently accepting new referrals - book through my booking link via my website
Melissa currently provides individual therapy to teens and adults experiencing a range of issues including trauma, sleep concerns, addictions, life transitions, general anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, ADHD coaching.
I am currently accepting new referrals - book through my booking link via my website
(03) 8400 0989 View (03) 8400 0989
Romir Akhil
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Online Only
Hi, I’m Romir. I work especially well with men navigating identity struggles, addictive patterns, avoidance, and a sense of emotional or spiritual disconnection. You may look like you’re functioning on the outside, but underneath feel stuck, lost, or disconnected from yourself. Therapy can be a space to slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and begin finding your way back.
Hi, I’m Romir. I work especially well with men navigating identity struggles, addictive patterns, avoidance, and a sense of emotional or spiritual disconnection. You may look like you’re functioning on the outside, but underneath feel stuck, lost, or disconnected from yourself. Therapy can be a space to slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and begin finding your way back.
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Amy Redman Psychology - EMDR/ Trauma Psychologist
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Glen Huntly, VIC 3163
Hi I'm Amy, I am a Counselling Psychologist. I create a friendly, supportive and non judgemental environment and enjoy working with adolescents, young adults and adults. My therapeutic approach is client centred, where client's goals, interest and preferences guide treatment. I am passionate about working collaboratively with clients to identify and achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being and experience of life’s many challenges.
Hi I'm Amy, I am a Counselling Psychologist. I create a friendly, supportive and non judgemental environment and enjoy working with adolescents, young adults and adults. My therapeutic approach is client centred, where client's goals, interest and preferences guide treatment. I am passionate about working collaboratively with clients to identify and achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being and experience of life’s many challenges.
0444 572 251 View 0444 572 251
Vanessa Bryden-Jones
Psychotherapist, MC, PACFA
Preston, VIC 3072
You may be struggling with relationships, self-worth, boundaries or emotional wellbeing, or navigating trauma, loss, addiction or significant change.
I work primarily from a psychodynamic, existential and attachment-based perspective, exploring the patterns that shape how we relate to ourselves and others. My approach is trauma-informed and integrative, drawing on a range of therapeutic perspectives to support deeper understanding and meaningful change.
You may be struggling with relationships, self-worth, boundaries or emotional wellbeing, or navigating trauma, loss, addiction or significant change.
I work primarily from a psychodynamic, existential and attachment-based perspective, exploring the patterns that shape how we relate to ourselves and others. My approach is trauma-informed and integrative, drawing on a range of therapeutic perspectives to support deeper understanding and meaningful change.
0421 209 156 View 0421 209 156
Martin Grinter
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Greensborough, VIC 3088
I see adults with anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, addiction and mood disorders.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist that helps individuals and couples navigate challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships. My approach is person centered, utilising the therapeutic relationship to help you cultivate greater understanding of what might be leaving you feeling stuck or overwhelmed, directing self-compassion to your experience and moving you towards a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling for you. I work with couples to help increase intimacy, manage conflict in healthier ways, repair previous relationship wounds, strengthen the friendship and regain fondness and admiration for one another.
I see adults with anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, addiction and mood disorders.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist that helps individuals and couples navigate challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships. My approach is person centered, utilising the therapeutic relationship to help you cultivate greater understanding of what might be leaving you feeling stuck or overwhelmed, directing self-compassion to your experience and moving you towards a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling for you. I work with couples to help increase intimacy, manage conflict in healthier ways, repair previous relationship wounds, strengthen the friendship and regain fondness and admiration for one another.
(03) 8400 0751 View (03) 8400 0751
Heart and Hope Counselling
Social Worker, AMHSW
Footscray, VIC 3011
I provide counselling, therapy and social work services in both the Ballarat and Footscray areas as well as online. I provide supportive, empathic and flexible responses to individual needs, taking the body, mind and soul into consideration. I have over thirty years of counselling experience and have particular expertise in grief and loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, mental health issues and working with many other concerns. I am passionate about holding the hope and working from the heart as well as utilising diverse knowledge and skills. It is important to me that counselling is affordable to people who need it.
