Substance Use Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA
John Impavido is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. he received his Master's Degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Counselor Education. his Bachelor's Degree is from Toccoa Falls College, where he majored in Bible and Theology, with minors in Pastoral Ministries and Christian Education. Mr. Impavido has been a pioneer in the treatment of SEXUAL and PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION since 1985. he has been very influential in establishing the Sexaholics Anonymous and Every Man's Battle meetings in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
John Impavido is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. he received his Master's Degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Counselor Education. his Bachelor's Degree is from Toccoa Falls College, where he majored in Bible and Theology, with minors in Pastoral Ministries and Christian Education. Mr. Impavido has been a pioneer in the treatment of SEXUAL and PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION since 1985. he has been very influential in establishing the Sexaholics Anonymous and Every Man's Battle meetings in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
I work best with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, substance use disorders, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm.
What makes my therapeutic approach unique is my ability to create a space
that feels genuine, grounded, and human. I bring a down-to-earth style to
therapy while remaining deeply rooted in Gestalt principles, helping clients
focus on what is happening in the here and now. I also use Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, and Cognitive Processing Therapy to achieve goals through evidenced-based practices. I believe awareness is a powerful tool for change, and I work collaboratively with clients to increase insight into
patterns, emotions, behaviors, and relationships as they unfold in real time.
I work best with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, substance use disorders, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm.
What makes my therapeutic approach unique is my ability to create a space
that feels genuine, grounded, and human. I bring a down-to-earth style to
therapy while remaining deeply rooted in Gestalt principles, helping clients
focus on what is happening in the here and now. I also use Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, and Cognitive Processing Therapy to achieve goals through evidenced-based practices. I believe awareness is a powerful tool for change, and I work collaboratively with clients to increase insight into
patterns, emotions, behaviors, and relationships as they unfold in real time.
Are you having trouble managing your thoughts? Feeling sad or uncertain about your future? Let's chat a little more. Therapy provides an opportunity for self-care, time to work through things that may be preventing you from living a meaningful life, and offer ways to overcome barriers, difficult times, or uncomfortable situations. My goal in therapy is to guide individuals to gain a better understanding of themselves through increased self-awareness. I plan to help individuals understand how they relate to others and navigate their interpersonal relationships within their lives and environments.
Are you having trouble managing your thoughts? Feeling sad or uncertain about your future? Let's chat a little more. Therapy provides an opportunity for self-care, time to work through things that may be preventing you from living a meaningful life, and offer ways to overcome barriers, difficult times, or uncomfortable situations. My goal in therapy is to guide individuals to gain a better understanding of themselves through increased self-awareness. I plan to help individuals understand how they relate to others and navigate their interpersonal relationships within their lives and environments.
My main specialties are substance abuse, sex addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. If you are a person in Recovery (or you think you may need to get into Recovery) from substance abuse, sex addiction, or another addiction, I think I can help. I also work with the family members of addicted persons. Contact me and we'll chat to see if we're a good fit for each other. I use a variety of treatment modalities according the the needs and preferences of each client: Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems, Coherence Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
My main specialties are substance abuse, sex addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. If you are a person in Recovery (or you think you may need to get into Recovery) from substance abuse, sex addiction, or another addiction, I think I can help. I also work with the family members of addicted persons. Contact me and we'll chat to see if we're a good fit for each other. I use a variety of treatment modalities according the the needs and preferences of each client: Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems, Coherence Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
I am not just a therapist, I have dealt with many of these issues myself including trauma, substance use and recovery, anxiety, anger and depression.
We all are recovering from something, and it can become overwhelming and exhausting. Maybe it's from the bad/negative things we may have witnessed in our lives, a trauma in our past or present, using substances as a means of coping (drugs and/or alcohol, gambling, sex, shopping, food, etc), negative self esteem/self-view, mean things that people have said to us or the mean things we say to ourselves, and the list goes on and on. These things are heavy and can become a burden, one that we don't even realize we are carrying, or that our hands have been so full, we have dropped our mental peace and well-being.
