Substance Use Therapists in Los Angeles, CA

It's important to note that I am a Counselor specializing in Substance Use/Addictions/Alcoholism AND other problems that commonly associated.
**Telehealth Video sessions are available** Are you having trouble controlling your drinking but feel like "rehab" isn't for you? Have loved ones in your life pleaded with you to stop? Is your alcohol or drug use causing relationship issues? Anxiety problems? I know exactly how your feeling. Alcohol or drug abuse can extremely difficult to manage on your own. For the last 19 years I’ve been helping clients navigate the personal recovery process and the trials and tribulations they come with it. If you are in a place in your life where you are ready to make some needed changes, I can help you be free from the grips of addiction.
It's important to note that I am a Counselor specializing in Substance Use/Addictions/Alcoholism AND other problems that commonly associated.
**Telehealth Video sessions are available** Are you having trouble controlling your drinking but feel like "rehab" isn't for you? Have loved ones in your life pleaded with you to stop? Is your alcohol or drug use causing relationship issues? Anxiety problems? I know exactly how your feeling. Alcohol or drug abuse can extremely difficult to manage on your own. For the last 19 years I’ve been helping clients navigate the personal recovery process and the trials and tribulations they come with it. If you are in a place in your life where you are ready to make some needed changes, I can help you be free from the grips of addiction.

I provide individual and couples therapy for a range of issues including relationship problems, anxiety and depression, and substance use issues
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.
I provide individual and couples therapy for a range of issues including relationship problems, anxiety and depression, and substance use issues
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.

We often do this through alcohol and substance use, isolation, or patterns in relationships that leave us feeling more disconnected.
I'm licensed in California and Illinois and have advanced training in attachment-based and trauma-informed psychotherapy. Trauma work doesn’t always start with telling the full story. It takes time—and together, we’ll find a way to approach it that feels safe, supportive, and attuned to you and your creative rhythm.
We often do this through alcohol and substance use, isolation, or patterns in relationships that leave us feeling more disconnected.
I'm licensed in California and Illinois and have advanced training in attachment-based and trauma-informed psychotherapy. Trauma work doesn’t always start with telling the full story. It takes time—and together, we’ll find a way to approach it that feels safe, supportive, and attuned to you and your creative rhythm.

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.
I also help creative people with their particular challenges, including blocks to creativity, and seemingly overwhelming goals or deadlines. I also hold an MFA degree, as well as having worked for many years in the entertainment industry. I am a teacher, father and grandfather, a musician, writer and artist, and ultimately, human.
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.
I also help creative people with their particular challenges, including blocks to creativity, and seemingly overwhelming goals or deadlines. I also hold an MFA degree, as well as having worked for many years in the entertainment industry. I am a teacher, father and grandfather, a musician, writer and artist, and ultimately, human.

I am AF-EMDR trained and have a breadth of experience treating Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorders and Mood Disorders.
Often times, current circumstances bring us into therapy- perhaps we feel anxious, unfulfilled, disconnected, or trapped. Maybe we notice a pattern we can't seem to break. In my experience, these pain points tend to reflect a much deeper wound that, when tended to, can yield profound relief and empowerment in the here and now. People tend to take risks when they feel safe enough to do so, so my goal is two-fold: to build resources and skills that create a foundation of safety and to inspire clients to take the risks necessary to grow and heal.
I am AF-EMDR trained and have a breadth of experience treating Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorders and Mood Disorders.
Often times, current circumstances bring us into therapy- perhaps we feel anxious, unfulfilled, disconnected, or trapped. Maybe we notice a pattern we can't seem to break. In my experience, these pain points tend to reflect a much deeper wound that, when tended to, can yield profound relief and empowerment in the here and now. People tend to take risks when they feel safe enough to do so, so my goal is two-fold: to build resources and skills that create a foundation of safety and to inspire clients to take the risks necessary to grow and heal.

Iam a counseling psychologist with over 20 years of experience in delivering evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use.
My goal is to provide a caring, understanding, and nonjudgmental space for my clients in our therapeutic relationship. I truly believe you have what you need to overcome your barriers and struggles.
Iam a counseling psychologist with over 20 years of experience in delivering evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use.
My goal is to provide a caring, understanding, and nonjudgmental space for my clients in our therapeutic relationship. I truly believe you have what you need to overcome your barriers and struggles.

