Substance Use Therapists in Barrie, ON
See all counsellors in Barrie
Van Shanahan
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BSc, MACP
Verified
Verified
There is a lot going on in our lives. Between work and school, family and friends, it can be difficult to balance everything. With mental health and
substance use
issues affecting our lives, it can be difficult to find any balance at all. Maybe you have goals, but you are not sure how to achieve them. Perhaps you want to maintain and improve your relationships with family, friends, and intimate partners. Or maybe you are anxious or depressed and you want to learn how to cope with or overcome these issues.

Sarah Durant
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, RP
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and have been treating clients both individually and in groups since 2007. My primary focus has been working with complex populations with both mental health and
substance use
concerns. I have extensive training and experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), treating adult survivors of trauma / PTSD, Core Mindfulness Skills as well as in a variety of other best practice, evidence based treatments. I provide treatment in a professional, confidential and comfortable environment.

Brenda Brough
Registered Social Worker, RSSW, ADS
Verified
Verified
My goal as a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW), Psychotherapist, is to offer assistance to those looking to heal, obtain self-acceptance & understanding things that have, or are happening in their lives. I have experience in
substance use
/addictions, coping skills, relapse prevention, mental health, trauma (informed), sexual assault/abuse, as well as other areas. Covered by benefits under Registered Psychotherapist

Kristen Jones
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
At times, we go through challenges in our life that are difficult to navigate on our own. I work collaboratively with clients to ensure that they are heard, understood, and supported as we work together to move through those challenges. I utilize a client-centred and compassionate approach to address a wide range of concerns including trauma, grief, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, PTSD, stress,
substance use
disorders, and low self-esteem.

Courtney Marie Firetto
Registered Social Worker, MSW
Verified
Verified
I have a lot of experience with anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, grief, trauma, and
substance use
.
Hello and thank you for stopping by! My name is Courtney. I am an energetic and motivated professional who is passionate about improving mental health and well-being. I have worked in a number of settings, including community mental health agencies, hospitals, and independent consulting, and have served a range of client populations. These experiences have taught me so much, namely that serving others gives my life meaning! As a clinician, I come with my lived experiences of mental health challenges, including anxiety, and low mood. I believe these experiences help to instill a sense of universality with clients.

Jennifer C. English
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP-Q, BA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am passionate about supporting those living with, and those affected by mental health, addiction, and
substance use
issues.
The ripple effect of addiction and mental health issues can hold us hostage, interfering in our ability to live fulfilling lives and develop meaningful connections with others. Many harbour a sense of shame reflective of stigma which serves to silence and with that dismiss both the severity and prevalence. It is common to have developed and maintained coping mechanisms that no longer serve a purpose yet have become habitual and with that familiar. Therapy is a place where thoughts and feelings are explored, validated, and with that normalized. Healing occurs through self-discovery and the sense of empowerment that accompanies this.

Kelley Christine Wilkey
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
With almost 20 years of experience working in Simcoe County, I have developed a strong relationship with the people in this community. I have extensive training in the addiction field supporting those living with addictions and "significant others" who are vicariously impacted, and I am passionate about working with teens and young adults experiencing mental health challenges like anxiety, low mood, life transitions, and
substance use
. I incorporate a variety of evidence-based modalities to help individuals accomplish their goals and I strive to create a safe and compassionate experience building on individual's inherent strengths.
Office is near:
Barrie, ON L4M & Online

Jessica Collins
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
As a social worker I specialize in therapy for anxiety, trauma, and
substance use
concerns.
As you journey through life it is common to at times feel stressed or overwhelmed. Feeling this way can lead to changes in our mental health, ability to function, relationships, and overall peace of mind. As a therapist I walk alongside and support you, holding empathy and understanding as we work together to lighten the load, develop skills, and enhance personal understanding.

Moonsun Jang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
You may be experiencing anxiety, sticky intrusive thoughts, or compulsions that you can't resist doing. Perhaps you've experienced a traumatic event that has stuck with you and significantly impacted your life. Some people describe feeling restless, jumpy, or on edge. You may dread getting up every day. I am passionate about working with people who are living with anxiety, OCD, or trauma. I also have experience supporting people with
substance use
, eating disorders, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder. Together, we can help you feel more like yourself.

First Step Men's Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MEd, CCC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
My specializations include: anxiety, depression, self-esteem,
substance use
, men's issues, grief, career guidance, anger management, behavioural issues, sexual addiction, ADHD, chronic pain, and alcohol use.
Disconnected. Broken. Hopeless. Powerless. Stuck. Many men tell me this is how they feel in our first session. Taking the first step to make change in your life and accept support can sometimes feel the most challenging and overwhelming. As a male therapist, I have learned that working with men requires a focus on practical solutions, a safe and comfortable environment, a therapist who understands the unique personal and societal challenges men face, an emphasis on self-compassion and self-acceptance, a willingness to address underlying issues, and someone that encourages them to take responsibility for their thoughts and feelings.

