There are no results for therapists in Driftwood

Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Texas below.

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dr. Alycia DeGraff, Marriage & Family Therapist in Driftwood, TX
Dr. Alycia DeGraff
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78737
Dr. DeGraff specializes in working with professionals including counselors/therapists, doctors, nurses, academics, business owners/executives, first responders, and military members/veterans. She understands that the same traits that make professionals successful (e.g., highly intelligent, over-analyzing, leadership skills, charisma, etc.) can be the same traits that get and keep folks stuck. Drawing from her experience as a professor, researcher, and supervisor, you can trust that your care will be modern and of high quality.
Dr. DeGraff specializes in working with professionals including counselors/therapists, doctors, nurses, academics, business owners/executives, first responders, and military members/veterans. She understands that the same traits that make professionals successful (e.g., highly intelligent, over-analyzing, leadership skills, charisma, etc.) can be the same traits that get and keep folks stuck. Drawing from her experience as a professor, researcher, and supervisor, you can trust that your care will be modern and of high quality.
(512) 994-2701 View (512) 994-2701
Photo of Samantha Birnbaum, Licensed Professional Counselor in Driftwood, TX
Samantha Birnbaum
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78739  (Online Only)
Hi I’m Sam Birnbaum! I have been a practicing mental health therapist since 2014 and most recently moved to Austin, seeing clients virtually all over the state of Texas. While much of my training focused on addictions, I found passion in helping those with “over-controlled” tendencies, perfectionism and high achieving, that were looking for peace and flexibility to increase their quality of life. Much of my later studies have focused on helping those with negative body image and a relationship with exercise and food that is holding them back from living their best life and being fully present.
Hi I’m Sam Birnbaum! I have been a practicing mental health therapist since 2014 and most recently moved to Austin, seeing clients virtually all over the state of Texas. While much of my training focused on addictions, I found passion in helping those with “over-controlled” tendencies, perfectionism and high achieving, that were looking for peace and flexibility to increase their quality of life. Much of my later studies have focused on helping those with negative body image and a relationship with exercise and food that is holding them back from living their best life and being fully present.
(737) 637-5975 View (737) 637-5975

Online Therapists

Photo of Valerie J Vineyard, Licensed Professional Counselor in Driftwood, TX
Valerie J Vineyard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78258  (Online Only)
Specialties include relational issues; men and women suffering with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive behaviors, sexual dysfunctions, relational problems, sexual abuse, parenting difficulties, PTSD, and co-occurring substance use problems.
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, confused, powerless, helpless to control life issues, a healthy first step toward realizing positive change in your life, is to invest in therapy. By discovering your strengths, gifts, and unique perception, we can begin utilizing these attributes toward effective thoughtful problem solving and decision making behaviors.
Specialties include relational issues; men and women suffering with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive behaviors, sexual dysfunctions, relational problems, sexual abuse, parenting difficulties, PTSD, and co-occurring substance use problems.
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, confused, powerless, helpless to control life issues, a healthy first step toward realizing positive change in your life, is to invest in therapy. By discovering your strengths, gifts, and unique perception, we can begin utilizing these attributes toward effective thoughtful problem solving and decision making behaviors.
(210) 879-6713 View (210) 879-6713
Photo of Susannah Benton, Licensed Professional Counselor in Driftwood, TX
Susannah Benton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78749
In the face of pain we all have strategies to manage the discomfort, sometimes reacting in ways that feel out of our control. Many of us can experience a punitive, self-judging voice inside our head and disconnection from our body. I believe our symptoms -anxiety, depression, emotional reactivity, struggles with relationships, addiction, and stuck patterns— are our best attempts at self-regulation, adaptations we learned in overwhelming circumstances. These are learned responses that can be unlearned. They're communications from unintegrated/shadow parts of ourselves that can be welcomed as guides (sometimes reluctantly, painfully).
In the face of pain we all have strategies to manage the discomfort, sometimes reacting in ways that feel out of our control. Many of us can experience a punitive, self-judging voice inside our head and disconnection from our body. I believe our symptoms -anxiety, depression, emotional reactivity, struggles with relationships, addiction, and stuck patterns— are our best attempts at self-regulation, adaptations we learned in overwhelming circumstances. These are learned responses that can be unlearned. They're communications from unintegrated/shadow parts of ourselves that can be welcomed as guides (sometimes reluctantly, painfully).