Dr. Howard C. Samuels Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90028
You want to overcome addiction, substance use disorder, relationship or family issues but don't know how or where to begin.
As a former addict I understand how to navigate & overcome substance use disorder. I am the founder and former CEO of The Hills Treatment Center in Los Angeles, I have Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and have over 35 yrs of experience treating addiction and working with families and couples in a broad range of behavioral addictions & psychological disorders
You want to overcome addiction, substance use disorder, relationship or family issues but don't know how or where to begin.
As a former addict I understand how to navigate & overcome substance use disorder. I am the founder and former CEO of The Hills Treatment Center in Los Angeles, I have Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and have over 35 yrs of experience treating addiction and working with families and couples in a broad range of behavioral addictions & psychological disorders

I am licensed in both Puerto Rico and California and specialize in substance use disorder, and behavioral modification.
Life comes with daily challenges, hurdles and changes that can sometimes be tough to get through. There may be times that you begin to lose control. This is where I step in; to help you figure out and get through this thing called life. The care that I take with each client is to ensure that you feel that you are in a safe and nurturing environment always. My genuine empathy for every individual has afforded me the privilege of guiding my clients through difficult times in their lives and seeing them through the not so bright days.
I am licensed in both Puerto Rico and California and specialize in substance use disorder, and behavioral modification.
Life comes with daily challenges, hurdles and changes that can sometimes be tough to get through. There may be times that you begin to lose control. This is where I step in; to help you figure out and get through this thing called life. The care that I take with each client is to ensure that you feel that you are in a safe and nurturing environment always. My genuine empathy for every individual has afforded me the privilege of guiding my clients through difficult times in their lives and seeing them through the not so bright days.

I have extensive experience working in the field of recovery and substance use including working in both residential and outpatient settings.
You’ve likely been told you’re “too much” or “too sensitive”—when in truth, you carry deep insight, unprocessed emotion, and a nervous system shaped by pain. As a Palestinian therapist, I understand what it means to hold both personal and collective trauma. I help high-functioning, emotionally overwhelmed clients move through self-blame, rejection sensitivity, and perfectionism—so you can feel safe in your body, trust your voice, and finally breathe again.
I have extensive experience working in the field of recovery and substance use including working in both residential and outpatient settings.
You’ve likely been told you’re “too much” or “too sensitive”—when in truth, you carry deep insight, unprocessed emotion, and a nervous system shaped by pain. As a Palestinian therapist, I understand what it means to hold both personal and collective trauma. I help high-functioning, emotionally overwhelmed clients move through self-blame, rejection sensitivity, and perfectionism—so you can feel safe in your body, trust your voice, and finally breathe again.

Whether you’re facing trauma, perfectionism, substance use, or feeling disconnected, you don’t have to do it on your own.
You might be carrying the weight of old wounds—trauma, shame, anxiety, or feeling stuck in patterns you can’t seem to change. Maybe parts of you long for connection and growth, while others keep you guarded or overwhelmed. Together, we’ll work with those internal tensions, not against them. I offer a compassionate, LGBTQ+ affirming space where we can explore your inner world, build emotional safety, and help you reconnect with your sense of clarity, resilience, and wholeness.
Whether you’re facing trauma, perfectionism, substance use, or feeling disconnected, you don’t have to do it on your own.
You might be carrying the weight of old wounds—trauma, shame, anxiety, or feeling stuck in patterns you can’t seem to change. Maybe parts of you long for connection and growth, while others keep you guarded or overwhelmed. Together, we’ll work with those internal tensions, not against them. I offer a compassionate, LGBTQ+ affirming space where we can explore your inner world, build emotional safety, and help you reconnect with your sense of clarity, resilience, and wholeness.

