Substance Use Counselling in Melbourne, VIC
See all counsellors in Melbourne
Brendan Dowd
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified
Verified
Accepting new referrals. I take a holistic, person- approach to therapy and am focused on helping people develop the coping skills, capacity, and psychological growth needed to achieve their individual goals. I have experience supporting people with a wide range of issues and mental health conditions including, but not limited to: Addiction problems (
substance use
, gambling, videogames), Depression, Anxiety and worry, Stress, Grief and loss, Borderline Personality Disorder, Emotion regulation difficulties, Interpersonal relationship problems, Trauma, Problem behaviours, and Coping/adjustment issues.

Rishi Sharma - Indus Therapy Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified
Verified
AASW accredited Social Worker with experience working in foster care, parent support,
substance use
, adoption, family violence, forensics and mental health.
Finding yourself doing head miles, feeling hopeless or overwhelmed by recent changes in life? Ever feel that you are carrying the burden of the world on your shoulders since COVID came around? Do you no longer find joy in the things you used to enjoy or are unable to remember what life used to be like before COVID came around?Have you tried therapy before and didn’t feel understood? If you are a person of colour and struggle to find therapists who understand your culture, I hope to provide you with better service. Give us a call or leave an enquiry on the website and we will walk you through your journey to a better life.

Marina Salambasis Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified
Verified
I have reopened my books to new clients. If you suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety,
substance use
, sleep issues, relationship issues, eating disorders, low self-esteem, or bereavement, please email me for a free 10-minute consultation. I foster a non-judgmental and safe therapeutic environment where clients are comfortable discussing difficult topics, and can feel supported. I endeavor to assist clients in accessing their own agency and internal resources, leading to greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a sense of empowerment.

Kayleigh Young
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Dr Kayleigh Young is a clinical psychologist with expertise delivering a range of assessment and therapeutic services across both public and private settings. Kayleigh works with clients of all ages experiencing a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, abuse, workplace issues, interpersonal difficulties, grief and loss, and
substance use
, among other mental health and wellbeing issues. Kayleigh has completed extensive clinical training and draws upon a number of empirically sound techniques and interventions to ensure sessions are tailored to the presenting issues and individual needs of each client.

Let's Talk Mate
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified
Verified
If you need support, or someone to talk to, or are concerned about your (or someone close to you) mental health or
substance use
, please don't hesitate to contact me.
With years of experience in private practice, corrections, and community settings, I am a skilled Forensic Counsellor, Assessor, and Psychotherapist who has worked extensively with adolescents, adults, and families. As a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), my focus is on helping people who are feeling overwhelmed and stressed, struggling with anxiety or depression, dealing with drug and alcohol use, or trying to support someone with
substance use
issues. I recognize that these challenges can be complex and multifaceted, and I customize therapy to meet your unique needs, drawing on a range of approaches.

Laura Kemppainen
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Verified
Verified
I am a psychologist working in Fitzroy/Northcote with adults, adolescents and children. I work with a variety of concerns, including general mental health issues (e.g. depression/anxiety), trauma, life-related stresses, grief & loss and self-esteem. I have special interests in helping people address patterns related to emotional needs such as eating disorders and
substance use
, as well as depression, burn-out and growing self-esteem. With children I use play/creative interventions alongside talking therapy and work with parents. I also provide appointments in German and Finnish and offer supervision for early career clinicians.

Brendan Partridge
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified
Verified
I am a clinical psychologist readily available to assist you in understanding and improving your quality of life impacted by mental illness, relationship or occupational difficulties, grief and loss, and daily stress. I have extensive experience in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders for those aged 15 years and above. My expertise includes adolescent mental health, men's mental health, relationship and family stressors, personality disorders, anger management, and
substance use
issues. I also regularly conduct forensic and cognitive assessments for legal purposes.

Francesca Palazzolo
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a counsellor & psychotherapist working in the existential humanist tradition. I work with all sorts of issues including mental health, addictive behaviours and relationship issues to name a few. I am registered with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation Australia) which is the national peak body for counsellors and psychotherapists in Australia and have experience in youth mental health, alcohol and other drugs counselling and general counselling. If you are experiencing issues with any emotional concerns, anxiety,
substance use
, addiction, including behavioural addictions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sudhir Dean
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified
Verified
I have worked with clients with a broad range of issues and with a broad range of backgrounds (
substance use
, homelessness, mental health, existential enquiry and much more). No matter what solution each person seeks, the starting point is always towards self-acceptance and increased awareness.

Denise Zammit
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified
Verified
I have a warm, collaborative approach, and adapt therapy to suit my client's needs. I can help with anxiety, mood issues, trauma in all its manifestations, postpartum issues, identity issues,
substance use
issues, relationship & attachment, burnout & workplace stress. I'm committed to helping individuals heal from the past, work toward regaining a sense of control, stop self-defeating cycles of behaviour, whilst recognising when they're being held back by past issues. My special interests include psychological trauma, burnout and vicarious trauma, coping styles, attachment/relationships, PTSD and anxiety issues.

