Find a Substance Use Psychiatrist

Substance use disorders are characterized by the use of alcohol, prescription medications, or other drugs in ways that harm a person's health, relationships, or responsibilities at home, work, or school. While not everyone who uses substances meets the criteria for a disorder, substance use that becomes frequent, risky, or disruptive to daily life may indicate the presence of a substance use disorder. In these cases, psychiatric care can be critical to helping clients reach recovery. Psychiatrists who specialize in substance use can help individuals understand the role substances play in their lives and support them in making changes through a combination of therapy and, when appropriate, medication.

At the start of care, psychiatrists typically conduct a thorough evaluation of a client's current substance use and assess for any co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. This assessment helps determine whether outpatient care is appropriate or if a higher level of support—such as a detox program or intensive outpatient program (IOP)—is needed first.

Once an appropriate care setting is identified, the psychiatrist and client work together to establish treatment goals and a personalized plan. This plan may include therapy approaches such as motivational interviewing, harm reduction strategies, or relapse prevention. For some individuals, medication-assisted treatment (MAT)—such as buprenorphine for opioid use or naltrexone for alcohol use—may be used to manage cravings, withdrawal, or relapse risk.

The Psychology Today online directory is a useful tool for finding psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) who specialize in treating substance use. The directory allows users to search for providers with expertise in specific areas, such as alcohol use, drug use, or dual diagnosis. It also includes filters for insurance coverage, location, session format (in-person or telehealth), and provider identity characteristics, such as gender or cultural background. When evaluating a psychiatrist, it's helpful to ask about their experience treating the specific substance of concern, as not all providers treat all types of substance use. Understanding their approach to therapy and medication can also help ensure the provider is a good fit.