My specialties include: addictions, substance use disorders, eating disorders, relational conflict, codependency, ADHD, anxiety and stress, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, identity and personality development - if you are looking for a therapist who is relatable, direct, open, honest, and compassionate, you’re in the right place.
I place great value on equipping you with the social and psychological resources and skills necessary to thrive. It's difficult to focus on the deeper aspects of our mental health when this is left unaddressed. As a depth-oriented therapist, I also work with you to uncover your shadow—those hidden aspects of your personality that influence your life patterns. Identifying these unconscious patterns, understanding how they've been built, and why they continue to persist gives you the power of choice in how you'd like to show up to life moving forward.
My specialties include: addictions, substance use disorders, eating disorders, relational conflict, codependency, ADHD, anxiety and stress, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, identity and personality development - if you are looking for a therapist who is relatable, direct, open, honest, and compassionate, you’re in the right place.
I place great value on equipping you with the social and psychological resources and skills necessary to thrive. It's difficult to focus on the deeper aspects of our mental health when this is left unaddressed. As a depth-oriented therapist, I also work with you to uncover your shadow—those hidden aspects of your personality that influence your life patterns. Identifying these unconscious patterns, understanding how they've been built, and why they continue to persist gives you the power of choice in how you'd like to show up to life moving forward.

Helping individuals experiencing life transitions, unhealthy coping mechanisms ( substance use) or facing anxiety and depression.
You’re smart, self-aware—and still stuck. The same arguments, the same anxiety, the same emotional shutdowns keep showing up. I work with individuals and couples who are tired of repeating the same painful patterns, and are ready to actually shift the way they live. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, or trauma, I bring 10+ years of experience and use evidence-based therapy like CBT, Motivational Interviewing and the Gottman Couple's Method. Therapy with me is direct, honest, and grounded in real tools that work. I offer both in-person sessions in Marina Del Rey and virtual sessions.
Helping individuals experiencing life transitions, unhealthy coping mechanisms ( substance use) or facing anxiety and depression.
You’re smart, self-aware—and still stuck. The same arguments, the same anxiety, the same emotional shutdowns keep showing up. I work with individuals and couples who are tired of repeating the same painful patterns, and are ready to actually shift the way they live. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, or trauma, I bring 10+ years of experience and use evidence-based therapy like CBT, Motivational Interviewing and the Gottman Couple's Method. Therapy with me is direct, honest, and grounded in real tools that work. I offer both in-person sessions in Marina Del Rey and virtual sessions.

I specialize in supporting adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, substance use, and trauma, through a holistic approach that is motivational, supportive, and empowering.
My therapeutic approach is strength-based, humanistic, and grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness, and CBT. I also incorporate clinical hypnotherapy and somatic awareness practices to help alleviate anxiety, overcome limiting beliefs, manage stress effectively, and chart a path forward toward healing, resilience, and personal transformation.
I specialize in supporting adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, substance use, and trauma, through a holistic approach that is motivational, supportive, and empowering.
My therapeutic approach is strength-based, humanistic, and grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness, and CBT. I also incorporate clinical hypnotherapy and somatic awareness practices to help alleviate anxiety, overcome limiting beliefs, manage stress effectively, and chart a path forward toward healing, resilience, and personal transformation.

My focus areas are working with individuals with anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, and substance use disorders.
I adapt these approaches within a humanistic approach, built on the belief that every individual is the expert and guide of their treatment and therapeutic process. I strive to be an authentic unit of treatment through compassion, empathy, and demonstrating unconditional positive regard.
My focus areas are working with individuals with anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, and substance use disorders.
I adapt these approaches within a humanistic approach, built on the belief that every individual is the expert and guide of their treatment and therapeutic process. I strive to be an authentic unit of treatment through compassion, empathy, and demonstrating unconditional positive regard.

I help my clients examine their relationship with substance use in a non-judgemental way, in order to identify ways to transform their lives for the better.
Hi there, I'm Sarah! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from the San Francisco Bay Area (now living in Denver, Colorado). I work with adults in the LGBTQI2S+ community and specialize in recovery from trauma and addiction using dialectical, solution-focused, and somatic therapy. I base my therapeutic approach on my individual clients' needs, and most often find dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness-based approaches to be helpful.
I help my clients examine their relationship with substance use in a non-judgemental way, in order to identify ways to transform their lives for the better.
Hi there, I'm Sarah! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from the San Francisco Bay Area (now living in Denver, Colorado). I work with adults in the LGBTQI2S+ community and specialize in recovery from trauma and addiction using dialectical, solution-focused, and somatic therapy. I base my therapeutic approach on my individual clients' needs, and most often find dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness-based approaches to be helpful.

