Substance Use Therapists in Sarasota, FL

Do you want to enhance your lifestyle in a lasting, holistic & meaningful way? If you would like to feel empowered, improving your physical, social & emotional health, let me show you how. I have over 35 yrs of clinical experience helping people solve problems associated with substance use/addictions, relationship conflicts & lingering emotional distress from Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, overwhelming stress, grief or other emotional discomfort. The gift I give my clients is to invite them to lean on my strength & wisdom while they're in the process of discovering their own.

My outlook on life is that we are all on a journey. Some people move faster than others. Some need a helping hand along the way; but we can all arrive to where we are going, where we want to be…every single one of us. I am here to help motivate when you lack motivation. I am here to listen when you feel unheard. I am here to push when you feel weak, or pull when you don’t feel strong enough. I’m also here to sit with you when you aren’t ready or feel unable to make a decision. I am here at your pace.

I have over 25 yrs experience working with individuals facing mental health and substance use concerns. I strive to provide an open safe space with no judgement to discuss thoughts, feelings and behaviors with the intention of creating opportunities for change. These changes may be practiced and adjusted as needed to find a solution that fits the unique person that is you. If one is trying to make a change and has a slip aka "blip in the radar of life". We do not start all over, we look at what was learned with curiosity and start again where we are in the process. This is a shame and blame free zone. We are all works in progress.

Time for a Mental Health Checkup? Life can be difficult with obstacles to overcome. Adverse experiences from childhood & adolescence affecting your current functioning? Unprocessed trauma & fear of the future and depression repressed? Relationship challenges in need of improvement? Family dynamics unhealthy! Have you invested in your Higher Self as a priority? Negative self talk? Self destructive behavior. Substance use disorders.? The Good News- You are capable of change! Use my personal & professional experience of overcoming numerous challenging & traumatic events to reach mental, emotional & behavior balance. Pick up the tools!

My passion is working with people who are experiencing life transitions, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma symptoms, addiction and relationship challenges and are motivated to make positive lifestyle changes. I work with individuals, adults, and adolescents. I have worked with both the mental health and substance use populations for the past seven years, working in both residential programs and outpatient settings. My goal is to sit with you in your experience, providing encouragement and support while teaching you skills to help you maintain long-term stability and improve your overall mental well-being.

Have you been struggling to fix things on your own or hoping they’ll just get better? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety, trapped in the cycle of depression, or concerned about substance use? Change is possible and I can help. Your first act of courage is reaching out to a therapist and making an investment in yourself. With 25+ years of experience, I've helped countless individuals to create lasting change through new ways of thinking and feeling.

Welcome! I'm an LCSW licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience in mental health. I specialize in a holistic, trauma-informed approach using strength and solution-focused treatments. With extensive expertise in working with adults facing substance use, severe mental illness, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, I'm committed to providing a safe and judgment-free space. Together, we'll challenge negative thoughts and transform behaviors to foster growth and well-being. By exploring your feelings, traumas, and other aspects of your mental health, we'll embark on a journey toward self-discovery and healing.

I believe that each person has the potential to live the life they truly want and that lasting change is possible. As a strengths-based therapist, I help a client find their strengths are built on and utilized in therapy to help the client work through the difficulties they are experiencing. I create a space where you can tell me anything without fear of judgment or me telling you how you should live life. Therapy is an interactive process and it shouldn’t look the same for each person. I love helping people build their confidence and becoming more assertive. I want to help you build the skills to live your life to the fullest!

Hi, I’m Shimon (he/him). I’m a licensed clinical social worker in Maine and Florida. I have a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and over 20 years of experience working with youth, adults, families, and communities, as well as teaching social work students and providing training to professionals. I believe that we all have challenges in life and I am here to support you and help you navigate those challenges. I have specific expertise with depression, anxiety, substance use, pre-teens, teens, adults, parenting, sociocultural impact/challenges, and men's issues.

Hi, I'm Kate. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and have been working in the counseling field since 2010. I enjoy working with couples, individuals, and families. My therapeutic focuses are Depression, Trauma, PTSD, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, and Substance Use. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Couples Therapy, Relational, Structural Family Therapy, and Grief Therapy. I like the therapeutic goals to be determined collaboratively with myself and the client. I believe in creating a space where we can have difficult conversations and work on resolving issues.

Hi! I’m Sisi Zhao, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor currently working out of Sarasota, Florida. My top priority is to always ensure your well-being and providing you with the necessary tools and resources to help achieve your goals. My approach to therapy is very person-centered, meaning that your needs always come first and that you are an equal partner in the planning of your care. I have experience in working with children, adolescents and adults that are struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, chronic health issues, substance abuse and ADHD.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Addiction Professional with offices in Sarasota and New Port Richey. My experience involves substance abuse, mood disorders, co-occurring disorders and anxiety disorders as well as guiding people to reduce stress and living a more fulfilling way of life. I attended school in Sarasota in the 1950's and early 1960's, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1970. I was in business in Sarasota until entering the mental health field in 1999 enrolling in Argosy/Sarasota In 2001 receiving a Master's in Mental Health Counseling in 2005.

My areas of expertise include issues of substance abuse, anxiety, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I have a Body, Mind, Spirit approach, where I help clients connect within themselves to find the underlying issues that are creating problems in their lives, then help clients learn to identify the thought patterns that can cause dysfunction and develop strategies to lead happier and healthier lives.

My intention is to provide compassionate psychological support. Though we all need help sometimes, we do not all have the support we need. I am here to help.

I am dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals who are battling addiction. My goal is to be a beacon of hope and support for individuals as they embark on their journey to recovery. I am dedicated to empowering them with the tools and strategies needed to overcome addiction and lead fulfilling, healthy lives. I am committed to fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their challenges, develop coping mechanisms, and ultimately find a path to sobriety.

Has the pandemic and/or social unrest triggered fears, distrust or sadness for your and/or your loved one? Are you struggling with something that has you tossing and turning at night? Have things gotten out of control at home, work, or with an addiction? Are your loved ones' behaviors causing you problems? Depression, anxiety and frustrations have plagued all of us from time to time but on occasion we feel stuck and unable to get out of the rut. Other times the losses and scars we’ve been trying to ignore become too loud to ignore. There are answers to the questions and ways out of the darkness.

Life often presents us with challenges. Managing family, work or school, social and personal obligations can be stressful and overwhelming. You may feel your life is out of balance. Whether you are dealing with stressful circumstances, ongoing anxiety, panic, sadness, depression, substance misuse, low confidence, and/or are wanting more work-life harmony, I will provide the space to help you feel supported and heard.

Our practice helps individuals to cope with stress, conflict, crisis and trauma in different ways. We help you to create your own path; helping you to improve your overall mental and physical health so that you may find peace and purpose in life.

Dr. Katherine Best is dedicated to your wellbeing by providing a quick response and flexible hours of care. Building upon strengths, she uses a positive, non-judgmental approach to encourage growth and change. Dr. Best offers: psychotherapy, marriage and family therapy, trauma resolution, pre and post divorce counseling, family mediation for conflict resolution, clinical hypnosis, EMDR, archetypal pattern dream analysis, and life coaching. In addition, Dr. Katherine Best offers treatment for stress, anxiety, procrastination, depression, cumulative exposures to trauma, priest and clergy abuse, chronic pain, and insomnia.