Addiction Therapists in Halifax, NS

Brett Richardson
Counsellor, PhD, RCT, CCC
Halifax, NS B3J
Waitlist for new clients
I'm a good fit for working through issues related to queerness, addiction, loss, shame, or physical health.
Beyond counselling, I have been a meditation facilitator, personal trainer and coach. If you have struggled with "diet and exercise" (potentially unhelpful terms!), I am a great candidate to help you find kinder, more sustaining motivations in approaching questions about your health. I work from IFS, narrative, feminist, and somatic perspectives primarily.
I'm a good fit for working through issues related to queerness, addiction, loss, shame, or physical health.
Beyond counselling, I have been a meditation facilitator, personal trainer and coach. If you have struggled with "diet and exercise" (potentially unhelpful terms!), I am a great candidate to help you find kinder, more sustaining motivations in approaching questions about your health. I work from IFS, narrative, feminist, and somatic perspectives primarily.
(902) 914-3749 View (902) 914-3749
Elizabeth G. Stephen
Counsellor, MA, MEd, RCT
1 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3L
I have been working in the field of Addictions for twenty years, specializing in gambling issues.
I have extensive knowledge and experience in the treatment of gambling problems as well as a keen interest in working with individual and groups to raise awareness about and to reduce the harms of gambling in our communities.
I have been working in the field of Addictions for twenty years, specializing in gambling issues.
I have extensive knowledge and experience in the treatment of gambling problems as well as a keen interest in working with individual and groups to raise awareness about and to reduce the harms of gambling in our communities.
(902) 906-9019 View (902) 906-9019
Lois Cartwright
Counsellor, MN, NP, MC, RCT, CCC
1 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3M
If you feel isolated and alone, or you are struggling with addiction or past trauma, I can help.
As a health care professional for over 34 years, I have experience working with people who have depression, anxiety, addiction, stress, trauma, chronic pain and sleep disorders. I also work with health care professionals who experience job related stress, work/life imbalance, performance anxiety, imposter syndrome and traumatic incidents.
If you feel isolated and alone, or you are struggling with addiction or past trauma, I can help.
As a health care professional for over 34 years, I have experience working with people who have depression, anxiety, addiction, stress, trauma, chronic pain and sleep disorders. I also work with health care professionals who experience job related stress, work/life imbalance, performance anxiety, imposter syndrome and traumatic incidents.
(782) 820-5039 View (782) 820-5039
Deanna Hart @ Psychotherapy For You
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Online Only
With experience as an addiction
Hi, I’m Deanna! Welcome. I appreciate you taking the time to read a little about me. Do you ever feel lost, stuck, or misunderstood? Struggling with life’s challenges can feel like trying to find your way out of the woods. There is no path. Every tree looks identical. Is that the same boulder you walked by earlier? I believe that with the right support, you are capable of more than finding your way out; you are capable of building a life where you no longer feel lost, where you find purpose and wellbeing. Everyone has strength, growth and healing within them. My role is to meet you where you are, walk alongside you on the journey
With experience as an addiction
Hi, I’m Deanna! Welcome. I appreciate you taking the time to read a little about me. Do you ever feel lost, stuck, or misunderstood? Struggling with life’s challenges can feel like trying to find your way out of the woods. There is no path. Every tree looks identical. Is that the same boulder you walked by earlier? I believe that with the right support, you are capable of more than finding your way out; you are capable of building a life where you no longer feel lost, where you find purpose and wellbeing. Everyone has strength, growth and healing within them. My role is to meet you where you are, walk alongside you on the journey
(782) 802-0089 View (782) 802-0089
Igor Yakovenko
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Online Only
My primary areas of clinical expertise lie in adult mental health, addiction, and couples therapy.
I hold a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Calgary. I completed a pre-doctoral clinical residency at Yale University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta. I am also an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology & Psychiatry at Dalhousie University, where I have an active research program in comorbid mental health.
My primary areas of clinical expertise lie in adult mental health, addiction, and couples therapy.
I hold a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Calgary. I completed a pre-doctoral clinical residency at Yale University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta. I am also an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology & Psychiatry at Dalhousie University, where I have an active research program in comorbid mental health.
(902) 418-5344 View (902) 418-5344
Jenny MacDougall
Counsellor, MA, M.Dip, RCT
Halifax, NS B3H
I also have several years experience working within the context of Mental Health and Addictions: acute care, rehabilitation, forensics, and withdrawal management.
There are times in life when we need to tell our story and have it received within a context of trust. I work with individuals navigating life-transitions that are part and parcel of being human, but that may temporarily separate them from a sense of wholeness and thriving: particularly when facing loss, illness, crisis, or events that shatter our sense of self. Within the therapeutic context, my goal is to build a relationship with my clients that facilitates trust, self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and a renewed sense of hope.