I am not just a therapist, I have dealt with many of these issues myself including trauma, substance use and recovery, anxiety, anger and depression.
We all are recovering from something, and it can become overwhelming and exhausting. Maybe it's from the bad/negative things we may have witnessed in our lives, a trauma in our past or present, using substances as a means of coping (drugs and/or alcohol, gambling, sex, shopping, food, etc), negative self esteem/self-view, mean things that people have said to us or the mean things we say to ourselves, and the list goes on and on. These things are heavy and can become a burden, one that we don't even realize we are carrying, or that our hands have been so full, we have dropped our mental peace and well-being.
As a trauma-certified therapist and addiction specialist, I believe lasting healing occurs by understanding the powerful connection between the brain, body, and behavior. My neuroscience-informed approach integrates neurobehavior, nervous system regulation, and evidence-based therapies to help clients understand how trauma, chronic stress, and addiction shape emotional and behavioral patterns. By harnessing the principles of neuroplasticity, I help clients develop healthier neural pathways, strengthen emotional resilience, restore a sense of safety, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
As a trauma-certified therapist and addiction specialist, I believe lasting healing occurs by understanding the powerful connection between the brain, body, and behavior. My neuroscience-informed approach integrates neurobehavior, nervous system regulation, and evidence-based therapies to help clients understand how trauma, chronic stress, and addiction shape emotional and behavioral patterns. By harnessing the principles of neuroplasticity, I help clients develop healthier neural pathways, strengthen emotional resilience, restore a sense of safety, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
Carolyn Weimer | Makin Wellness Online Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
If you’re struggling with intense emotions, past trauma, or the ups and downs of bipolar disorder, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to face it by yourself.
I work with adults seeking support for trauma, PTSD, anger management, and mood-related challenges, including bipolar disorder. Whether you’re navigating daily instability or working through deeply rooted experiences, I’m here to help you build the tools, insight, and resilience to move forward with confidence.
If you’re struggling with intense emotions, past trauma, or the ups and downs of bipolar disorder, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to face it by yourself.
I work with adults seeking support for trauma, PTSD, anger management, and mood-related challenges, including bipolar disorder. Whether you’re navigating daily instability or working through deeply rooted experiences, I’m here to help you build the tools, insight, and resilience to move forward with confidence.
Nothing changes if nothing changes… Many clients share in a first session they have delayed making an initial appointment for one reason or another. I encourage anyone continuing to delay this choice to reach out. Making the decision to move forward with therapy can be life changing. I invite you to start the process to take this journey to change and enhance your life.
Nothing changes if nothing changes… Many clients share in a first session they have delayed making an initial appointment for one reason or another. I encourage anyone continuing to delay this choice to reach out. Making the decision to move forward with therapy can be life changing. I invite you to start the process to take this journey to change and enhance your life.
Michele Thomas, MA, CADC, LPC | Online Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, CADC, LPC
Online Only
If you’ve been feeling stuck in cycles that no longer serve you — whether that’s anxiety, low self-worth, or challenges related to substance use — you’re not alone.
I offer a space that’s compassionate, nonjudgmental, and focused on helping you regain your sense of control and confidence. I draw from evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) to help you challenge unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthier coping skills, and reconnect with your strengths.
If you’ve been feeling stuck in cycles that no longer serve you — whether that’s anxiety, low self-worth, or challenges related to substance use — you’re not alone.
I offer a space that’s compassionate, nonjudgmental, and focused on helping you regain your sense of control and confidence. I draw from evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) to help you challenge unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthier coping skills, and reconnect with your strengths.
Right Track Services individuals suffering from Opioid addiction. Our program utilizes Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) using primarily Buprenorphine/Naloxone to help people get and stay off of Opioids.
Right Track Services individuals suffering from Opioid addiction. Our program utilizes Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) using primarily Buprenorphine/Naloxone to help people get and stay off of Opioids.