(512) 877-4665 View (512) 877-4665
Photo of Morgan Grace, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Driftwood, TX
Morgan Grace
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, LCDC, CCTP, EMDR, TCYM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78701
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in trauma and dissociation, with additional training in substance use and chronic pain.
Welcome! I work with individuals who are looking to heal from past wounds and find their highest self. With a multidimensional background, I will meet you where you are and we'll explore the barriers that may be preventing you from moving forward. I believe you already have the tools you need. It takes a safe space with which to release the emotional weight and begin to see life with a new perspective. Our work together could be best summarized with the quote "Courage is not the absence of fear; courage is fear walking". It is an honor to help support you in this phase of your journey.
I specialize in trauma and dissociation, with additional training in substance use and chronic pain.
Welcome! I work with individuals who are looking to heal from past wounds and find their highest self. With a multidimensional background, I will meet you where you are and we'll explore the barriers that may be preventing you from moving forward. I believe you already have the tools you need. It takes a safe space with which to release the emotional weight and begin to see life with a new perspective. Our work together could be best summarized with the quote "Courage is not the absence of fear; courage is fear walking". It is an honor to help support you in this phase of your journey.
(507) 509-2169 View (507) 509-2169
Photo of Restoration House Texas, Licensed Professional Counselor in Driftwood, TX
Restoration House Texas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMSC, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78701  (Online Only)
Our counselors specialize in Addiction and Recovery, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, and major life transitions.
At Restoration House Texas, our goal is to challenge and empower individuals in order to promote healing. Our therapists specialize in meeting people where they are and holistically allowing them to elevate to where they wish to be.
Our counselors specialize in Addiction and Recovery, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, and major life transitions.
At Restoration House Texas, our goal is to challenge and empower individuals in order to promote healing. Our therapists specialize in meeting people where they are and holistically allowing them to elevate to where they wish to be.
(512) 859-5759 View (512) 859-5759
Photo of Bethel Moges, Licensed Professional Counselor in Driftwood, TX
Bethel Moges
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78703  (Online Only)
With a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling, I believe in the work of this field. Whether this includes group therapy, addiction psychoeducation, or pre-marital counseling, it is my honor to walk with you as you seek to recover or grow. Life can be heavy and emotions difficult to regulate. Throughout your journey, I recognize that it can be life-changing to add a non-judgmental support with tools to your team as you work to reach your goals by using your own strengths. Just as hurt and betrayal often take place in relationship, so do healing and change. In a session with me, you matter and you are safe.
With a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling, I believe in the work of this field. Whether this includes group therapy, addiction psychoeducation, or pre-marital counseling, it is my honor to walk with you as you seek to recover or grow. Life can be heavy and emotions difficult to regulate. Throughout your journey, I recognize that it can be life-changing to add a non-judgmental support with tools to your team as you work to reach your goals by using your own strengths. Just as hurt and betrayal often take place in relationship, so do healing and change. In a session with me, you matter and you are safe.
(512) 714-3403 View (512) 714-3403
Photo of MindGarden Therapeutic Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Driftwood, TX
MindGarden Therapeutic Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, LCDC
Verified Verified
New Braunfels, TX 78130  (Online Only)
Hi there! My name is Dr. Ana Alicia Potthast, DSW, LCSW, LCDC. I have a passion for mental health care and substance abuse treatment, and I have extensive experience and training in behavioral health, diagnostics, addiction, co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse and assault, maternity and fertility issues, grief and loss, hoarding, family dynamics and conflict, marital issues, sexual orientation and gender identification and expression, adjustment issues, stages in life, and many other situations that bring a client to seek counseling.
Hi there! My name is Dr. Ana Alicia Potthast, DSW, LCSW, LCDC. I have a passion for mental health care and substance abuse treatment, and I have extensive experience and training in behavioral health, diagnostics, addiction, co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse and assault, maternity and fertility issues, grief and loss, hoarding, family dynamics and conflict, marital issues, sexual orientation and gender identification and expression, adjustment issues, stages in life, and many other situations that bring a client to seek counseling.
(830) 582-9887 View (830) 582-9887
Photo of Laura Scheindlin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Driftwood, TX
Laura Scheindlin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78752
Waitlist for new clients
Perhaps you are suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or addiction.
Now doing In Person Myofascial Release! Talk therapy will remain virtual. Let me help you make some big shifts in your life! Most of the reason why we sabotage or ruin our progress is because our unconscious self is driving our behaviors. I can help you to bring those unconscious beliefs into your awareness so you can change your behaviors that don't serve you anymore. As a body-centered therapist (LPC and LMT), I help people who may be stuck in their healing process and are in need of deep and active work. By utilizing both psychotherapy and Myofascial Release, I help clients heal more effectively.
