Substance Use Therapists in Denver, CO

There Is Always Hope Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LAC, NCC, CCTP
Denver, CO 80222
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you are experiencing emotional struggles that you just can’t seem to get through, having problems in your relationships, struggling with past trauma, addiction or substance use, experiencing stressful life changes, or stuck repeating the same old unhealthy or destructive patterns and behaviors you just can’t seem to break free of, therapy can help.
As a licensed counselor and a licensed addiction counselor, I can accompany and assist you on your journey towards healing. I work to empower my clients using a strength-based approach where I assist you in identifying, developing, and drawing from your unique strengths and skills. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and trained in EMDR.
Whether you are experiencing emotional struggles that you just can’t seem to get through, having problems in your relationships, struggling with past trauma, addiction or substance use, experiencing stressful life changes, or stuck repeating the same old unhealthy or destructive patterns and behaviors you just can’t seem to break free of, therapy can help.
As a licensed counselor and a licensed addiction counselor, I can accompany and assist you on your journey towards healing. I work to empower my clients using a strength-based approach where I assist you in identifying, developing, and drawing from your unique strengths and skills. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and trained in EMDR.

I help teens, young adults, adults, and couples of all genders, sexual expressions, and identities navigate anxiety, depression, relational struggles, substance use, life transitions, grief, attachment concerns, complex trauma, and existential concerns.
We all carry moments that shape us—some that serve us well and others that no longer fit. We all develop strategies for connection and safety, which often serve us well until they longer do. Together, we’ll explore the strategies you’ve developed to navigate life, understand how they’ve helped you, and identify where they may be holding you back. We’ll work collaboratively to uncover new ways of being that align with your goals and values. I work to help folks find safety within themselves, so they can experience life more fully, with greater awareness of their internal landscape.
I help teens, young adults, adults, and couples of all genders, sexual expressions, and identities navigate anxiety, depression, relational struggles, substance use, life transitions, grief, attachment concerns, complex trauma, and existential concerns.
We all carry moments that shape us—some that serve us well and others that no longer fit. We all develop strategies for connection and safety, which often serve us well until they longer do. Together, we’ll explore the strategies you’ve developed to navigate life, understand how they’ve helped you, and identify where they may be holding you back. We’ll work collaboratively to uncover new ways of being that align with your goals and values. I work to help folks find safety within themselves, so they can experience life more fully, with greater awareness of their internal landscape.

Trauma, substance use, and difficult relationships can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and others.
My clients tell me I’m a therapist who is truly present. My hope is to create a nonjudgmental space for us to sift through your hurt together. In our sessions, we will explore your story, experiences, and emotions with compassion and understanding. I love teaching my clients tools to practice self-acceptance and work towards self-love.
Trauma, substance use, and difficult relationships can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and others.
My clients tell me I’m a therapist who is truly present. My hope is to create a nonjudgmental space for us to sift through your hurt together. In our sessions, we will explore your story, experiences, and emotions with compassion and understanding. I love teaching my clients tools to practice self-acceptance and work towards self-love.

Experience in mental health, substance use, and domestic violence services.
Sometimes we experience judgment, isolation, and shame due to our identity or past experiences and the ways we have learned to cope. We might use substances to numb from emotional pain and once able to stop or change our use, we are left wondering what to do with the feelings that remain. We set boundaries with an unhealthy or abusive partner or family member, but have difficulty processing all that happened in that relationship and how it escalated to the point that it did. Or we experience a traumatic event and our worldview completely changes and leaves us wondering if things will ever feel like they did before.
Experience in mental health, substance use, and domestic violence services.
Sometimes we experience judgment, isolation, and shame due to our identity or past experiences and the ways we have learned to cope. We might use substances to numb from emotional pain and once able to stop or change our use, we are left wondering what to do with the feelings that remain. We set boundaries with an unhealthy or abusive partner or family member, but have difficulty processing all that happened in that relationship and how it escalated to the point that it did. Or we experience a traumatic event and our worldview completely changes and leaves us wondering if things will ever feel like they did before.

