Substance Use Therapists in Los Angeles, CA
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Alexander Gilburd
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT , LPCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work alongside all my clients, collaboratively developing goals that matter to them. I have an extensive background in community mental health and have helped individuals cope with symptoms related to their chronic mental illness, as well as those suffering from
Substance Use
Disorders, Anxiety and Depression. I also have years of experience working with Autistic children and young adults, as well as their families. In addition, I absolutely love helping couples and families work on improving their communication!

Dr. Howard C. Samuels Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified
Verified
You want to overcome addiction,
substance use
disorder, relationship or family issues but don't know how or where to begin.

Lindsey D Herrera
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC I
Verified
Verified
No individual is the same and therefore, I believe, no recovery journey is identical. I work to create an environment where my clients feel heard, understood, and supported as they explore their relationship with substances. I like to approach sessions as a team and empower my clients to make more effective decisions that can move them towards their personal goals. Additionally, I work with families and loved ones of those where
substance use
is causing dysfunction and stress by offering support, education, improving communication skills, establishing healthy boundaries, and guiding them to additional resources.

C. D. Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified
Verified
My approach is to meet each person where they are emotionally, to assess their vulnerabilities, and their assets, and to engage those assets in the pursuit of the solutions they seek. I am a licensed MFT and also hold a PhD in Clinical Psychology. I have supported the growth of many people over the last 20 years, including those challenged by
substance use
and related diagnoses, as well as supporting their families, and others faced by anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and struggles to find meaning in life.

Stella Cuomo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Are you struggling with addiction, disordered eating, anxiety or depression? Are you looking to deepen your sense of self and improve your quality of life? I have experience & enjoy working with individuals in the recovery process from
substance use
disorders, those transitioning out of inpatient treatment, family members who've been affected by addiction, queer and questioning individuals, those who struggle with disordered eating, trauma, anxiety or social anxiety, ADHD, & those who are looking to deepen their sense of identity such as teens, college students & young adults.
Not accepting new clients

Jonathan Reith-Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I provide individual and couples therapy for a range of issues including relationship problems, anxiety and depression, and
substance use
issues.
Please note that in this time of crisis and social distancing, I am offering therapy via a HIPAA-compliant video-conferencing application. I have maintained a private practice providing individual, couple, and group psychotherapy in the Los Angeles area for the last 21 years. Life is not easy, and sometimes it gets really hard. But the measure of success is how we cope with life's challenges.

Erika Chawla
Counselor, LPCC, LCPC
Verified
Verified
Hello. Struggling with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression? Maybe
substance use
or other problematic behaviors? Perhaps you are going through a life transition or questioning an important relationship. Maybe you can't quite identify what is wrong but you would like to talk to a well-practiced professional. I'm glad you are here.

Dr. Jose-Antonio Aguilar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am EMDR trained and have extensive harm reduction experience to assist with alcohol and
substance use
or misuse.
You might find yourself struggling and aren’t sure how to move forward. It could be that you are going through a life change such as ending a relationship or exploring your gender expression. Maybe you’re questioning if you are drinking too much and not sure if you want to stop. Sometimes positive change can bring up feelings of anxiety. Holding on to all of these feelings and experiences can be overwhelming and talking with a Licensed Clinical Psychologist like myself is a step to releasing and exploring these feelings.

Tara Rodriquez
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Finding a good therapeutic fit can be a real challenge! When you're at a low point, it can seem even more daunting to reach out and take on this task. I aim to make this process as simple and effective as possible. If you're struggling with issues, I can provide a supportive, gentle, compassionate, and nonjudgmental presence while we work together to learn what steps you can take to make things better. If you're doing mostly OK but need someone to talk to as you navigate life's ups and downs, I can help with that too! My main areas of experience and expertise are
substance use
, anxiety and mood issues, trauma, and life transitions.

Micah Carlson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Anyone willing to put in the work will change and grow. I know this to be true from first-hand experience. Throughout childhood, I suffered from anxiety and depression, and in my teens, I discovered relief through
substance use
. I have been in long-term recovery since 2005 and continue participating in therapy.