Perhaps you are suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or addiction.
Now doing In Person Myofascial Release! Talk therapy will remain virtual. Let me help you make some big shifts in your life! Most of the reason why we sabotage or ruin our progress is because our unconscious self is driving our behaviors. I can help you to bring those unconscious beliefs into your awareness so you can change your behaviors that don't serve you anymore. As a body-centered therapist (LPC and LMT), I help people who may be stuck in their healing process and are in need of deep and active work. By utilizing both psychotherapy and Myofascial Release, I help clients heal more effectively.
(512) 879-3807 View (512) 879-3807
Photo of Charlotte Crary, Licensed Professional Counselor in Driftwood, TX
Charlotte Crary
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Round Rock, TX 78664
If you or your child are experiencing trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, substance use, nightmares we can help.
Charlotte is an experienced trauma therapist specializing in the treatment of children and families with special needs who have suffered trauma, children in foster care, and adoptive families. Charlotte has developed trauma-informed clinical programs for treatment centers and non-profit organizations across the country. Building trust and rapport with children and their families is the first step to effective treatment. Charlotte uses an integrated family approach to include the entire family in the treatment process.
If you or your child are experiencing trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, substance use, nightmares we can help.
Charlotte is an experienced trauma therapist specializing in the treatment of children and families with special needs who have suffered trauma, children in foster care, and adoptive families. Charlotte has developed trauma-informed clinical programs for treatment centers and non-profit organizations across the country. Building trust and rapport with children and their families is the first step to effective treatment. Charlotte uses an integrated family approach to include the entire family in the treatment process.
(833) 747-0072 View (833) 747-0072
Photo of Jan Marquart LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Driftwood, TX
Jan Marquart LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759  (Online Only)
I began private practice in 1986 but have counseled troubled families since 1979. My clients include struggling college students, couples in conflict, families in disarray, substance abusers, employers worried about an employee, seniors who lost a spouse or adjusting to aging, daughters in conflicts with their mothers, women in violent relationships. I use writing for wellness. I have created a 6-week intensive writing course to guide clients through PTSD and other stressors. I have taught this course online around the world and in sessions. Go to: Amazon.com for all my books.
I began private practice in 1986 but have counseled troubled families since 1979. My clients include struggling college students, couples in conflict, families in disarray, substance abusers, employers worried about an employee, seniors who lost a spouse or adjusting to aging, daughters in conflicts with their mothers, women in violent relationships. I use writing for wellness. I have created a 6-week intensive writing course to guide clients through PTSD and other stressors. I have taught this course online around the world and in sessions. Go to: Amazon.com for all my books.
(512) 942-2390 View (512) 942-2390
Photo of Meredith Manas, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Driftwood, TX
Meredith Manas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Georgetown, TX 78628
Meredith has worked in a variety of settings, both residential and outpatient, treating adults with a variety of issues including substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. She approaches her clients with genuineness, compassion, and positive regard to meet them where they are in their journey towards living a life that is meaningful to the client. She works to instill motivation and hope that change is attainable.
Meredith has worked in a variety of settings, both residential and outpatient, treating adults with a variety of issues including substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. She approaches her clients with genuineness, compassion, and positive regard to meet them where they are in their journey towards living a life that is meaningful to the client. She works to instill motivation and hope that change is attainable.
(512) 877-7806 View (512) 877-7806
Photo of Molly Cook, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Driftwood, TX
Molly Cook
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, LCDC, RYT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lakeway, TX 78734
Waitlist for new clients
You just want to feel happy, healthy, and confident. Instead you often feel overwhelmed, unsure, or disconnected. Fully connecting with our authentic self and others seems impossible. Sometimes our stress levels are too high or our traumatic life experiences get in the way of finding peace & fulfillment. I'm a firm believer that every person has the capacity for transformational healing. If you're ready to navigate the complexities of life including things like trauma, addiction, chronic pain, or dysfunctional family dynamics with a compassionate guide, you're in the right place.
You just want to feel happy, healthy, and confident. Instead you often feel overwhelmed, unsure, or disconnected. Fully connecting with our authentic self and others seems impossible. Sometimes our stress levels are too high or our traumatic life experiences get in the way of finding peace & fulfillment. I'm a firm believer that every person has the capacity for transformational healing. If you're ready to navigate the complexities of life including things like trauma, addiction, chronic pain, or dysfunctional family dynamics with a compassionate guide, you're in the right place.