I have worked as a Substance use therapist for over three years supporting families in reinforcing sobriety and practicing harm reduction.
I know how hard it is to start therapy and the hesitation you may have to talk about your personal struggles with someone you don't know. But I believe, in life, we all need guides to help navigate the chaos and while we love the people closest to us, they have their limitations in how they can support. Life can bring intense, confusing experiences that can leave us struggling with how to cope or find words to describe what we're going through. In my practice, you can create a space to explore and bring awareness to difficult patterns you want to change, stress you don't know how to relieve, or thoughts that keep holding you back.
I have worked as a Substance use therapist for over three years supporting families in reinforcing sobriety and practicing harm reduction.
I know how hard it is to start therapy and the hesitation you may have to talk about your personal struggles with someone you don't know. But I believe, in life, we all need guides to help navigate the chaos and while we love the people closest to us, they have their limitations in how they can support. Life can bring intense, confusing experiences that can leave us struggling with how to cope or find words to describe what we're going through. In my practice, you can create a space to explore and bring awareness to difficult patterns you want to change, stress you don't know how to relieve, or thoughts that keep holding you back.

Are you grappling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, or strained relationships?
With over 25 years of counseling experience, I facilitate personal growth journeys through a diverse array of approaches. I offer a safe environment to explore thoughts and feelings, gain perspectives, and develop strategies for change amid challenges like mood disorders, substance use, relationships, or trauma.
Are you grappling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, or strained relationships?
With over 25 years of counseling experience, I facilitate personal growth journeys through a diverse array of approaches. I offer a safe environment to explore thoughts and feelings, gain perspectives, and develop strategies for change amid challenges like mood disorders, substance use, relationships, or trauma.

I am EMDR trained and use a trauma integrated focus to address your mental health and substance use concerns.
Have you been noticing increased triggers or unhealthy reactions that may be related to past or present traumas you've experienced? Is this stage of parenthood leaving you feeling more overwhelmed than you anticipated feeling or than you have ever felt before? Perhaps you are facing growing concern that you or a loved one are using alcohol or drugs to cope with these triggers and stressors? If you are now seeing different areas of your life impacted by your trauma, your overwhelm, or by yours or others' substance abuse and are hoping to find more healthy ways to cope, you are in the right place.
I am EMDR trained and use a trauma integrated focus to address your mental health and substance use concerns.
Have you been noticing increased triggers or unhealthy reactions that may be related to past or present traumas you've experienced? Is this stage of parenthood leaving you feeling more overwhelmed than you anticipated feeling or than you have ever felt before? Perhaps you are facing growing concern that you or a loved one are using alcohol or drugs to cope with these triggers and stressors? If you are now seeing different areas of your life impacted by your trauma, your overwhelm, or by yours or others' substance abuse and are hoping to find more healthy ways to cope, you are in the right place.

I find myself most passionate about working with those who suffer from trauma and substance use.
Authenticity is very important to me in the work that I do with clients. I take a human to human approach that delivers honesty with love. The therapeutic alliance is a sacred vessel where healing and transformation can occur. This sentiment drives nearly everything I do. I work with clients within a holistic, trauma-informed framework that addresses the healing of the mind, body and spirit.
I find myself most passionate about working with those who suffer from trauma and substance use.
Authenticity is very important to me in the work that I do with clients. I take a human to human approach that delivers honesty with love. The therapeutic alliance is a sacred vessel where healing and transformation can occur. This sentiment drives nearly everything I do. I work with clients within a holistic, trauma-informed framework that addresses the healing of the mind, body and spirit.

Let’s be honest, life can be hard at times. When you're overwhelmed, asking for help can feel difficult. If you're here looking for support, you’ve taken an important step toward tackling the weight you’re carrying. Together, we’ll explore how past experiences might be influencing your current challenges. With the principles of psychodynamic therapy as our guiding light, we will identify your core values and goals, helping you find the strength to pursue them—especially when you're feeling grief, depression, or anxiety. I’m deeply passionate about working with adults from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ communities.
Let’s be honest, life can be hard at times. When you're overwhelmed, asking for help can feel difficult. If you're here looking for support, you’ve taken an important step toward tackling the weight you’re carrying. Together, we’ll explore how past experiences might be influencing your current challenges. With the principles of psychodynamic therapy as our guiding light, we will identify your core values and goals, helping you find the strength to pursue them—especially when you're feeling grief, depression, or anxiety. I’m deeply passionate about working with adults from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ communities.

As a result I have extensive experience with severe mood and personality disorders, substance use and family systems.
Finding the right support shouldn’t be so difficult. It can be really challenging just to identify all of the relevant factors in why we seek treatment. When we are ready to make change because something is not working, there is not always a simple answer or one intervention. Often we need to look from multiple perspectives and approach things in different ways to solve life’s complicated issues.
I have extensive experience working with clients, spouses and family members of those with substance issues, narcissistic or antisocial traits. Internal boundaries, expectations and identifying core values is at the heart of this work.
As a result I have extensive experience with severe mood and personality disorders, substance use and family systems.
Finding the right support shouldn’t be so difficult. It can be really challenging just to identify all of the relevant factors in why we seek treatment. When we are ready to make change because something is not working, there is not always a simple answer or one intervention. Often we need to look from multiple perspectives and approach things in different ways to solve life’s complicated issues.
I have extensive experience working with clients, spouses and family members of those with substance issues, narcissistic or antisocial traits. Internal boundaries, expectations and identifying core values is at the heart of this work.