Traci Tucker Counselling
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified
Verified
These include Anger and Abusive Behaviours,
Substance Use
and Addictions, Grief and Trauma, Mental Health such as Anxiety and Depression, and Sexological issues: sexual health, sexual pleasure and sexual concerns including Infidelity.
Clients often want to change their behaviour and improve their lives as well as their relationships. However, fear, trauma and past hurt can cause ambivalence. Counselling can help clients work through the why, how and what of making this change. By using a number of modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Person Centred, Strengths Based and Gestalt therapies, clients can find their way out of the dark. 'Beyond the Silence, there is always Hope'.
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Chris Carter
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified
Verified
I am a psychologist with experience working with adults and adolescents in clinical mental health, depression, anxiety, trauma, forensics and addiction. I work with adults with depression, anxiety, personality difficulties and
substance use
, as well as family and relationship issues, gender and sexuality, anger, life direction, trauma, abuse, self harm and suicidal thoughts. I listen without judgment and provide psychotherapy that is tailored to each individual, the work is confidential.

Gabrielle Klepfisz
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Verified
Verified
Gabrielle is a clinical and forensic psychologist who has experience and knowledge in a variety of areas including mood/affective disorders, anxiety disorders, forensic mental health,
substance use
, anger management, and trauma. She focuses on the therapeutic relationship as central to therapy, with the aim of helping clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. She understands that clients often come to therapy at a vulnerable time in their lives, and her therapeutic approach is based on working with clients in terms of where they are at and taking the time to truly understand each client.

Diem Smith
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified
Verified
Western Psychology offers psychological therapy to young people and adults experiencing stress, anxiety, depression and
substance use
. We believe in positive therapeutic relationships and collaboration with clients to achieve therapeutic goals.

Rose Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified
Verified
I am passionate about working with adults who struggle with trauma, eating disorders,
substance use
disorders, & LGBTQIA+ individuals. All clients are unique & I tailor the therapeutic plan by drawing from a range of evidence-based approaches to suit each client. I am mindful that engaging in therapy is a daunting process & I admire the strength and resilience it takes for clients to engage in this process. I believe that the right fit between the client & psychologist is essential. As such, I offer a free 15-20 minute video consultation to help you decide if you feel comfortable working with me.

Tammy Maskill
Counsellor
I work primarily in trauma, alcohol and other drug use and addictive behaviours. I work with you to shed the layers of your trauma, heal unresolved wounds, and create a life that you don’t need to numb yourself to and escape from. I have a bachelor’s degree in counselling and have completed further training in complex trauma. Before moving into private practice, I worked as an Alcohol and Other Drug Clinician within the community sector.

Prodigal Family Services
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified
Verified
Hi, my name is Murray. I'm an Addiction Specialist, who offers Specialized Counselling, General Counselling and Christian Counselling. With an extensive background in addictions, my knowledge of the topic reaches beyond the norm having lived my own personal experience seeking help and residential rehabilitation for a drug and alcohol addiction and deteriorating mental health as a young adult. I have over nine years’ professional experience in the Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) sector, and seven years professional experience as a counsellor, including six years living and working in a residential drug & alcohol rehabilitation centre.

Ellen Dharmaraj
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you curious about starting therapy but feel like it's all too overwhelming? It took me years to gather myself and find support, and then I wished I did it sooner! No matter how long taking that first step has been on your mind, I'm here and I'm eager to hear you out. Whether it is major life challenges, unresolved feelings from the past or anxieties facing into your future, I'm your sounding board backed with accredited training and experience.

Li Lian Koh
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified
Verified
[Telehealth only]. Li Lian is a registered Clinical Psychologist who works primarily with older adolescents and adults, and enjoys working with clients of differing cultural backgrounds and presenting issues. She has experience working with anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, anger management, addictions, as well as criminal and offending behaviours. Li Lian ensures that she creates a warm, empathetic and non-judgemental space for clients. She encourages open and honest communication to ensure that clients feel comfortable in sharing their thoughts, feelings, behaviours and any feedback about the process.

Phillip Samuel: Living Free Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified
Verified
HAVE Availability & NOW accepting NEW Clients! "I believe in choice & empowerment, and value respect, honesty, & integrity". "I love the collaborative process of working through life events. It is a pleasure and privilege to experience the emotional journey with people to reach a place that enables greater satisfaction & life enjoyment" I have many years experience working with anxiety, depression, the impact of trauma & abuse, stress, eating disorders, chronic health, attentional, personality & dissociative disorders.
See more therapy options for
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.