(469) 382-4407 View (469) 382-4407
Photo of Firoozeh Tuller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Driftwood, TX
Firoozeh Tuller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
I work with a wide range of psychiatric disorders such as personality disorders, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, somatic pain, trauma, PTSD, and substance abuse.
I view treatment as a safe space where healing can occur through the process of unpeeling multiple layers of mental and emotional patterns (conscious and unconscious), leading individuals to discover their strengths, true potential and authentic self. In this process, one can feel empowered and inspired to integrate all parts of self, even those hidden from the conscious mind. This delicate work is only possible when trust and alliance are established between therapist and client. The principles guiding this work are unconditional acceptance, compassion and non-judgment.
I work with a wide range of psychiatric disorders such as personality disorders, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, somatic pain, trauma, PTSD, and substance abuse.
I view treatment as a safe space where healing can occur through the process of unpeeling multiple layers of mental and emotional patterns (conscious and unconscious), leading individuals to discover their strengths, true potential and authentic self. In this process, one can feel empowered and inspired to integrate all parts of self, even those hidden from the conscious mind. This delicate work is only possible when trust and alliance are established between therapist and client. The principles guiding this work are unconditional acceptance, compassion and non-judgment.
(512) 675-1395 View (512) 675-1395
Photo of Michelli E Ramon, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Driftwood, TX
Michelli E Ramon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78209
I'm about love, self-compassion, radical acceptance, embracing failure, trusting your innate wisdom and starting over. I fundamentally believe in every person's ability to recover from trauma, addiction and life, in general. Experience has taught me that no one is really avoiding anything. When people accuse you of not dealing with something, what they are really saying is you aren't dealing with it the way they want you to. From my perspective, if you wake up every morning and breathe in and out all day long, you're dealing with your stuff. A tiny bit of intention is all it takes to begin healing.
I'm about love, self-compassion, radical acceptance, embracing failure, trusting your innate wisdom and starting over. I fundamentally believe in every person's ability to recover from trauma, addiction and life, in general. Experience has taught me that no one is really avoiding anything. When people accuse you of not dealing with something, what they are really saying is you aren't dealing with it the way they want you to. From my perspective, if you wake up every morning and breathe in and out all day long, you're dealing with your stuff. A tiny bit of intention is all it takes to begin healing.
(210) 881-7814 View (210) 881-7814
Photo of Solidarity Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Driftwood, TX
Solidarity Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78702
Waitlist for new clients
My clinical interests cover depression, anxiety, intergenerational/racialized trauma, childhood trauma, relationship conflicts, addiction, existential crises and various issues through a de-pathologized/anti-oppression lens supplemented by neuroscience.
The world is becoming more complex as we are expected to do more with less time and energy. What if you were already coping with difficulties from a not so distant past? With my own history of self worth/doubt, health issues and being told "I don't belong here", I can vividly remember the frustration and loneliness of trying to "live your life" while feeling excluded. I draw from this to empathize and build a mutual understanding of "now" and create a path to a more authentic version of "you." We often look to the past to find origins of problems, but its equally important to dig through our history to find gems of resilience.
My clinical interests cover depression, anxiety, intergenerational/racialized trauma, childhood trauma, relationship conflicts, addiction, existential crises and various issues through a de-pathologized/anti-oppression lens supplemented by neuroscience.
The world is becoming more complex as we are expected to do more with less time and energy. What if you were already coping with difficulties from a not so distant past? With my own history of self worth/doubt, health issues and being told "I don't belong here", I can vividly remember the frustration and loneliness of trying to "live your life" while feeling excluded. I draw from this to empathize and build a mutual understanding of "now" and create a path to a more authentic version of "you." We often look to the past to find origins of problems, but its equally important to dig through our history to find gems of resilience.
(512) 515-9826 View (512) 515-9826
Photo of Inner Warrior Counseling, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Driftwood, TX
Inner Warrior Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78750
Feelings of hopelessness and anxiety can become paralyzing, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and stuck. It’s easy to resort to unhealthy thoughts and behaviors to cope with life’s endless challenges. Are you using drugs, alcohol, shopping or food to avoid your fears and emotions? Are you drowning in the should haves and what if’s? I work with clients pre-teen and up who are looking for help with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, codependency, stress, relationships, sleep disorders, work/life balance and life transitions. I also specialize in working with military-connected clients, first responders and their family members.