Young adults who may need extra support and guidance as they transition into their education and careers: I would like to help you navigate independence and responsibility while making sure you're making smart and healthy choices. Adults who are working a program of addiction recovery: I would like to help support you in your recovery and in processing and integrating difficult or traumatic life experiences. Individuals who are taking the first and courageous step toward therapy: I would like to help you develop awareness, improve your relationships, change your behavior, and make successful life transitions.
Young adults who may need extra support and guidance as they transition into their education and careers: I would like to help you navigate independence and responsibility while making sure you're making smart and healthy choices. Adults who are working a program of addiction recovery: I would like to help support you in your recovery and in processing and integrating difficult or traumatic life experiences. Individuals who are taking the first and courageous step toward therapy: I would like to help you develop awareness, improve your relationships, change your behavior, and make successful life transitions.
Whether you're navigating a major life transition, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, struggling with substance use or OCD, or simply looking to understand yourself more deeply, I'm here to support you on your journey.
I support my clients in developing changes in their thinking, emotions, and behaviors through evidence-based therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), and Motivational Interviewing. You can expect me to partner with you to find the most effective approaches for your goals.
Whether you're navigating a major life transition, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, struggling with substance use or OCD, or simply looking to understand yourself more deeply, I'm here to support you on your journey.
I support my clients in developing changes in their thinking, emotions, and behaviors through evidence-based therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), and Motivational Interviewing. You can expect me to partner with you to find the most effective approaches for your goals.
I love working with people navigating depression, grief and loss, trauma, low self-worth, substance use challenges, burnout, and existential distress. I also support clients through life transitions, relationship challenges, and self-exploration or identity work. Wherever you are in your growth process, I’d love to meet you there and support you in finding healthy ways to navigate challenges. I strive to create a space where we feel more curious than critical as we explore coping tools and decision-making that may not align with your values or goals.
I love working with people navigating depression, grief and loss, trauma, low self-worth, substance use challenges, burnout, and existential distress. I also support clients through life transitions, relationship challenges, and self-exploration or identity work. Wherever you are in your growth process, I’d love to meet you there and support you in finding healthy ways to navigate challenges. I strive to create a space where we feel more curious than critical as we explore coping tools and decision-making that may not align with your values or goals.
If you're struggling with depression, anxiety, mood changes, or substance use, you don't have to face it alone.
Life is a journey filled with both meaningful moments and inevitable challenges. My goal as a therapist is to support clients in improving their quality of life by helping them develop the skills to become their own therapist. I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches. Together, we work toward growth, resilience, and a more fulfilling life. As a licensed professional counselor, I take a non-directive approach that empowers clients to become the experts in their own lives. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where individuals can explore their emotions, gain insight, and feel confident in making meaningful change.
If you're struggling with depression, anxiety, mood changes, or substance use, you don't have to face it alone.
Life is a journey filled with both meaningful moments and inevitable challenges. My goal as a therapist is to support clients in improving their quality of life by helping them develop the skills to become their own therapist. I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches. Together, we work toward growth, resilience, and a more fulfilling life. As a licensed professional counselor, I take a non-directive approach that empowers clients to become the experts in their own lives. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where individuals can explore their emotions, gain insight, and feel confident in making meaningful change.
We develop strategies early in life to ensure our safety. As adults, we often find these strategies are no longer effective and often harmful. As a survivor of complex trauma and a family history of generational alcohol & substance abuse, I believe individuals can and do recover. My personal journey led me to pursue a career helping others to overcome the baggage of their past.
We develop strategies early in life to ensure our safety. As adults, we often find these strategies are no longer effective and often harmful. As a survivor of complex trauma and a family history of generational alcohol & substance abuse, I believe individuals can and do recover. My personal journey led me to pursue a career helping others to overcome the baggage of their past.
