Alcohol Use Therapists in Astoria, NY

I believe in an eclectic and individualized approach to helping folks achieve their unique goals and objectives, and to cultivate an optimal quality of life. I've worked with people who have experienced breast cancer, those recovering from complex post-traumatic stress disorder, individuals who’ve experienced intimate partner violence, people struggling with or recovering from alcohol use disorder, as well as those managing day-to-day anxieties and periods of depression. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I've helped my peers and allies explore identities, navigate relationships, etc.

I have six years of experience helping both adults and children/adolescents with a variety of issues including: anxiety, depression, crisis, forensic, anger management, stress, self-esteem, trauma, relationships, illness, and substance abuse. Treatment plans are geared towards each client’s needs and goals and are individualized to take all factors into consideration. With the use of a variety of treatment modalities, it is important to understand how thoughts and feelings impact behaviors and work on making small changes to make large impacts!

Addiction, whether to substances like alcohol and drugs or behavioral patterns such as gambling or an eating disorder, can wreak havoc on individuals and their loved ones. My expertise lies in treating addiction across a spectrum, including behavioral addictions, eating disorders, and mental health crises. Beyond addressing substance abuse, I specialize in tackling the associated feelings of shame, depression, and anxiety. Recovery from addiction and related mental health challenges involves a holistic approach, encompassing the strengthening of mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Taking the courageous step to seek counseling is an important decision, and finding a counselor with whom you can trust and connect is vital. As a Psychotherapist, I prioritize empathy, trust, and creating a non-judgmental environment for my clients.

I have been a therapist in New York for over 19 years, supporting wide range of diverse and marginalized populations. In my private practice I specialize in treating adults who are having difficulties due to trauma, addiction or mood disorders that impact their ability to fully engage in life. Substance abuse, gambling, food and sex addiction are part of my specialties. I believe that there is more than one approach in treating addiction. I am a strong believer in talk therapy and the therapeutic process.

My treatment focus lies in grief work, relationship issues, general anxiety/depressive symptoms, and issues related to substance use. I enjoy watching clients grow session after session, becoming more confident in themselves, and increasing their overall self-worth and appreciation for everything in their lives. I tailor my treatment style and approach towards the needs of my clients, based on what they would like to accomplish.

People seek therapy for a variety of reasons: anxiety, depression, relationship complications, sexuality issues, to name just a specific few; or it may be a combination of issues, or even for reasons one cannot immediately put a finger on -- a general sense of "just not feeling right." Regardless the reasons, you likely found this site in a search for relief and/or a better understanding of where you find yourself at this particular moment in your own story. So now comes the (sometimes) daunting task of finding someone who might offer help.

There are many different reasons to seek treatment including the obvious ones-depression, anxiety, a life crisis, loss of loved one, work issues & so on. For other individuals, it may be less clear-cut--maybe you seek to better understand yourself, change your relationship patterns or learn new ways of dealing with situations without repeating self-destructive behaviors. Or maybe you are struggling with a difficult pregnancy or loss of one or the life-changing world of becoming a mother and “baby blues” that don’t seem to go away.

Life can be overwhelming, but there is no need to embark on your journey alone. As a licensed mental health counselor, my goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to examine the obstacles you are facing so that we can explore how to move forward. Some of the issues I help with include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, trauma, addictive behavior, and grief/loss.

John D. Melendez is a bilingual, English and Spanish speaking, Mental Health and Substance Use Counselor experienced in providing assessment and treatment to adolescents, adults, and families from diverse ethno-cultural and racial backgrounds in order to determine appropriate services and referrals needed, implementing short-term and long-term goals in collaboration with clients.

It may seem difficult and overwhelming making that call or walking into an office to talk to a stranger, and that’s ok. I commend you for taking the first steps towards starting therapy, and I am here to join you in your journey towards self-discovery and self-improvement. As a therapist I will assist you in finding and being able to utilize the tools you may already have to make changes for the better.

If you're in the process of looking for a therapist you likely have been dealing with obstacles in your life that have felt insurmountable. Anxiety , depression, relationship troubles and questions of identity are all excessive burdens to an often already complicated, stressful life. Maybe you’ve tried to muscle through these issues, but ignoring them has not made them go away. Counseling can be a space where you can build skills that help manage these issues, where you can have a space that you don’t need to filter yourself, or maybe just to have a space where you feel supported.

I am a native New Yorker with over 29 years of continuous abstinence. I started my addiction treatment company in 2010 so that I can help others find their way to recovery. Check out my website to learn more about me and the services I provide. I am available nationwide and have highly trained recovery coaches/companions that help me with my clients.

In times of distress and uncertainty, we value guidance leading to a better reflection of who we are and where we want to be. Sometimes the goals are not clear, but comes with a feeling that there is something missing or out of order. Psychotherapy can be enlightening from those dealing with everyday matters such as home life, work and friendships or issues surrounding anxiety, coping with important life changes. In adverse situations, it may come with overwhelming obstacles and the feeling of being misunderstood by others. These circumstances require my analytical approach and empathy to let clients feel more at ease and accepted.

Fred Rogers said, "What is mentionable, is manageable." I consistently find this to be true. Our thoughts and feelings can seem insurmountable when they stay in our minds and there is something wonderful about how verbal release can be powerfully unburdening. I love helping people find relief, clarity and hope.

Many people struggle with mental health issues but are afraid or nervous to get the help that they need, all while unaware that this is a completely normal process. As a psychotherapist, my goal is to reduce that fear by providing a welcoming therapeutic environment hat allows each client to do the necessary work at their own pace. Said mental health issues may include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, ADHD, or trauma as they can also manifest in anger management issues, self esteem concerns, difficulties with life transitions, relationship/intimacy concerns, imposter syndrome or more.

I work with individuals to build their capacities for living life with greater ease, confidence, and self-compassion. My primary modalities are CBT, DBT, motivational-interviewing, and mindfulness. I am committed to showing up in the therapeutic relationship as warm and non-judgmental, with an aspiration that clients feel welcome and affirmed as their full selves.

I have been a Clinical Psychologist for the past 24 years. I am specialized in treating children, adolescents, adults and couples experiencing various relationship and individual problems. Areas of specialization include: anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and family relational problems. In addition, I specialize in treating children with ADHD/ADD and other learning disabilities. In addition to providing psychotherapy, I also administer psychological and neuropsychological evaluations.

Finding our truth and being kind and gentle to ourselves can be one of the scariest journeys we can embark on. If you have ever wondered why you can’t seem to make sense of your own feelings, you are not alone. We all go through seasons of challenges and navigating life changes can be confusing and emotional. My mission is to help people overcome their struggles with stress and self-esteem to live full, abundant lives. I am passionate about helping my clients discover how to develop self-love, a sense of balance and clarity, and a healthy, satisfying life.