Substance Use Therapists in Washington, DC
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Massimo Scano
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CAC II , CSAC
Verified
Verified
After several years in the Italian Navy and then working as a Registered Nurse, I received training in Counseling Psychology and worked for many years in community-based outpatient settings and private practice where I help people address their issues with depression, anxiety, and
substance use
.
In my practice I am guided by the belief that change is possible and that every person has the capacity for healthy growth and development but may at times need help in accessing inner resources for positive change. I believe a therapist-client relationship that is characterized by empathy, curiosity, acceptance and caring is what facilitates the therapeutic process. I aim to provide an environment where my clients feel safe and free to explore their feelings, thoughts, needs and goals - an environment where we can work together at understanding what is keeping them from living a more fulfilling life.

Robert Muller
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I assist individuals to honestly evaluate their need to control
substance use
, anger and other potentially self-destructive and hurtful behaviors.
If you cling to habitual patterns of reaction and interaction that keep you from reaching your full social, romantic and career potential... If a traumatic life event or ongoing family conflict is overwhelming you... If depression, poorly controlled emotions or stifling self-consciousness are holding you back... It's time to take charge of your life again and begin the path to greater personal fulfillment. For more details on my background and how I work, consult my website at: RobMullerPhD.org. Please note, I am currently licensed in Washington, DC & New York.

Emily Foster
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
In addition to treating anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, I have experience in
substance use
counseling and enjoy working with clients who are concerned about their
substance use
.
I specialize in adult psychotherapy, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem,
substance use
, trauma, relationships, and LGBTQ issues. It can be hard to experience hope when we feel stuck in old patterns of thinking and feeling about life, ourselves, and our relationships. This can lead to feelings of stress, confusion, unhappiness, or disappointment. I work to help individuals and couples to examine these patterns and to explore and experiment with new ways of thinking and acting, which in turn can have dramatic impact on how they are feeling.

Billie Mitzner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CACI, MAC, MBA
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
My experience includes providing treatment for 15 years to people struggling with
substance use
.
I'm licensed in DC and Virginia. My work is with adults experiencing difficult transitions who are trying to cope with the resulting stressors and uncertainties. The goal is to build capacity, make and sustain changes that are meaningful: including changes/losses related to career and relationships, new circumstances such as grief, sexuality, return to school, and retirement. My expertise is in the treatment of issues related addiction/recovery, and the impact on family and significant others. We work together so that you may effectively reengage in your personal and professional life and handle any potential license/clearance

Kris Oseth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, LPCC, CPT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I will work with you to illuminate the meaning of your experience and help you practice greater self-acceptance. Therapy goals/counseling/education will be tailored to your unique needs. I may show you how to change your behavior by using Mindfulness/changing your thoughts, recovery/harm reduction tools to address
substance use
, guidance/education/resources for exploring sexual orientation/gender identity/transitioning/coming out, provide couples/individual work for better communication in relationships, and/or I can apply EMDR/somatic-based approaches for trauma/anxiety and even substance using/behavioral urges.

Tonia Gregory
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified
Verified
My expertise includes alcohol and
substance use
disorders, adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, chronic illness and interpersonal challenges.
My belief in the therapeutic relationship as foundational for personal growth and change in individual psychotherapy motivates me to ensure a therapeutic environment that is both safe and validating. My style is collaborative and non-judgmental as I work in partnership with individuals to promote healing, foster strengths and move toward positive change.

Samantha Knox
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
I have wide array of experience, which is not limited to depression/ anxiety, geriatrics/ end of life care, aging out of foster care,
substance use
disorders, severe mental illness, grief/ loss, trauma, and adjustment related issues.
Do you find yourself feeling hopeless or depressed? Are you tired of being in the same old rut, day in and day out? Relationship issues have you feeling down? Are you trying to make sense of your own spiritual path? As a therapist, my goal is to support and empower you to meet your full potential. I like to use Adlerian and Cognitive Behavioral Techniques to support you in identifying and working through those irrational thoughts that often keep us stagnant. The goal is for us to identify the underlying cause, and stop if from continuing to wreak havoc in your emotional life.

Adam Bloom
Counselor, MS, LPC, LCPC, NCC, MAC
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
I have advanced training in treating anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders,
substance use
concerns, relational struggles, attachment injury and trauma.
Making the decision to embark on a therapeutic journey takes courage and vulnerability. Congratulations on taking this step towards improving your personal wellness. Productive therapy starts by creating a safe space and working on building a relationship that fosters trust. We will discuss your current reasons for engaging in therapy, explore parts of your history that may inform our work together, and develop a tailored plan to support symptom relief and address the root causes to optimize your healing and growth.

Joseph Melendez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a holistic and integrative therapist and my core principles are compassion, collaboration, and transparency. I have extensive experience in counseling individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, work/life balance stressors, life transitions,
substance use
, and other areas. I provide counseling to couples and families to address stress, communication concerns, and conflict. I am committed to helping clients feel their best and believes clients are the experts in their journey.

Michael A Vigorito
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CGP, CST-S
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
In addition to providing therapy for men concerned about their sexual health, I conduct individual and couple therapy for a variety presenting problems related to sexuality, mental health,
substance use
and wellness.
How do you know if your sexual behavior is out of control? It's a subjective question that many men unfortunately wait until relationship, occupational or medical consequences accumulate before considering. I believe the most important person to evaluate concerns with regulating sexual behavior is the man experiencing the dilemma. I start with two basic questions: "What is your conflict with your sexual behavior?" and "What is your vision for your sexual health?" Since 2001, I have provided a safe, informed and confidential space for sexual health conversations with heterosexual, gay and bisexual men.

