Photo of Leslie Hemedes, Psychologist in 94596, CA
Leslie Hemedes
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Welcome. Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble expressing your needs? Do you put a lot of pressure on yourself, and feel anxious about not meeting your expectations? Do you feel uncertain about how to manage feelings of distress? I am a psychologist that can help guide you toward relief. I aim to help individuals understand their concerns, strengths, and help them identify the tools necessary to manage distress, push through challenges, and understand how to become the best version of themselves.
Welcome. Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble expressing your needs? Do you put a lot of pressure on yourself, and feel anxious about not meeting your expectations? Do you feel uncertain about how to manage feelings of distress? I am a psychologist that can help guide you toward relief. I aim to help individuals understand their concerns, strengths, and help them identify the tools necessary to manage distress, push through challenges, and understand how to become the best version of themselves.
(925) 807-7184 View (925) 807-7184
Photo of Sharon L Fu, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94596, CA
Sharon L Fu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Who doesn't need therapy? Therapy is unique. It is a safe space where you can be completely who you are. Within the therapy relationship, you are able to say things that you have bottled up, you are given opportunity to identify your blind spots without judgment or shame, and you are able to attune to what you really want in life. I am a big believer in hearing your own voice, getting in touch with your values, and making decisions that align with what is important to you.
Who doesn't need therapy? Therapy is unique. It is a safe space where you can be completely who you are. Within the therapy relationship, you are able to say things that you have bottled up, you are given opportunity to identify your blind spots without judgment or shame, and you are able to attune to what you really want in life. I am a big believer in hearing your own voice, getting in touch with your values, and making decisions that align with what is important to you.
(650) 263-8428 View (650) 263-8428
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.