Emma Erler - Mountain Thrive Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, LPCC
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80211
I have experience working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar needs, suicidal thinking, grief, trauma, women's issues, LGBTQ+ related needs, substance use, relationship issues, life transitions and other concerns.
As a therapist, my passion is helping people tap into their inner strength and resilience. I believe everyone has the capacity for growth and healing, and my goal is to support you in accessing your unique skills, resources and abilities. I view you as the expert in your own life and I believe your perspective is vital to the therapeutic process. My approach combines various models including strength-based, person-centered, trauma-informed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems.
I have experience working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar needs, suicidal thinking, grief, trauma, women's issues, LGBTQ+ related needs, substance use, relationship issues, life transitions and other concerns.
As a therapist, my passion is helping people tap into their inner strength and resilience. I believe everyone has the capacity for growth and healing, and my goal is to support you in accessing your unique skills, resources and abilities. I view you as the expert in your own life and I believe your perspective is vital to the therapeutic process. My approach combines various models including strength-based, person-centered, trauma-informed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems.

I have been teaching practitioners and helping people with issue related to mental health, substance use and trauma since 2007.
My practice is primarily focused on helping high performing people work through stressful life circumstances. My goal is to help clients process experiences, better understand stressors, and help identify effective ways to cope. Ultimately the goal in therapy is to find something clients can run towards, because we get further running towards something rather than away from something. In sessions, clients will find warmth, compassion, and a focus on what is most important to them.
I have been teaching practitioners and helping people with issue related to mental health, substance use and trauma since 2007.
My practice is primarily focused on helping high performing people work through stressful life circumstances. My goal is to help clients process experiences, better understand stressors, and help identify effective ways to cope. Ultimately the goal in therapy is to find something clients can run towards, because we get further running towards something rather than away from something. In sessions, clients will find warmth, compassion, and a focus on what is most important to them.

Whether it be substance use, relationship orientation and desires, grief, issues of depression and anxiety, or something else that is bothering you, I hope to co-create a journey in which you can allow yourself to let down, reflect, and gain skills to change the aspects of your life that you want to see improve or shift
I have received specialized training in and/or have worked with clients facing challenges associated with identifying with the LGBTQIA+ population, those struggling with opioid and other substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship concerns, sex therapy, monogamous and ethically non-monogamous relationships, and prenatal and postpartum issues.
Whether it be substance use, relationship orientation and desires, grief, issues of depression and anxiety, or something else that is bothering you, I hope to co-create a journey in which you can allow yourself to let down, reflect, and gain skills to change the aspects of your life that you want to see improve or shift
I have received specialized training in and/or have worked with clients facing challenges associated with identifying with the LGBTQIA+ population, those struggling with opioid and other substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship concerns, sex therapy, monogamous and ethically non-monogamous relationships, and prenatal and postpartum issues.

I specialize in treating Substance Use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Therapy is about making progress - it should also be a rewarding experience, one where you feel supported and understood every step of the way. As your therapist, I'm here to be that ally for you. My commitment is to meet you where you are and work together towards your goals. Empowerment and building a strong connection are at the core of my approach. I believe these elements provide a solid foundation for exploring complex issues like managing emotions, challenging negative thinking patterns, or navigating relationship dynamics. It's through collaborating that we can make meaningful strides in your journey toward healing.
I specialize in treating Substance Use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Therapy is about making progress - it should also be a rewarding experience, one where you feel supported and understood every step of the way. As your therapist, I'm here to be that ally for you. My commitment is to meet you where you are and work together towards your goals. Empowerment and building a strong connection are at the core of my approach. I believe these elements provide a solid foundation for exploring complex issues like managing emotions, challenging negative thinking patterns, or navigating relationship dynamics. It's through collaborating that we can make meaningful strides in your journey toward healing.