I have over 25 years of experience in crisis management, trauma, and harm reduction.Have you found yourself feeling lost or alone? I am here to let you know you are not alone and you are stronger than you know. I will help you challenge your negative thoughts with new skills and positive thoughts or steps to overcome your barriers. I am passionate about treating each individual through a Strength-based holistic approach that incorporates the body, mind, and soul. I believe that everyone has untapped strengths to overcome any challenges they may experience. I look forward to working with you on your journey.
I have over 25 years of experience in crisis management, trauma, and harm reduction.Have you found yourself feeling lost or alone? I am here to let you know you are not alone and you are stronger than you know. I will help you challenge your negative thoughts with new skills and positive thoughts or steps to overcome your barriers. I am passionate about treating each individual through a Strength-based holistic approach that incorporates the body, mind, and soul. I believe that everyone has untapped strengths to overcome any challenges they may experience. I look forward to working with you on your journey.
I am an LCSW that has been in the field of counseling and social work since 1995. I am of the belief that everyone deserves help and support with dignity and respect. I specialize in addictions, gambling addiction, dual diagnosis, including trauma and PTSD, LGBTQ issues, grief and bereavement issues as well as have over 15 years experience in hospice and helping patients and their families cope with the patient's end of life journey. In addition I have expertise in group counseling for early recovery, families in recovery and grief support. I am also certified in EMDR and FLASH Technique.
I am an LCSW that has been in the field of counseling and social work since 1995. I am of the belief that everyone deserves help and support with dignity and respect. I specialize in addictions, gambling addiction, dual diagnosis, including trauma and PTSD, LGBTQ issues, grief and bereavement issues as well as have over 15 years experience in hospice and helping patients and their families cope with the patient's end of life journey. In addition I have expertise in group counseling for early recovery, families in recovery and grief support. I am also certified in EMDR and FLASH Technique.
There is no problem too big, sadness too deep, or struggle too complex. As long as there is today, there is always hope. I support individuals, couples, families, and groups ages 12+ who struggle with trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety, domestic or interpersonal violence, church or faith issues, and marriage and family conflict. My health and fitness background, along with training in integrative medicine and nutrition for PTSD and complex trauma, informs a holistic approach to recovery. I created a program that uses body movement, muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and nutrition.
There is no problem too big, sadness too deep, or struggle too complex. As long as there is today, there is always hope. I support individuals, couples, families, and groups ages 12+ who struggle with trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety, domestic or interpersonal violence, church or faith issues, and marriage and family conflict. My health and fitness background, along with training in integrative medicine and nutrition for PTSD and complex trauma, informs a holistic approach to recovery. I created a program that uses body movement, muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and nutrition.
I am passionate about empowering clients to make meaningful changes so they can live more peacefully. I value the therapeutic relationship as a true partnership. My down-to-earth approach, often infused with humor when appropriate, helps create space for practical problem-solving and authentic connection. My greatest joy as a therapist is providing a comfortable environment where clients can be vulnerable, feel dignified, and experience growth throughout their journeys.
I am passionate about empowering clients to make meaningful changes so they can live more peacefully. I value the therapeutic relationship as a true partnership. My down-to-earth approach, often infused with humor when appropriate, helps create space for practical problem-solving and authentic connection. My greatest joy as a therapist is providing a comfortable environment where clients can be vulnerable, feel dignified, and experience growth throughout their journeys.
I am a certified coach specializing in substance use recovery, ADHD, and grief education for individuals and families.
I will help you find and use your strengths, overcome obstacles and create the life you want and deserve.
I am a certified coach specializing in substance use recovery, ADHD, and grief education for individuals and families.
I will help you find and use your strengths, overcome obstacles and create the life you want and deserve.
See more therapy options for Pittsburgh
Nearby Substance Use Therapists Searches for Pittsburgh
- Aspinwall
- Carnegie
- East Liberty
- Fox Chapel
- McKees Rocks
- Mount Lebanon
- Munhall
- Penn Hills
- Shadyside
- Squirrel Hill
- Swissvale
- Verona
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.


