Substance Use Therapists in North Bethesda, MD

Hi, I’m Juli, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) specializing in Addiction and Substance Use disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. In my 10+ years of practice I have developed a passion for helping patients identify, explore, and heal underlying issues and trauma that may be at the root of current life challenges. I work with individuals and families to provide psychotherapy, coaching and sober support. In my practice my approach is to meet you where you are, help you move toward your goals, overcome obstacles, and continue to grow. I believe that through therapy profound and positive change can happen.

I believe in meeting clients where they are and empowering them to explore their own path. I specialize in mental health and substance abuse interventions. I've found that a client-centered approach, coupled with Solution Focused Therapy, is effective. My integrative approach addresses issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, domestic violence, and substance abuse in individuals, couples, and families. I'm trained in applying ASAM criteria for appropriate recommendations. Together, let's shape the narrative of your story and work towards the recovery you desire. If needed, I'm here to make referrals for additional support.

I work to help you address the painful challenges you are facing in your life, whether it be in your relationships, your work, or internally with yourself. With depression, self-esteem worries, anxiety and panic, separation and loss, sexual/intimacy conflicts, work/achievement difficulties, parenting problems or addictions, my efforts with you are to use understanding and problem-solving to find relief and direction. I teach and train other mental health professionals, and emphasize the active collaboration needed to bring about change and growth.

I love working with couples and individuals with difficulty in romantic relationships (i.e. sexual issues, communication, infidelity, divorce), adults who come from dysfunctional childhoods, as well as those with anxiety, impulsivity, and addiction. I also enjoy working with those in non-traditional romantic relationships (i.e. ethically non-monogamous, polyamorous). I am LGBTQIA- affirming and sex positive. I work best with clients who are engaged, thoughtful, and motivated for change. My style is empathic and direct, with a sense of humor. I believe strongly in the therapeutic alliance and the client/therapist fit.

I specialize in working with families, couples, groups, and individuals. I treat children as young as three, have experience with school phobia, adoption, blended families, gender issues, gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals, and the challenges of elderly. I am experienced working with psychoses, severe post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and problems of every day life. I have special expertise working with the LGBTQ+ population, with adolescents, sexual development, severe mental illness, post traumatic stress disorder, and physical illnesses.

You may have come here because something is not working in your life and you want it better or because you want more from life. I come with my training, my 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist, my many more years of life experience, my mind, good heart and my intention to heal. You come with your issues, your past, perhaps with your anxiety, depression, or guilt. You also come with your strengths, some of which you might not recognize, and upon which we will build. I believe we are equal as humans, just sitting different chairs. I look forward to working with you.

I work with adults struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, life’s transitions, and a host of existential issues inherent to the human experience. If you are looking to be heard, seeking meaning in your life, coping with life’s challenges in a safe and confidential environment, welcome to my culturally competent private practice.

You have made a courageous decision to face what is not working for you in your life, and to seek change. Good therapy is life changing! It is necessary to be compassionate and patient with yourself as you approach this challenge. It takes work to transform ourselves into healthier beings. I am characterized as an active therapist who enlists the energies of her clients as a partner in this experience. My clients have told me that I am an empathetic, supportive therapist who gently, but steadily pushes for this change.

Something in your life isn't going well. Unsatisfactory relationships, overwhelming anxiety, or negative mood may be getting in your way. You worked on it alone, but the situation isn't better. Psychotherapy is a way for us to address challenges together, fix a situation in your life, or cope better with what can't get fixed. Psychotherapy is our work of addressing human struggles. Your struggles may be eased by engaging in this work. Work guided by empirical research, supported with dignity, and engaged with imaginatively within a supportive relationship.

I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, and adults who are motivated and open to exploring positives changes to bettering their lives. I have spent the past three years working with those who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, OCD, and Behavioral issues.

First Steps Psychological Services, is a high quality mental healthcare practice that provides psychotherapeutic services to teens aged 13+, individual adults, couples and families. Our treatment philosophy starts with the belief that psychotherapy is a collaborative process which aims to foster positive change, and in turn leads to an improved quality of life. Psychotherapy can help you navigate through the self-discovery process to gain insight into difficult issues, determine their root causes and learn effective problem solving skills. First Steps provides therapy in a safe, open and warm environment.

Life presents challenges that make us feel stuck, mad, or hopeless. A lot of people believe therapy is about one-sided conversations that lead to a "cure." Change starts from within, and sometimes, people need support to begin moving forward and healing. You are the expert in your life, and my purpose is to facilitate the process. I use an integrative approach to fit your needs and allow you to fulfill your need for meaningful change. Everyone has a story. You may be experiencing an emotional injury or psychological distress, but this does not communicate brokenness.

I provide Psychotherapy, Life & Clinical Coaching, Divorce Coaching & Mediation, Financial psychology counseling & expatriate counseling for individuals, couples and families; treatment and intervention for those affected by mood disorders (depression and anxiety), trauma, grief, loss and professional & personal transition. I have lived abroad, experienced numerous cultural, personal, and professional transitions myself which I draw on in my work. My combined background in mental health & business gives me a unique perspective that allows me to work with individuals who are facing challenges in their personal and professional lives.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing for over 25 years, I have extensive experience working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem and other stressors. I have developed special expertise in addressing the turbulence of addiction, trauma recovery and healing. I am a therapist & addiction specialist helping individuals in MD and DC. I provide compassionate counseling with a solution focused and practical approach. Additionally, much of my work with clients includes developing coping strategies to deal with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and separation and divorce.

HeartWerq Lori Shapiro, LICSW Senior Clinician Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sex Therapist, Marriage and Couples Therapist (She/Her) Lori Shapiro is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor with more than 20 years of experience. Her practice focuses on working with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of issues, including couples counseling, sex therapy, relationship difficulties, sexual and gender identity support, as well as unique individual challenges. Lori has received degrees from Florida Atlantic University and Barry University (Master’s in Social Work) and also has a certification in sex therapy f

I am working with children teens and adults. I create an environment of support and safety in order that individuals, couples and families are comfortable to be vulnerable and grow.. My studies in mindfulness include yoga teacher training, meditation, breath work and visualization. I use techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy and attachment theories. I work well with men after runnings mens groups for many years. I appreciate the entire life span including children and teens. I work with individuals going through difficult transitions of divorce, grief and loss, change in their work or dealing with issues of aging.

I will challenge you, help you with your goals, and focus on safety, support, and progress. I provide therapy to couples who want to resolve difficult issues effectively. I offer psychotherapy to adults and adolescents and promote trust in self so that much of the work continues outside the therapy room. I view 'eating disorders' as expressions, not pathologies and will work with you to find a healthy voice. For anxiety and depression I utilize imagery, relaxation and cognitive approaches while integrating the past as necessary. Please call or email me with any questions.

In my work I pull from a wide array of modalities including Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strategic Family Therapy, Solution Focused, and Intergenerational Family therapy. I have worked with children as young as four years old, teens, young adults, couples, and all kinds of families.  My experience includes providing therapy in a multitude of settings including Intensive In-Home, outpatient clinics, and private practice. In my over five years of clinical practice, I have worked with families where addiction is present.

My specializations include working with teens, first responder mental health, PTSD, career/education transition or retirement, religious trauma, co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders, OCD, and anxiety. I am passionate about supporting my client’s identification of their sense of self and building their confidence in individual decision-making. I believe that uniqueness is strength. I customize my therapeutic approach to fit my individual clients with meeting their goals as the priority. I currently have in-person and virtual after-school availability.