Photo of Shana Marie, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
Shana Marie
Registered Psychotherapist, HBSc, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Whitby, ON L1R
Intense emotions can pull you into a downward spiral of feeling overwhelmed and lost. It is difficult to face life when you are walking around with a heavy chest or feeling anxious. It is likely that you were never taught how to cope with how you feel or understand why a part of you feels empty inside. It can feel uncomfortable to turn to friends and family, fearing how they may react. I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space, where you can feel heard as you work through difficult emotions. I can provide you with the insight, tools and support you need to bring about healing so that you can approach life in a new way.
Intense emotions can pull you into a downward spiral of feeling overwhelmed and lost. It is difficult to face life when you are walking around with a heavy chest or feeling anxious. It is likely that you were never taught how to cope with how you feel or understand why a part of you feels empty inside. It can feel uncomfortable to turn to friends and family, fearing how they may react. I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space, where you can feel heard as you work through difficult emotions. I can provide you with the insight, tools and support you need to bring about healing so that you can approach life in a new way.
(289) 278-2473 View (289) 278-2473
Photo of Diane M Cassidy, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
Diane M Cassidy
Registered Psychotherapist, RN, BA, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Whitby, ON L1N  (Online Only)
Namaste! I provide individual, relationship and marriage counselling, in a nonjudgmental, relaxed environment. Over the last 35 years I have worked with individuals and couples guiding, teaching and helping them by using an eclectic approach, and a variety of different types of modalities depending on the particular needs of my clients. I also provide family mediation and relationship counselling for couples who have split. I am a sex therapist, working with all couples and individuals. I specialize in many areas, as I believe all issues are connected, so to treat problems in isolation is unrealistic and can be short lived.
Namaste! I provide individual, relationship and marriage counselling, in a nonjudgmental, relaxed environment. Over the last 35 years I have worked with individuals and couples guiding, teaching and helping them by using an eclectic approach, and a variety of different types of modalities depending on the particular needs of my clients. I also provide family mediation and relationship counselling for couples who have split. I am a sex therapist, working with all couples and individuals. I specialize in many areas, as I believe all issues are connected, so to treat problems in isolation is unrealistic and can be short lived.
(844) 331-0249 View (844) 331-0249
Photo of Talya Feldman-Lloyd, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
Talya Feldman-Lloyd
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Whitby, ON L1N  (Online Only)
Are you or your teen feeling overwhelmed, nervous, afraid, angry or unsettled? Feeling like the black sheep? Battling with anxiety and focusing, or finding it difficult to get along with people? Are you self medicating and struggling to figure out your direction in life? Do you need to break free from the past traumas and labels you might have been given? Need help exploring sexual orientation and gender identity? Contact me to get the help that you or your teen need. We will work on building a true sense of self and identifying and practicing the coping skills that help you build an authentic life that is calmer and more centered.
Are you or your teen feeling overwhelmed, nervous, afraid, angry or unsettled? Feeling like the black sheep? Battling with anxiety and focusing, or finding it difficult to get along with people? Are you self medicating and struggling to figure out your direction in life? Do you need to break free from the past traumas and labels you might have been given? Need help exploring sexual orientation and gender identity? Contact me to get the help that you or your teen need. We will work on building a true sense of self and identifying and practicing the coping skills that help you build an authentic life that is calmer and more centered.
(289) 210-5872 View (289) 210-5872
Photo of Strength Counselling Services, Counsellor in Whitby, ON
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Whitby, ON L1N  (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
(236) 239-5085 View (236) 239-5085
Photo of Tara Vanessa Mummery, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
Tara Vanessa Mummery
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, OACCPP, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Whitby, ON L1P
Feeling Stuck? Are you unhappy? Do you doubt yourself? Want to make changes and don't know how? Doing what you "SHOULD DO" instead of what you 'WANT?" Do you feel a sense of emptiness or meaninglessness in you life? You have the power within you to alter your perceptions and limiting thoughts. Rather than look outside of yourself for meaning, I invite you to explore what's within. You can change the storage of your private thoughts The past is one chapter of your life and now you can create a new chapter that will support you.