I work with all kinds of problems, but I bring a specific base of knowledge to issues around religious trauma and deconstruction, ENM/polyamory, and substance use.
Something in your life may be asking for your attention—something that no longer fits or feels like you. I believe that our struggles, though painful, can be invitations to grow, to change old patterns, and to reconnect with what matters most. In our work together, we’ll gently explore what’s arising—whether it’s heartache in relationships, the weight of depression or anxiety, obsessive thoughts, past trauma, addiction, body image, spiritual wounding, or a search for meaning and self.
I work with all kinds of problems, but I bring a specific base of knowledge to issues around religious trauma and deconstruction, ENM/polyamory, and substance use.
Something in your life may be asking for your attention—something that no longer fits or feels like you. I believe that our struggles, though painful, can be invitations to grow, to change old patterns, and to reconnect with what matters most. In our work together, we’ll gently explore what’s arising—whether it’s heartache in relationships, the weight of depression or anxiety, obsessive thoughts, past trauma, addiction, body image, spiritual wounding, or a search for meaning and self.

I'm Armando Rodriguez, LCSW, specializing in LGBTQ+ issues, substance use, and trauma.
Specializing in providing compassionate and affirming therapy, I offer a safe space for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community who are navigating substance abuse and trauma. I integrate a trauma-focused approach tailored to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including issues of identity, discrimination, and stigma.
I'm Armando Rodriguez, LCSW, specializing in LGBTQ+ issues, substance use, and trauma.
Specializing in providing compassionate and affirming therapy, I offer a safe space for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community who are navigating substance abuse and trauma. I integrate a trauma-focused approach tailored to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including issues of identity, discrimination, and stigma.

Substance use, trauma, dual diagnosis, mental health is all tied together and I specialize in the mental aspect and self esteem/ self worth along with the real world experience and walk with you toward your goals.
Hi I’m Dean! I specialize in trauma and substance abuse but I have worked with everyone from just mental health, to dual diagnosis, specializing in anxiety and trauma. With my license I am able to see Clients in every state which is why I chose this route because I wanted to be available to those who really needed help. I am the counselor I needed when I was walking through the fire and I will be that for you. Whether your goal is to be able to get out of bed or to get sober or anything in between I will help you get there. I truly love my job and it doesn’t feel like work to me, you won’t be disappointed. Look forward to meeting!
Substance use, trauma, dual diagnosis, mental health is all tied together and I specialize in the mental aspect and self esteem/ self worth along with the real world experience and walk with you toward your goals.
Hi I’m Dean! I specialize in trauma and substance abuse but I have worked with everyone from just mental health, to dual diagnosis, specializing in anxiety and trauma. With my license I am able to see Clients in every state which is why I chose this route because I wanted to be available to those who really needed help. I am the counselor I needed when I was walking through the fire and I will be that for you. Whether your goal is to be able to get out of bed or to get sober or anything in between I will help you get there. I truly love my job and it doesn’t feel like work to me, you won’t be disappointed. Look forward to meeting!

Additionally, I provide support to families and loved ones affected by substance use through psychoeducation, improving communication, establishing healthy boundaries, and connecting them with additional resources as needed.
I have experience working with adults, teens, and young adults. Sessions focus on relapse prevention, behavior modification, psychoeducation, and specific strategies for coping with triggers and distress, while incorporating process and building self-esteem. I am experienced with 12 step programs and am a certified SMART recovery facilitator.
Additionally, I provide support to families and loved ones affected by substance use through psychoeducation, improving communication, establishing healthy boundaries, and connecting them with additional resources as needed.
I have experience working with adults, teens, and young adults. Sessions focus on relapse prevention, behavior modification, psychoeducation, and specific strategies for coping with triggers and distress, while incorporating process and building self-esteem. I am experienced with 12 step programs and am a certified SMART recovery facilitator.

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 incorporate evidenced based modalities and understand that every individual requires a tailored approach to help them unlock their potential. Whether it’s helping people challenge irrational beliefs that prevent them from being happy or incorporating a solution-focused view to reach their goals, I stay flexible and provide a non-judgmental environment.
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 incorporate evidenced based modalities and understand that every individual requires a tailored approach to help them unlock their potential. Whether it’s helping people challenge irrational beliefs that prevent them from being happy or incorporating a solution-focused view to reach their goals, I stay flexible and provide a non-judgmental environment.
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Nearby Substance Use Therapists Searches for Los Angeles
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- Eagle Rock
- Highland Park
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- Huntington Park
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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.