I also have several years experience working within the context of Mental Health and Addictions: acute care, rehabilitation, forensics, and withdrawal management.
There are times in life when we need to tell our story and have it received within a context of trust. I work with individuals navigating life-transitions that are part and parcel of being human, but that may temporarily separate them from a sense of wholeness and thriving: particularly when facing loss, illness, crisis, or events that shatter our sense of self. Within the therapeutic context, my goal is to build a relationship with my clients that facilitates trust, self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and a renewed sense of hope.
(782) 222-6966 View (782) 222-6966
Stephen Doucet Campbell
Counsellor, MA, RCT, RP
Halifax, NS B3L
Waitlist for new clients
As a therapist with 20 years of experience, I've worked with hundreds of people in community health centres, schools and mental health & addiction clinics.
Are you feeling the pressures of life weighing on you? Do you feel like you're a burden to others? Are you stuck in a cycle of thoughts and behaviour you can't break free from? Do you wonder why you continue tolerating certain treatment from those around you? A non-judgmental and trusting therapeutic relationship can provide a solid foundation upon which healing change can begin. A good therapist will listen, will never tell you what to do, and can help empower you to respond to your feelings honestly. Counselling results in new awareness, growth, and an increased quality of life when a balance of change and acceptance is found.
As a therapist with 20 years of experience, I've worked with hundreds of people in community health centres, schools and mental health & addiction clinics.
Are you feeling the pressures of life weighing on you? Do you feel like you're a burden to others? Are you stuck in a cycle of thoughts and behaviour you can't break free from? Do you wonder why you continue tolerating certain treatment from those around you? A non-judgmental and trusting therapeutic relationship can provide a solid foundation upon which healing change can begin. A good therapist will listen, will never tell you what to do, and can help empower you to respond to your feelings honestly. Counselling results in new awareness, growth, and an increased quality of life when a balance of change and acceptance is found.
(782) 828-8152 View (782) 828-8152
Sabrina Overholt
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with addiction and Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as clients navigating anxiety, stress, self-esteem challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions, with a particular focus on adolescents and young adults building self-understanding.
I support clients with addiction, BPD, anxiety, stress, self-esteem challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. With over 5 years in mental health and addictions settings, I draw from DBT, narrative therapy, person-centred, and solution-focused approaches to build emotional regulation, coping skills, and insight in a safe space.
I work with addiction and Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as clients navigating anxiety, stress, self-esteem challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions, with a particular focus on adolescents and young adults building self-understanding.
I support clients with addiction, BPD, anxiety, stress, self-esteem challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. With over 5 years in mental health and addictions settings, I draw from DBT, narrative therapy, person-centred, and solution-focused approaches to build emotional regulation, coping skills, and insight in a safe space.
(782) 223-5187 View (782) 223-5187
Alexander Wellness Consulting
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Halifax, NS B3N
Specializing in Couples, Addiction, Anxiety & Depression.
For Individually therapy, you can expect 50 minute sessions (allowing for 10 minutes of documentation & planning for follow up session). For Couples Therapy, you can expect 60 minute sessions (allowing for 20 minutes of documentation & planning). I pride myself on being prepared for sessions providing quality care making the best use of your time.
Specializing in Couples, Addiction, Anxiety & Depression.
For Individually therapy, you can expect 50 minute sessions (allowing for 10 minutes of documentation & planning for follow up session). For Couples Therapy, you can expect 60 minute sessions (allowing for 20 minutes of documentation & planning). I pride myself on being prepared for sessions providing quality care making the best use of your time.
(902) 813-1493 View (902) 813-1493
Meredith Moore
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BA/BSW
Halifax, NS B3J
I am an experienced Master's level Social Worker, Psychotherapist & Addiction Counsellor offering counselling & psychotherapy for clients in Ontario (in-person & virtual) & Nova Scotia (virtual).
I specialize in trauma and emotions management (i.e., feelings of anxiety, anger, fear, depression, stress, loneliness, loss), addiction (i.e., dependence/abuse of illicit drugs, medication, alcohol and/or gambling), and relationship problems (i.e., conflict, communication, trust, self-esteem, intimacy). Counselling is available for adults (18+).
I am an experienced Master's level Social Worker, Psychotherapist & Addiction Counsellor offering counselling & psychotherapy for clients in Ontario (in-person & virtual) & Nova Scotia (virtual).
I specialize in trauma and emotions management (i.e., feelings of anxiety, anger, fear, depression, stress, loneliness, loss), addiction (i.e., dependence/abuse of illicit drugs, medication, alcohol and/or gambling), and relationship problems (i.e., conflict, communication, trust, self-esteem, intimacy). Counselling is available for adults (18+).