John Jack Senese IV
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I have significant experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals,
substance use
/addiction, and survivors of trauma.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who approaches therapy with a direct, strengths-based approach. I spent my life in New York until moving to Los Angeles to earn my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. I have worked my professional career in a diverse number of settings, including a neurofeedback clinic, rehabilitation center, LGBTQ+ center, and multiple research settings.
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Jessica R. Clark
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist who specializes in
substance use
and trauma. My goal as a clinician is to create a safe and collaborative space to identify each client’s personal goals for therapy and engage client centered interventions to assist them with achieving their goals. My personal style is to be supportive and non-judgemental in order to allow my clients to be free to experience and express all emotions. I use an eclectic approach to interventions, using skills based in Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT and DBT to meet each of my client’s unique needs.
Not accepting new clients

Dr. Art Khachikyan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Are you facing an alcohol or other substance abuse challenge? Is problematic
substance use
threatening your professional success or putting you in problematic situations? Isolation and feeling unmoored increase your risk for substance abuse and make your emotional challenges more difficult to manage.
Do you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or lonely? Is it difficult to balance work with your personal/family needs? Are you finding it difficult to build friendships or understand the culture at work? Distraction on the job, insomnia, or withdrawing from family are signs that you may need help managing anxiety and stress. Many of us find it difficult to develop nurturing relationships and stop feeling isolated. In therapy, you can build coping skills and insights that can help you feel calmer and more in control. We will work to building the tools that you need to succeed professionally and personally. I am looking forward to helping!

Micah K. Carlson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Anyone willing to put in the work will change and grow. I know this to be true from first-hand experience. Throughout childhood, I suffered from anxiety and depression, and in my teens, I discovered relief through
substance use
. I have been in long-term recovery since 2005 and continue participate in therapy.

Nathan Brandon
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I specialize in anxiety and
substance use
issues.
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I provide personalized support and the help you need to overcome your current emotional or situational challenges. I work with you so you can overcome your problems and develop healthy, effective coping strategies that you can use throughout your life. We will get to the source of your problems and help you develop the skills and strategies you need to handle your life’s challenges. I believe that the adversities we experience in life can be great opportunities for personal growth and transformation.

Oscar Valdez
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified
Verified
I'm Oscar Valdez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with individuals on issues like anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, life transitions,
substance use
, and spirituality. I use trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), gestalt work, Motivational interviewing, and Client-centered work and I use the internal family systems model. I am a Unites States Marine Corps veteran and aim to follow a motto that I was taught leave it better than you found it. I aim to partner alongside my clients as a means to attain this goal.

Michael John Hagan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SUDCC
Verified
Verified
Together, let's find your path! I am an LMFT and a
substance use
counselor with extensive personal and professional experience in addiction.
Being addicted to alcohol or drugs is like being in a dark pit where you do not know what is up and what is down. It is cold and lonely, and you can feel hopeless about finding any escape. Being the family member of a loved one who is struggling with addiction is scary and can leave you sad and in a constant state of uncertainty. You are always asking yourself why is your loved one pushing aside the life ring you toss out and grabbing the anchor of drugs and alcohol over and over and over again. You see they are drowning and feel you cannot save them. Addiction is insidious, but there are paths to recovery.

Halima S .
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified
Verified
Our clinicians have experience working with various issues including relationship/marriage conflicts, eating disorders, transgenerational trauma, racial trauma, adults with severe mental illness,
substance use
, homelessness, familial conflicts, being a first generation college student, religious and cultural barriers, etc.
We are currently accepting clients! AMALY is a virtual mental health organization that serves individuals and couples across California. We specialize in providing services to BIPOC clients.

Hannah Roberts
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I offer an in-depth, personalized therapy experience, supporting individuals facing stress and anxiety, finding work-life balance, dealing with life changes, recovering from recent or past trauma, or reducing their
substance use
, as well as those wishing to deepen their relationships.
Please email to work with a therapist on my team at Thrive SLO (available immediately). I work with college students and adults feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and/or anxious. Need balance in your life? Facing grief, past trauma, or coping with difficult family situations? Or maybe you are thinking about coming out to your family and friends? I offer expertise, guidance and support for you to navigate these challenges. I'm passionate about the personal transformation that comes through therapy. I love working with curious individuals who want to better understand themselves, their emotions, & their relationships.

Connie Padera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Are you struggling with
substance use
or disordered eating habits? Or maybe you need some guidance on self-esteem or relationship issues? It's okay to not be okay, and I'm here to help you through whatever life has brought your way. I believe in treating each these issues from a whole person perspective, and will work with you to enrich all areas of your well-being. Through openhearted and compassionate communication, we will create a safe space for you to mindfully explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and identify which among them no longer serve you.
See more therapy options for
Substance Use Therapists
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, counselors, 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.