Over the last 18 years I have specialized in treating clients struggling with substance use and trauma.
I focus my work with Clients on establishing goals that are unique to them and our sessions are built around those goals. We will focus on increasing desires for change and explore any and all aspects of their lives that may hinder the Client's ability to change long term. I am comfortable modifying my therapeutic approach to meet the needs of the Client.
Over the last 18 years I have specialized in treating clients struggling with substance use and trauma.
I focus my work with Clients on establishing goals that are unique to them and our sessions are built around those goals. We will focus on increasing desires for change and explore any and all aspects of their lives that may hinder the Client's ability to change long term. I am comfortable modifying my therapeutic approach to meet the needs of the Client.

My ideal clients are teens, young adults, and adults who are navigating life transitions, and are experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, boundaries, and substance use among other concerns.
I aim to tailor treatment to each individual client and what fits best for them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are two common types of therapy that I tend to utilize.
My ideal clients are teens, young adults, and adults who are navigating life transitions, and are experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, boundaries, and substance use among other concerns.
I aim to tailor treatment to each individual client and what fits best for them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are two common types of therapy that I tend to utilize.

The clients I work with present with a wide range of concerns, including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, substance use and process addictions, trauma and PTSD, relational distress, LGBTQIA+ and marginalized identity issues, life transitions, self-esteem and impulse control concerns, and challenges related to aging.
Research shows that more than 70% of the benefit clients receive from counseling is tied to the strength of the therapeutic relationship. I keep this front and center in my work. While my primary approach is CBT, I also incorporate DBT, mindfulness practices, and strengths-based counseling approaches.
The clients I work with present with a wide range of concerns, including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, substance use and process addictions, trauma and PTSD, relational distress, LGBTQIA+ and marginalized identity issues, life transitions, self-esteem and impulse control concerns, and challenges related to aging.
Research shows that more than 70% of the benefit clients receive from counseling is tied to the strength of the therapeutic relationship. I keep this front and center in my work. While my primary approach is CBT, I also incorporate DBT, mindfulness practices, and strengths-based counseling approaches.
At our comprehensive substance use treatment center, we specialize in holistic substance use disorder and addiction treatment in additional to mental health services.
At our comprehensive substance use treatment center, we specialize in holistic substance use disorder and addiction treatment which includes medical detox and residential inpatient care. Our expert team provides tailored care for chronic relapse, codependency, dual diagnosis, and medication management. We also offer support for mental health disorders and ongoing support after treatment.
At our comprehensive substance use treatment center, we specialize in holistic substance use disorder and addiction treatment in additional to mental health services.
At our comprehensive substance use treatment center, we specialize in holistic substance use disorder and addiction treatment which includes medical detox and residential inpatient care. Our expert team provides tailored care for chronic relapse, codependency, dual diagnosis, and medication management. We also offer support for mental health disorders and ongoing support after treatment.

I have a huge passion working with clients battling substance use and mental health concerns.
The soul of my work is to help identify the root of the struggle, so we can cry and laugh to coping, healing, and perseverance. I use a collaborative and individualized approach to best fit my clients needs. I am a therapist who is compassionate, without coddling, and will spice up sessions with humor, laughter, and a curse word or two.
I have a huge passion working with clients battling substance use and mental health concerns.
The soul of my work is to help identify the root of the struggle, so we can cry and laugh to coping, healing, and perseverance. I use a collaborative and individualized approach to best fit my clients needs. I am a therapist who is compassionate, without coddling, and will spice up sessions with humor, laughter, and a curse word or two.

Emma Erler - Mountain Thrive Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate , LPCC
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80211
I have experience working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar needs, suicidal thinking, grief, trauma, women's issues, LGBTQ+ related needs, substance use, relationship issues, life transitions and other concerns.
As a therapist, my passion is helping people tap into their inner strength and resilience. I believe everyone has the capacity for growth and healing, and my goal is to support you in accessing your unique skills, resources and abilities. I view you as the expert in your own life and I believe your perspective is vital to the therapeutic process. My approach combines various models including strength-based, person-centered, trauma-informed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems.
I have experience working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar needs, suicidal thinking, grief, trauma, women's issues, LGBTQ+ related needs, substance use, relationship issues, life transitions and other concerns.
As a therapist, my passion is helping people tap into their inner strength and resilience. I believe everyone has the capacity for growth and healing, and my goal is to support you in accessing your unique skills, resources and abilities. I view you as the expert in your own life and I believe your perspective is vital to the therapeutic process. My approach combines various models including strength-based, person-centered, trauma-informed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems.
See more therapy options for Denver
Nearby Substance Use Therapists Searches for Denver
- Aurora
- Cherry Hills
- Cherry Hills Village
- Commerce City
- Edgewater
- Englewood
- Federal Heights
- Glendale
- Greenwood Village
- Lakewood
- Littleton
- Wheat Ridge
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.