Feelings of hopelessness and anxiety can become paralyzing, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and stuck. It’s easy to resort to unhealthy thoughts and behaviors to cope with life’s endless challenges. Are you using drugs, alcohol, shopping or food to avoid your fears and emotions? Are you drowning in the should haves and what if’s? I work with clients pre-teen and up who are looking for help with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, codependency, stress, relationships, sleep disorders, work/life balance and life transitions. I also specialize in working with military-connected clients, first responders and their family members.
(512) 559-1057 View (512) 559-1057
Photo of Mary Jane Holland, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Driftwood, TX
Mary Jane Holland
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, ADC, LCDC, ASAT, NCAC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78757  (Online Only)
I am trained and certified as a counselor, coach and educator and have extensive experience working with individuals, couples and families on issues of substance use disorder, compulsive sexual behaviors, relationship issues and wellness.
My passion for over 30 years has been to help people explore, identify and deal with problematic or out of control behaviors and the effects in their lives and in the lives of loved ones. I have always believed that these excessive behaviors have served as one way for people to regulate their moods, their neurochemistry, and to cope with anxiety and fears. In other words, to change the way they feel. I enjoy helping people learn to manage stress and anxiety in new ways. I also love helping people improve their relationship with themselves and others and to develop a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
I am trained and certified as a counselor, coach and educator and have extensive experience working with individuals, couples and families on issues of substance use disorder, compulsive sexual behaviors, relationship issues and wellness.
My passion for over 30 years has been to help people explore, identify and deal with problematic or out of control behaviors and the effects in their lives and in the lives of loved ones. I have always believed that these excessive behaviors have served as one way for people to regulate their moods, their neurochemistry, and to cope with anxiety and fears. In other words, to change the way they feel. I enjoy helping people learn to manage stress and anxiety in new ways. I also love helping people improve their relationship with themselves and others and to develop a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
(844) 955-3009 View (844) 955-3009
Photo of Ilicia Balaban, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Driftwood, TX
Ilicia Balaban
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
My clients often turn to substance use, negative self-talk, avoidance, and impulsivity to deal with intense emotions and they spiral from there.
We all begin the therapeutic journey with our own set of strengths and needs. Sometimes our uniqueness promotes creativity, new perspectives, and collaboration. Other times our uniqueness can be terminal; leading to emptiness, feeling disconnected from self and others, and beliefs that mental health treatment may work for other people, but it won’t work for you. Therapy is not about “getting over” events and issues; it’s about understanding your triggers and learning how to manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so that you can move forward and continue to build a fulfilling life.
My clients often turn to substance use, negative self-talk, avoidance, and impulsivity to deal with intense emotions and they spiral from there.
We all begin the therapeutic journey with our own set of strengths and needs. Sometimes our uniqueness promotes creativity, new perspectives, and collaboration. Other times our uniqueness can be terminal; leading to emptiness, feeling disconnected from self and others, and beliefs that mental health treatment may work for other people, but it won’t work for you. Therapy is not about “getting over” events and issues; it’s about understanding your triggers and learning how to manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so that you can move forward and continue to build a fulfilling life.
(512) 764-0744 View (512) 764-0744
Photo of Katie Joy Winer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Driftwood, TX
Katie Joy Winer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746  (Online Only)
I also have an extensive background treating addiction, recovery and codependency.
We all go through life struggles, which we are not able to handle on our own. Therapy is a very helpful tool to get the help and guidance that you, your family or typical support network may not be able to provide. My job as a psychotherapist is to work collaboratively with clients to help you heal and grow. My approach is gentle and direct, and while I have confidence in my knowledge about therapy, I treat every client as an individual and learn from every person who works with me. My clients would say they trust my intuition, pay close attention, tell them the truth and empower them with ongoing effective strategies for healing.
I also have an extensive background treating addiction, recovery and codependency.
We all go through life struggles, which we are not able to handle on our own. Therapy is a very helpful tool to get the help and guidance that you, your family or typical support network may not be able to provide. My job as a psychotherapist is to work collaboratively with clients to help you heal and grow. My approach is gentle and direct, and while I have confidence in my knowledge about therapy, I treat every client as an individual and learn from every person who works with me. My clients would say they trust my intuition, pay close attention, tell them the truth and empower them with ongoing effective strategies for healing.
(512) 270-6608 View (512) 270-6608

See more therapy options for Driftwood


Addiction Therapists

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.