Photo of Westside Behavioral Care, Psychologist in 80014, CO
Westside Behavioral Care
Psychologist, PsyD, LPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Aurora, CO 80014
Westside Behavioral Care can help you find a therapist who is just right for you or your family. Our qualified and compassionate counselors provide outstanding mental health services in-person and online across the entire Greater Denver Area. For an appointment, please call 303-986-4197 to speak with our receptionist M-F 8:30am-5pm. Alternatively, our website allows you to self-schedule with one of our multi-award-winning therapists 24/7. Our network includes licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, couples counselors, and certified alcohol and drug counselors.
Westside Behavioral Care can help you find a therapist who is just right for you or your family. Our qualified and compassionate counselors provide outstanding mental health services in-person and online across the entire Greater Denver Area. For an appointment, please call 303-986-4197 to speak with our receptionist M-F 8:30am-5pm. Alternatively, our website allows you to self-schedule with one of our multi-award-winning therapists 24/7. Our network includes licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, couples counselors, and certified alcohol and drug counselors.
(720) 513-3141 View (720) 513-3141
Photo of Susan M Horigan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 80014, CO
Susan M Horigan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CACII
Verified Verified
Aurora, CO 80014
With 25 years in clinical practice, I am a firm believer in the effectiveness of psychotherapy to improve self confidence and self esteem, to develop more fulfilling relationships and to set one's life course in a positive direction for the future. I try to not only help my clients find relief from bothersome symptoms but also to help get to the root of the problem that has brought them into therapy. In this way the therapy has a deeper and longer-lasting effect as clients learn how to free themselves from problematic patterns from the past and live more fully in the present.
With 25 years in clinical practice, I am a firm believer in the effectiveness of psychotherapy to improve self confidence and self esteem, to develop more fulfilling relationships and to set one's life course in a positive direction for the future. I try to not only help my clients find relief from bothersome symptoms but also to help get to the root of the problem that has brought them into therapy. In this way the therapy has a deeper and longer-lasting effect as clients learn how to free themselves from problematic patterns from the past and live more fully in the present.
(303) 900-5186 View (303) 900-5186
Drug Abuse 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.