Therapists in 80302
Joseph A Toscano
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, CACIII, NBCC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302
With over four decades of experience as an Addiction Specialist, Joseph brings a depth of clinical knowledge and perspective to his counseling practice that is rare. After 15 years of agency work, Joseph went into private practice in 1997. He obtained National Certification as a mental health professional and now combines his expertise with addictive processes with a holistic understanding of how these processes occur within a bigger milieu - often defined through unresolved grief and trauma. He has come to believe, that as human beings, we all have addictive tendencies that can connect us to deeper aspirations and dreams.
With over four decades of experience as an Addiction Specialist, Joseph brings a depth of clinical knowledge and perspective to his counseling practice that is rare. After 15 years of agency work, Joseph went into private practice in 1997. He obtained National Certification as a mental health professional and now combines his expertise with addictive processes with a holistic understanding of how these processes occur within a bigger milieu - often defined through unresolved grief and trauma. He has come to believe, that as human beings, we all have addictive tendencies that can connect us to deeper aspirations and dreams.
Joan Unruh
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC, CAS
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302
Joan Unruh is a licensed and certified therapist, specializing in eating disorders, anxiety disorders, life transitions and relationships. From her experiences in a variety of mental health settings and her own recovery, Joan uses the most recent techniques and approaches to counseling in a kind and caring way. For more information about Joan Unruh and her practice, please email or click on her website included on this page.
Joan Unruh is a licensed and certified therapist, specializing in eating disorders, anxiety disorders, life transitions and relationships. From her experiences in a variety of mental health settings and her own recovery, Joan uses the most recent techniques and approaches to counseling in a kind and caring way. For more information about Joan Unruh and her practice, please email or click on her website included on this page.
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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.