Arktos Wellness Services Canada
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Arktos is a diverse group of Registered Social Workers and Certified Canadian Counsellors who continue to work in healthcare centres across Canada. Our clients are: survivors of abuse, those who are highly successful but who feel like they just don't fit in, caretakers who are burnt out trying to keep everything afloat, single parents who show up to everything but are exhausted. Some of our clients have symptoms of ADHD, Depression/Anxiety, PTSD, Post-partum depression, trauma, childhood sexual abuse, addictions/problematic substance-use. We work with individuals, families and communities to build hope and a life worth living
Not accepting new clients

Kaleigh Smith
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MACP, HBSc
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
The conditions I primarily work with are ADHD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, addictions and disordered eating. I am certified as an ADHD-CCSP (certified clinical services provider) and provide neurodivergency-affirming therapy. I have specific experience working with first responders with extensive knowledge of working with complex PTSD, sanctuary trauma, and occupational stress injuries. In my practice, I draw on different treatment modalities in a holistic individualized way to create a treatment plan that will work best for you.

Roberta (Robbi) Currie
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BAPsych
Verified
Verified
I invite you to reflect together on the roads you have travelled as we align with your authentic self. You may be experiencing loss and grief, anxiety, depression, suffering rooted in childhood, relationship, or career. We will compassionately bear witness to your story, identifying strengths and building resilience. We will restore a sense of joy, hope and meaning in your life. My approach is mindfulness-based and grounded in compassionate inquiry. Aspects of didactic, cognitive, behavioural, acceptance and commitment modalities are interwoven throughout sessions.

Katherine Palframan
Registered Social Worker, HBSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
First off, I'm so glad you are here. You are doing the right thing.. putting you first, maybe for the first time ever? I like to think of therapy as a walk through the dark. Sure, it can be scary. However, with you leading the way, I will be right next to you holding the flashlight. When things get tough, we often forget how powerful and capable we are. I can help you rediscover your strength.. I say rediscover because it absolutely is there. I want to remind you, you are not broken. There is nothing wrong with you. You are having normal reactions to abnormal circumstances and sometimes that can make us feel weak. You are not weak.

Anne McLaughlin
Registered Social Service Worker, RSSW, ASAT
Verified
Verified
Most people have had experience with trauma and addiction - sometimes both. I have extensive experience in multiple areas including substance abuse and addiction, relapse prevention, sex, love and relationship addiction, grief, loss, mental health and trauma (informed). With my years of experience I will help you attain skills and coping mechanisms to focus on your future. This means that I am able to support and guide you through your journey. Counselling takes time and energy – for you as well as your family. It is important to treat both the client and their family and I am willing to explore that with you.

Family TLC
Registered Social Worker, MEd, Counsel, BAFN, CYC, RSW
Verified
Verified
Are life struggles causing you unhappiness? It can get better. We are a group of highly trained psychotherapists, social workers and mediators. Many with over 25 years of experience in the field. Hundreds of individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents have benefited from our services. At Family TLC we truly believe in you and that you are bigger than the concern. With our diversely experienced team we are confident that a potential client will find someone best suited to their concerns that will help them make positive changes in their life.

Samantha Smyth
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I am a registered clinical social worker at Smith Psychological who provides individual and family psychotherapy. I hold a Master of Social Work, specializing in individual and family therapy.I have worked in child welfare, hospitals, not-for-profit organizations and in the school board settings. I have extensive experience counselling both children and adults. I provide services through multiple modalities such as: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Focused Family Therapy and Navigating relationships, suicide prevention, anxiety & depression management, sexual violence & LGBTQ+ counselling.

Central Ontario Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, BSc, RSSW, MACP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Jessica Malynyk is the founder of Central Ontario Psychotherapy and is a Registered Psychotherapist (11052). Since 2014, she has provided psychotherapeutic support in community settings to individuals dealing with a wide variety of mental health concerns/stressors including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, emotional dysregulation, relationships, family conflict, grief/loss and substance abuse. (see issues for full list.) Jessica brings forth her professional training and education, but, it is her personal life experience that really allows her to foster a deep connection with her clients.

Brit Lobsinger
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified
Verified
A compassionate, holistic psychotherapist offering space, understanding and tools for healing to those experiencing the effects of trauma, relationship patterns, loss, grief and various life challenges and pain. My journey began over 20 years ago counselling street-involved youth, supporting those with acquired brain injury, to specializing in therapy with those on their recovery journey from addiction and concurrent mental health to wellness. That lead me to understanding trauma and learning how we can heal on a mental, emotional, energetic, spiritual and physical level. I am here to support you on your unique healing journey.
Not accepting new clients

Tania E. Kingston, RP
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RPC
Verified
Verified
Tania works with adults (age 18 onward) to find answers to the questions and struggles in their lives. Often times we get stuck in various aspects of our life due to loss, emotional distress such as anxiety, panic or depression; trauma (childhood, sexual, physical and emotional abuse); relationship issues, such as separation and divorce, and coping issues such as stress and addictions, and we just need someone to help us navigate it all.
See more therapy options for Barrie
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.