(226) 784-2336 View (226) 784-2336
Zanna Seipp-Katz
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with individuals and couples experiencing anxiety, relationship difficulties, life stressors, depression, insomnia, grief, substance use concerns, and challenges affecting Jewish individuals and couples.
It's not easy to seek support and yet, here you are. That takes courage! Together, we will explore and examine the behaviours and situations that are impacting your life. Your goals are my goals, and together we will work to overcome the hurdles that life presents. My role in your journey is to be non-judgemental, and to support you in creating positive changes that you want to see in order to become the ideal you that may have been lost along the way or you have yet to find.
I work with individuals and couples experiencing anxiety, relationship difficulties, life stressors, depression, insomnia, grief, substance use concerns, and challenges affecting Jewish individuals and couples.
It's not easy to seek support and yet, here you are. That takes courage! Together, we will explore and examine the behaviours and situations that are impacting your life. Your goals are my goals, and together we will work to overcome the hurdles that life presents. My role in your journey is to be non-judgemental, and to support you in creating positive changes that you want to see in order to become the ideal you that may have been lost along the way or you have yet to find.
(437) 291-8549 View (437) 291-8549
Colin Dale Gjesdal
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a clinical social worker in Dartmouth NS with over ten years experience providing specialized treatment for individuals and family members affected by addictive behaviours such as substance abuse and gambling.
I have training in mindfulness, EMDR, cognitive behavioural therapy, structured relapse prevention and narrative therapy. I offer both individual and group treatment.
I am a clinical social worker in Dartmouth NS with over ten years experience providing specialized treatment for individuals and family members affected by addictive behaviours such as substance abuse and gambling.
I have training in mindfulness, EMDR, cognitive behavioural therapy, structured relapse prevention and narrative therapy. I offer both individual and group treatment.
(855) 284-8159 View (855) 284-8159
Melanie Cashen
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Online Only
I work with adults and youth experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use, addiction, emotional overwhelm, and co-occurring mental health concerns.
I specialize in addiction, substance use, anxiety, depression, and concurrent disorders. I use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma-informed therapy to support emotional regulation, coping, recovery, and meaningful change.
I work with adults and youth experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use, addiction, emotional overwhelm, and co-occurring mental health concerns.
I specialize in addiction, substance use, anxiety, depression, and concurrent disorders. I use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma-informed therapy to support emotional regulation, coping, recovery, and meaningful change.
(506) 705-6641 View (506) 705-6641
Stephanie M Campoli
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in supporting those with a diagnosis or symptoms of BPD, PTSD and Complex PTSD and individuals navigating addiction.
I work with people who feel overwhelmed by their emotions—especially those living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or traits of BPD, with or without a history of trauma. If you find yourself stuck in cycles of self-sabotage, addictive behaviours, or feeling chronically stuck in relationships, work, or parenting, therapy with me can help.
I specialize in supporting those with a diagnosis or symptoms of BPD, PTSD and Complex PTSD and individuals navigating addiction.
I work with people who feel overwhelmed by their emotions—especially those living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or traits of BPD, with or without a history of trauma. If you find yourself stuck in cycles of self-sabotage, addictive behaviours, or feeling chronically stuck in relationships, work, or parenting, therapy with me can help.
(289) 513-4867 View (289) 513-4867
Bruce Lumley
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Many people describe a feeling of being stuck in their lives. Limiting subconscious core beliefs and habitual thinking are what holds most back from living the life they want. Whether personal or business, I can help you to make the positive changes in yourself so that you can be free and move forward, whether that means stopping a destructive habit, or charting a new course in life.
Many people describe a feeling of being stuck in their lives. Limiting subconscious core beliefs and habitual thinking are what holds most back from living the life they want. Whether personal or business, I can help you to make the positive changes in yourself so that you can be free and move forward, whether that means stopping a destructive habit, or charting a new course in life.
(782) 312-1123 View (782) 312-1123
Spidle Counselling
Counsellor, MEd, RCT, CCC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Whether it's depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, low self-esteem, grief or relationship issues, we will work together to figure out a path for recovery.
Spidle Counselling believes in working from a client centered approach. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll meet you and help you decided the best path of recovery for you. Many people go through daily life feeling unfulfilled and overwhelmed with their circumstances. There are usually valid reasons for this but it's sometimes hard to recognize what they are. The first step toward a solution requires first knowing the problem.
Whether it's depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders, low self-esteem, grief or relationship issues, we will work together to figure out a path for recovery.