Adika Counseling, LLC
Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified
Verified
Third-culture kids/adults, students and/or working professionals collaborate with us in individual counseling to explore and address the psychological impact of relational experiences, trauma including abandonment, abuse and neglect, mood changes, worry and anxiety,
substance use
, grief and loss, anxiety, unmet needs, life transitions, abuse and more. We work from a cultural and decolonizing lens and encourage our clients to speak about how oppression and discrimination affect their mental health through perfectionism, complacency, people-pleasing, persistent fear and more.
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Mili Tilahun
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
I am a bilingual therapist in English and Amheric with over 13 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in individual and group counseling settings. I have worked with a diverse population of ethnic minorities including Ethiopians. I specialize in depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, self-esteem,
substance use
and addiction, pregnancy loss, fertility challenges, life transitions and stress, and grief and loss.
Not accepting new clients

Steve Geishecker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, ACSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I work with clients experiencing any of the following issues: anxiety, depression, work-related stress, sexuality issues,
substance use
, relationship issues, HIV, life transitions, aging, career goals, family issues.
Feeling depressed, confused, anxious? Let's talk about how I might be able to help. Creating a safe and supportive space is an important foundation for a good partnership in therapy. Rest assured that you will be entering the therapeutic process without judgment and with unconditional positive regard. I approach therapy as a collaborative process of exploration with the goal of achieving greater self-awareness and the ability to manage life in better balance. Good chemistry and a healthy rapport are essential elements in creating a meaningful working relationship.
Waitlist for new clients

Ashley Lauren Harrell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
I have experience supporting clients with
substance use
, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Every client I work with is multifaceted and has many identities. I adapt my approach to meet people where they are, and honor the differences between us. People often come to therapy looking for change. I aim to provide a supportive space where change can safely occur. I have training in Somatic Experiencing, and believe that supporting the mind-body connection can be a fundamental part of a full healing and growth process. I believe every person has an innate capacity to heal, adapt, and thrive, once genuine support and safety are in place. Whether you reach out to me or another therapist, I hope you find what you need.

Elise Khanijao
Counselor, MA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My primary areas of therapeutic specialization are with individuals struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, body-focused repetitive behaviors, grief and/or
substance use
.
For those of you who are experiencing life transitions, or those who want to embark on a new path than the one you seem to be stuck on, I invite you to take a deep breath. Take a moment for yourself, and see if I feel like the right therapist for you. My goal as a therapist is to unconditionally support every client, no matter where they are in life. I offer an integrative approach which combines a multicultural, trauma-informed and mindfulness practice, creating a space where your past, present and future can be welcomed.

Anthony Nogueira
Counselor, LGPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
I have an extensive background in mental health, having worked with a variety of populations including college students, young professionals, older adults, and low-income/in-need individuals. I have helped clients address concerns relating to depression, grief, anxiety,
substance use
, men's issues, and trauma. Throughout my work, I maintain the belief that each individual has the potential to become "better than they are now" through personal growth, acceptance, and capability of self-choice. As the counselor, my role is to help facilitate this change, whether through discussion or listening ear, and I view each client holistically.

Raven E. Jenerson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My inclusive, holistic approach integrates trauma-informed, intersectional, cultural and creative practices into my healing work with folx navigating trauma, inner child wounds, low self-esteem, life after foster care or adoption, anxiety, depression, addictions,
substance use
, triggers or flashbacks associated with intimate partner or sexual violence.
There are many layers and textures in each of our stories and individual healing journeys, that may make us believe that healing is impossible or that inner wellness after trauma is unattainable. You are worthy and capable of the healing you're envisioning. For many of us, a safe healing space is the first step in that journey back to self and is the support we’ve been searching for to become the next best version of ourselves. Together, we co-create the space you need to celebrate your innate wisdom; restore trust in your intuition and voice; and nurture your growth towards more healing and easeful living.

Ethan Mereish
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I am an award-winning psychologist, professor, and researcher with expertise in stress, mental health,
substance use
, and addiction.
It's courageous and wonderful that you are interested in starting therapy. As a psychologist, my goal is to provide you with a compassionate and empowering therapeutic experience to help you improve your mental health, reach your goals, and achieve your potential. I see therapy as a place for you to gain insights about your personal patterns, process difficult experiences, overcome obstacles, and improve your relationships.

Christopher Straley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CGP, CST
Verified
10 Endorsed
Verified
10 Endorsed
I also work with men struggling with Out of Control Sexual Behavior, and/or
substance use
.
With over 20 years of experience providing mental health services, primarily to men, individuals and couples, who are struggling with relationship issues, sexual health, and/or
substance use
issues, my focus is on helping you feel better. If you are struggling to feel connected with your partner, or others in your life, therapy can help. As a relationship specialist, I work with you, to help understand and improve communication, heal past ruptures, and increase intimacy - emotional and sexual. We may also work together to decrease your sexual performance anxiety, increase confidence, and pleasure.
Waitlist for new clients

Olivia Mancini
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
Verified
Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, gender or sexuality issues, body image or self-esteem concerns, the effects of trauma,
substance use
issues, or are feeling stuck in relationships, professional life, or in achieving your goals, we'll work together to move you forward.
Choosing a therapist can be a daunting task, often undertaken at a time when one is feeling less than powerful. I offer a free phone consultation to potential clients, during which we'll get to know a little bit about each other, and I can answer any questions about the therapeutic process, including scheduling and fees. In my practice, I make use of a variety of theoretical frameworks to help understand and address your symptoms. I employ elements of cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, psychodynamic, art and music therapies, but my focus is always on you as a whole person, understood in the context of your environment.
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.