Feeling Stuck? Are you unhappy? Do you doubt yourself? Want to make changes and don't know how? Doing what you "SHOULD DO" instead of what you 'WANT?" Do you feel a sense of emptiness or meaninglessness in you life? You have the power within you to alter your perceptions and limiting thoughts. Rather than look outside of yourself for meaning, I invite you to explore what's within. You can change the storage of your private thoughts The past is one chapter of your life and now you can create a new chapter that will support you.
(289) 914-2003 View (289) 914-2003
Photo of Jeff Packer MSW & Associates Inc., Registered Social Worker in Whitby, ON
Jeff Packer MSW & Associates Inc.
Registered Social Worker, BAPsych, MSW, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Whitby, ON L1M
Seeking help with personal challenges takes courage. Often the issues we are facing can make us feel stuck or blocked from achieving our goals. Healthy magnificent lives and relationships are built by gathering information, advice, knowledge and experience. We help you identify your existing strengths, clarify problem areas and develop solutions to resolve the challenges you face, removing obstacles that block your path to positive change. We work with people of all ages, cultures and orientations . Our aim is to help you improve yourself and your relationships using evidence-based approaches and strategies. For more information or to schedule your initial consultation in person or internet video session ... visit us at www.jeffpacker.com.
Seeking help with personal challenges takes courage. Often the issues we are facing can make us feel stuck or blocked from achieving our goals. Healthy magnificent lives and relationships are built by gathering information, advice, knowledge and experience. We help you identify your existing strengths, clarify problem areas and develop solutions to resolve the challenges you face, removing obstacles that block your path to positive change. We work with people of all ages, cultures and orientations . Our aim is to help you improve yourself and your relationships using evidence-based approaches and strategies. For more information or to schedule your initial consultation in person or internet video session ... visit us at www.jeffpacker.com.
(289) 278-6795 View (289) 278-6795

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Shawna Alvis, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
Shawna Alvis
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ajax, ON L1T
Using a client-centred approach, I guide our sessions based on what resonates most with you and your individual needs. You can expect an open and receptive environment, and a safe space where emotions can be deeply felt and expressed.
Using a client-centred approach, I guide our sessions based on what resonates most with you and your individual needs. You can expect an open and receptive environment, and a safe space where emotions can be deeply felt and expressed.
(833) 611-0399 View (833) 611-0399
Photo of Martine Guay, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
Martine Guay
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, DTATI, BBA
Verified Verified
Oshawa, ON L1G
I am a bilingual Registered Psychotherapist and Professional Art Therapist. I offer both talk and/or art therapy, you get a personalized treatment plan, according to your needs and goals. I utilize art as a means of holistic expression and believe in the potential for positive and continuous growth and change for everyone. I use art/talk therapy to explore/process unpack thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive space. My approach uses Person-Centered, Strength-Based, Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotions Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness skills. My thesis on ABI is published with American Art Therapy Association.
I am a bilingual Registered Psychotherapist and Professional Art Therapist. I offer both talk and/or art therapy, you get a personalized treatment plan, according to your needs and goals. I utilize art as a means of holistic expression and believe in the potential for positive and continuous growth and change for everyone. I use art/talk therapy to explore/process unpack thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive space. My approach uses Person-Centered, Strength-Based, Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotions Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness skills. My thesis on ABI is published with American Art Therapy Association.
(249) 494-7446 View (249) 494-7446
Photo of Strength Counselling Services, Counsellor in Whitby, ON
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Oshawa, ON L1H  (Online Only)
Currently, we provide online counseling services exclusively, featuring a talented team of counselors from diverse backgrounds who can tackle a wide range of mental health issues. Our primary goal is to nurture the holistic well-being of our clients, addressing their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects through exceptional counseling services. We cater to individuals, couples, and families, tailoring our approach for each unique client. In the event of client dissatisfaction with a therapist, we pledge to either find an appropriate replacement or suggest an unaffiliated alternative expert to ensure their needs are met.