Spidle Counselling believes in working from a client centered approach. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll meet you and help you decided the best path of recovery for you. Many people go through daily life feeling unfulfilled and overwhelmed with their circumstances. There are usually valid reasons for this but it's sometimes hard to recognize what they are. The first step toward a solution requires first knowing the problem.
(902) 708-0499 View (902) 708-0499
Christine Christensen
Counsellor, MEd, RCT, CCC
Serves Area
Chris identifies as a member of the queer community and she has experience working with diverse clients in areas such as anxiety, depression, addiction, gender identity, sexuality, life transitions, relationships, and stress management.
Chris (She/Her) recognizes that it is sometimes challenging to feel a sense of purpose and to feel connected to your life and to others around you. She knows that people often seek counselling when they are feeling overwhelmed or are looking for ways to heal from the past. Chris’ approach to counselling is a collaborative one that meets clients where they are. She works with clients to identify goals and strategies. Chris uses a relational, client-centred approach to counselling that integrates strategies from various methodologies including Emotionally Focused and Strengths-Based approaches.
Chris identifies as a member of the queer community and she has experience working with diverse clients in areas such as anxiety, depression, addiction, gender identity, sexuality, life transitions, relationships, and stress management.
Chris (She/Her) recognizes that it is sometimes challenging to feel a sense of purpose and to feel connected to your life and to others around you. She knows that people often seek counselling when they are feeling overwhelmed or are looking for ways to heal from the past. Chris’ approach to counselling is a collaborative one that meets clients where they are. She works with clients to identify goals and strategies. Chris uses a relational, client-centred approach to counselling that integrates strategies from various methodologies including Emotionally Focused and Strengths-Based approaches.
(782) 222-7010 View (782) 222-7010
Jim Russell
Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate, CCC, RCT-C, MEd
Serves Area
I have specialized training to help those who struggle with alcohol and drug abuse, addictions, compulsive gambling, pornography addiction.
I have an MEd in Counselling from Acadia U. I have 19 years experience as a counsellor. I draw upon a variety of counselling styles including Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change Theory and Mindfulness.
I have specialized training to help those who struggle with alcohol and drug abuse, addictions, compulsive gambling, pornography addiction.
I have an MEd in Counselling from Acadia U. I have 19 years experience as a counsellor. I draw upon a variety of counselling styles including Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change Theory and Mindfulness.
(782) 800-0827 View (782) 800-0827
Kara Pinksen
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, BA
Serves Area
I have extensive experience and training in Trauma and PTSD, Addiction, and Mental Health and offer ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) and Gender Affirming care.
I am an MSW clinical therapist with 23 years experience offering therapy to adults, adolescents, and couples/relationships(trad or non-trad). Reaching out can be hard, creating feelings of anxiety, or a fear of being misunderstood or judged. My goal as your therapist is to provide a non-judgemental, collaborative experience where you can comfortably work through the things that get in the way of you living a more contented life. I aim to provide an authentic, compassionate, trauma-informed, gender affirming, inclusive space for everyone I meet.
I have extensive experience and training in Trauma and PTSD, Addiction, and Mental Health and offer ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) and Gender Affirming care.
I am an MSW clinical therapist with 23 years experience offering therapy to adults, adolescents, and couples/relationships(trad or non-trad). Reaching out can be hard, creating feelings of anxiety, or a fear of being misunderstood or judged. My goal as your therapist is to provide a non-judgemental, collaborative experience where you can comfortably work through the things that get in the way of you living a more contented life. I aim to provide an authentic, compassionate, trauma-informed, gender affirming, inclusive space for everyone I meet.
View
Mariya Sytnyk
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Whether you have been diagnosed with BPD, CPTSD, PTSD, or are struggling with feeling chronically suicidal, managing you addiction, or feel emotionally out of control, HopeStart Therapy is dedicated to validating and supporting individuals to address these experiences, figure out what’s going on, and find practical skills to grow into living the life you want.
I specialize in working with individuals who struggle to control their emotions and impulses through empathy, skills-focused, and validating support. I offer a trauma-informed, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) approach through an online platform via telehealth video appointments and real-time phone-based skills coaching.
Whether you have been diagnosed with BPD, CPTSD, PTSD, or are struggling with feeling chronically suicidal, managing you addiction, or feel emotionally out of control, HopeStart Therapy is dedicated to validating and supporting individuals to address these experiences, figure out what’s going on, and find practical skills to grow into living the life you want.
I specialize in working with individuals who struggle to control their emotions and impulses through empathy, skills-focused, and validating support. I offer a trauma-informed, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) approach through an online platform via telehealth video appointments and real-time phone-based skills coaching.
(365) 657-5918 View (365) 657-5918

See more therapy options for Halifax

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.