I provide counselling, therapy and social work services in both the Ballarat and Footscray areas as well as online. I provide supportive, empathic and flexible responses to individual needs, taking the body, mind and soul into consideration. I have over thirty years of counselling experience and have particular expertise in grief and loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, mental health issues and working with many other concerns. I am passionate about holding the hope and working from the heart as well as utilising diverse knowledge and skills. It is important to me that counselling is affordable to people who need it.
(03) 8658 2101 View (03) 8658 2101
Chris Van Der Pluym
Counsellor, AASW
Brunswick, VIC 3056
In Brunswick, Bundoora and Whittlesea Victoria. Check my website for more information on locations. Let's discover your story together and understand why it feels as though you're stuck and look for ways to move forward. We can demystify your anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other challenges to find out what they are and where they have come from, and apply grounded strategies with support to help you make changes, move forward, and start kicking goals.
In Brunswick, Bundoora and Whittlesea Victoria. Check my website for more information on locations. Let's discover your story together and understand why it feels as though you're stuck and look for ways to move forward. We can demystify your anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other challenges to find out what they are and where they have come from, and apply grounded strategies with support to help you make changes, move forward, and start kicking goals.
(03) 9716 3322 View (03) 9716 3322
Blokes Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Cheltenham, VIC 3192
Accepting New Clients Now! Our mission at Blokes Psychology is to empower and support men in their mental health journey. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where men can openly discuss their life challenges, feelings and emotions without fear of judgment. Through evidence-based practices and a holistic approach, we aim to assist men in achieving optimal mental wellness and improve the quality of their lives. Our goal is to break down the stigma surrounding men's mental health and provide accessible resources for all boys & men to improve their mental wellbeing. We have offices in Cheltenham, Hawthorn & Scoresby!
Accepting New Clients Now! Our mission at Blokes Psychology is to empower and support men in their mental health journey. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where men can openly discuss their life challenges, feelings and emotions without fear of judgment. Through evidence-based practices and a holistic approach, we aim to assist men in achieving optimal mental wellness and improve the quality of their lives. Our goal is to break down the stigma surrounding men's mental health and provide accessible resources for all boys & men to improve their mental wellbeing. We have offices in Cheltenham, Hawthorn & Scoresby!
(03) 9070 5494 View (03) 9070 5494
Bruce Alexander
Verified Verified
Kew, VIC 3101
Dr Bruce Alexander works with adults who are ready to make real, lasting change but feel stuck in patterns they haven't been able to shift on their own — whether that's anxiety, poor sleep, smoking, alcohol, gambling, weight, or low confidence.
Bruce specialises in anxiety, sleep, smoking, alcohol, gambling, weight loss, confidence, and phobias. With 27 years of clinical experience and a PhD in Medical Research, he uses structured hypnotherapy to help clients shift the beliefs and patterns driving unwanted behaviours.
Dr Bruce Alexander works with adults who are ready to make real, lasting change but feel stuck in patterns they haven't been able to shift on their own — whether that's anxiety, poor sleep, smoking, alcohol, gambling, weight, or low confidence.
Bruce specialises in anxiety, sleep, smoking, alcohol, gambling, weight loss, confidence, and phobias. With 27 years of clinical experience and a PhD in Medical Research, he uses structured hypnotherapy to help clients shift the beliefs and patterns driving unwanted behaviours.
(03) 9034 6071 View (03) 9034 6071
Shannon Briggs
Social Worker, AMHSW
Online Only
They may be living with ADHD, addiction, or both and feel stuck in patterns they’re struggling to change.
Therapy should be useful. Whilst insight is important, understanding a problem is only one part of the process. The goal is to help people build a life that works better in the real world. My approach is practical, collaborative, and focused on helping people develop strategies that can be applied outside the therapy room.
They may be living with ADHD, addiction, or both and feel stuck in patterns they’re struggling to change.
Therapy should be useful. Whilst insight is important, understanding a problem is only one part of the process. The goal is to help people build a life that works better in the real world. My approach is practical, collaborative, and focused on helping people develop strategies that can be applied outside the therapy room.
(03) 7003 2491 View (03) 7003 2491

See more therapy options for Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan)

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.