Currently, we provide online counseling services exclusively, featuring a talented team of counselors from diverse backgrounds who can tackle a wide range of mental health issues. Our primary goal is to nurture the holistic well-being of our clients, addressing their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects through exceptional counseling services. We cater to individuals, couples, and families, tailoring our approach for each unique client. In the event of client dissatisfaction with a therapist, we pledge to either find an appropriate replacement or suggest an unaffiliated alternative expert to ensure their needs are met.
(289) 806-1148 View (289) 806-1148
Photo of Krista Gatti @ Psychotherapy for You, Registered Social Worker in Whitby, ON
Krista Gatti @ Psychotherapy for You
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oshawa, ON L1G  (Online Only)
I am a registered social Worker and Psychotherapist in Ontario. I am also a member of Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I obtained my bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba and obtained my Masters of Social Work from the University of Windsor. I have a certificate in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). I also have a certificate in Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapy and Brian Spotting. I started my career by providing support to individuals who were struggling with life challenges. I have experience working with a variety of areas such as anxiety, depression, grief, separation, and sel
I am a registered social Worker and Psychotherapist in Ontario. I am also a member of Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I obtained my bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba and obtained my Masters of Social Work from the University of Windsor. I have a certificate in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). I also have a certificate in Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapy and Brian Spotting. I started my career by providing support to individuals who were struggling with life challenges. I have experience working with a variety of areas such as anxiety, depression, grief, separation, and sel
(343) 307-4960 View (343) 307-4960
Photo of Strength Counselling Services, Counsellor in Whitby, ON
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Ajax, ON L1S  (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
(782) 400-0486 View (782) 400-0486

Online Therapists

Photo of Myles Chisholm, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
Myles Chisholm
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6H  (Online Only)
I have specialized expertise in couples therapy, substance abuse counseling, and facilitating therapeutic groups.
With over a decade of experience in the field of psychotherapy, I have witnessed the transformative power of healing first-hand. My extensive training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) allows me to employ evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique needs. Throughout my career, I have successfully supported clients dealing with a wide range of challenges, including trauma, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), developmental trauma, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
I have specialized expertise in couples therapy, substance abuse counseling, and facilitating therapeutic groups.
With over a decade of experience in the field of psychotherapy, I have witnessed the transformative power of healing first-hand. My extensive training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) allows me to employ evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique needs. Throughout my career, I have successfully supported clients dealing with a wide range of challenges, including trauma, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), developmental trauma, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
(365) 645-9181 View (365) 645-9181
Photo of Pam Santon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Whitby, ON
Pam Santon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSW, RSW, RMFT
Verified Verified
Hamilton, ON L8S
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked with individuals, couples and families in private practice since 1983. Couples and families are a primary focus of mine including those struggling with issues of life transitions, mental health, sexuality, sexual compulsive disorders, substance and process addictions, as well as emotional and physical affairs. I am trained in systemic models of interventions that allow for a dual focus on the needs of the individual as well as those of the relationship. I am an Approved Supervisor with AAMFT which affords me the privilege of supervising psychotherapists and clinicians in the community interested in systemic models.
I have worked with individuals, couples and families in private practice since 1983. Couples and families are a primary focus of mine including those struggling with issues of life transitions, mental health, sexuality, sexual compulsive disorders, substance and process addictions, as well as emotional and physical affairs. I am trained in systemic models of interventions that allow for a dual focus on the needs of the individual as well as those of the relationship. I am an Approved Supervisor with AAMFT which affords me the privilege of supervising psychotherapists and clinicians in the community interested in systemic models.
(888) 372-0165 View (888) 372-0165
Photo of Janice D’Souza, Registered Social Worker in Whitby, ON
Janice D’Souza
Registered Social Worker, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M2K  (Online Only)
With a Masters in Social Work, and over 7 years of direct clinical experience, I am an individual therapist, completing consultations, comprehensive assessments and therapy with children, teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, academic performance/attendance, anger, interpersonal trauma, grief, addiction, relationship issues and parental separation/divorce.
With a Masters in Social Work, and over 7 years of direct clinical experience, I am an individual therapist, completing consultations, comprehensive assessments and therapy with children, teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, academic performance/attendance, anger, interpersonal trauma, grief, addiction, relationship issues and parental separation/divorce.
(289) 778-4768 View (289) 778-4768
Photo of Natalia Brajak, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
Natalia Brajak
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, RP
Verified Verified
Guelph, ON N1H
I work with adults who want freedom from negative patterns and who want to get to the root of repetitive reactivity and triggers. They want calm and peace. They want help with healthy boundaries, anxiety, self-worth, depression, life direction, co-dependency, communication, addiction, relationships (with self, the Divine, life partner, ex-partner, children, family, co-workers), emotional regulation, grief, loss/divorce, chronic pain, parenting, spiritual growth and psychedelic integration. Carrying the past makes current life difficult. Helping clients accept the past, learn from it and then let it go is what I love doing best.
I work with adults who want freedom from negative patterns and who want to get to the root of repetitive reactivity and triggers. They want calm and peace. They want help with healthy boundaries, anxiety, self-worth, depression, life direction, co-dependency, communication, addiction, relationships (with self, the Divine, life partner, ex-partner, children, family, co-workers), emotional regulation, grief, loss/divorce, chronic pain, parenting, spiritual growth and psychedelic integration. Carrying the past makes current life difficult. Helping clients accept the past, learn from it and then let it go is what I love doing best.
(226) 406-5974 View (226) 406-5974
Photo of First Step Men's Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
First Step Men's Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, ASAT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6J  (Online Only)
Our specializations include: sex therapy, sexual addiction, alcohol use, substance misuse, ADHD, anger management, anxiety, infidelity, divorce, depression, men's issues, grief, parenting, and couples counselling.
Are you feeling disconnected to yourself, loved ones, or society? Do you question whether you are a good father, son, or partner? Do you feel angry, stuck, overwhelmed, powerless, guilty, or "not normal". Many men struggle with their mental health without seeking help or reaching out for support. Often, this struggle may lead to addiction, anxiety, depression, shame, guilt, suicidal ideation, poor relationships, grief, low self-esteem, or low self-worth. First Step Men's Therapy offers a safe, warm, and inviting space for men to heal, learn, and grow. Book a free consultation today. No waitlist - Click the "website" button to start!
Our specializations include: sex therapy, sexual addiction, alcohol use, substance misuse, ADHD, anger management, anxiety, infidelity, divorce, depression, men's issues, grief, parenting, and couples counselling.
Are you feeling disconnected to yourself, loved ones, or society? Do you question whether you are a good father, son, or partner? Do you feel angry, stuck, overwhelmed, powerless, guilty, or "not normal". Many men struggle with their mental health without seeking help or reaching out for support. Often, this struggle may lead to addiction, anxiety, depression, shame, guilt, suicidal ideation, poor relationships, grief, low self-esteem, or low self-worth. First Step Men's Therapy offers a safe, warm, and inviting space for men to heal, learn, and grow. Book a free consultation today. No waitlist - Click the "website" button to start!
(289) 814-9978 View (289) 814-9978
Photo of Brian Janes, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
Brian Janes
Registered Psychotherapist, CSAT, ICADC, MBA
Verified Verified
Stoney Creek, ON L8G  (Online Only)
As a registered psychotherapist (RP), I work with those struggling with addictions, relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma and other challenges. I am a certified sex addiction therapist (CSAT) and am trained to help those struggling with compulsive sexual behaviour. I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (ICADC), and offer services to help clients break free from the downward spiral of addiction to drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviours. Additionally, with an MBA and several years working in the corporate world, I have a unique understanding of the pressures faced by those struggling in today's demanding work environment.
As a registered psychotherapist (RP), I work with those struggling with addictions, relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma and other challenges. I am a certified sex addiction therapist (CSAT) and am trained to help those struggling with compulsive sexual behaviour. I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (ICADC), and offer services to help clients break free from the downward spiral of addiction to drugs, alcohol and other addictive behaviours. Additionally, with an MBA and several years working in the corporate world, I have a unique understanding of the pressures faced by those struggling in today's demanding work environment.
(905) 746-7428 View (905) 746-7428
Photo of Naomi Gaskin, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
Naomi Gaskin
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6P
I know first-hand the transformative power of good therapy, having survived complex trauma and recovered from addiction.
I am a registered psychotherapist and have been practicing in Toronto since 2010, offering psychotherapy with Intuitive alignment strategies. I work from a trauma-informed base of psychotherapy. I am certified by the Heart-Math Institute as a Heart Coherency Teacher. As a practitioner of yoga and shamanic traditions of indigenous wisdom. I offer a synergy of traditional western methods in compliment with tested therapeutic alternatives. Having recently adapted my practice to enable online counselling and online trauma-informed psychotherapy, I am now available to work with clients irrespective of location.
I know first-hand the transformative power of good therapy, having survived complex trauma and recovered from addiction.
I am a registered psychotherapist and have been practicing in Toronto since 2010, offering psychotherapy with Intuitive alignment strategies. I work from a trauma-informed base of psychotherapy. I am certified by the Heart-Math Institute as a Heart Coherency Teacher. As a practitioner of yoga and shamanic traditions of indigenous wisdom. I offer a synergy of traditional western methods in compliment with tested therapeutic alternatives. Having recently adapted my practice to enable online counselling and online trauma-informed psychotherapy, I am now available to work with clients irrespective of location.
(647) 724-1539 View (647) 724-1539
Photo of Kelly-Lee Mansi, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
Kelly-Lee Mansi
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, PCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Cambridge, ON N3H
Areas I work in include: Personality disorders - Depression & anxiety & anger management - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Victims of violent crime - Substance abuse & addictions, - Family conflict & dysfunction - LGBTQ & gender identity issues - Bereavement – Relationship issues - Infidelity - Life transition -Stress Mgt, Burnout, compassion fatigue.
Hello, my name is Kelly-Lee, I believe that every person is entitled to live a life that is healthy, wealthy and wise. For almost 20 years, I have worked with a wide variety of individuals, couples and groups from a diverse range of socioeconomic, cultural and sexually diverse backgrounds to help empower them to overcome misaligned belief systems that were blocking their mental health, their sense of harmony and well-being. My psychotherapy and counselling work are primarily Adlerian based and incorporates an eclectic array of cognitive, psychodynamic, experiential, somatic and evidence-based therapies.
Areas I work in include: Personality disorders - Depression & anxiety & anger management - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Victims of violent crime - Substance abuse & addictions, - Family conflict & dysfunction - LGBTQ & gender identity issues - Bereavement – Relationship issues - Infidelity - Life transition -Stress Mgt, Burnout, compassion fatigue.
Hello, my name is Kelly-Lee, I believe that every person is entitled to live a life that is healthy, wealthy and wise. For almost 20 years, I have worked with a wide variety of individuals, couples and groups from a diverse range of socioeconomic, cultural and sexually diverse backgrounds to help empower them to overcome misaligned belief systems that were blocking their mental health, their sense of harmony and well-being. My psychotherapy and counselling work are primarily Adlerian based and incorporates an eclectic array of cognitive, psychodynamic, experiential, somatic and evidence-based therapies.
(289) 797-1229 View (289) 797-1229
Photo of Yeong Ra Kim, Registered Psychotherapist in Whitby, ON
Yeong Ra Kim
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Markham, ON L6C
My ideal client struggles with anxiety, addiction or depression. Their goal is to be rehabilitated into a healthy state at a pace that is both comfortable for them as a client and I as a therapist. They want to be able to achieve their personal goals and put them in a state of restoration. `
My ideal client struggles with anxiety, addiction or depression. Their goal is to be rehabilitated into a healthy state at a pace that is both comfortable for them as a client and I as a therapist. They want to be able to achieve their personal goals and put them in a state of restoration. `
(647) 492-2873 View (647) 492-2873

See more therapy options for Whitby

Addiction Counsellors

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.