Substance Use Therapists in New York, NY

I specialize in working with folks with stigmatized behaviors and identities, or who are otherwise mistreated and ignored in traditional mental health settings. My therapeutic approach is, above all else, strengths-based and person-centered. You are the expert in your own experience and what you need. If you're learning to safely unmask your neurodivergent self, exploring your gender identity or sexuality, examining your substance use, or navigating non-traditional relationship structures like ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, BDSM, or queerplatonic dynamics, I'd love to work with you!

My practice is devoted to helping individuals experiencing chronic anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and difficult interpersonal relationships. I provide support and seek to establish a plan for moving toward feeling less stuck and living more authentically. I am particularly focused on enhancing capacity to understand and respond to emotions, which many of us are not taught to do in our everyday lives. I offer a genuine empathetic frame and incorporate humor into cultivating deeper awareness of self and ways of relating to others. I offer telehealth services in NY (some insurance accepted), RI, and CT.

I am a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience. I specialize in the treatment of substance use disorders, with expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), medication assisted treatment, and chronic pain.

My work with individuals begins with establishing an emotionally safe space in which we can explore what brings you into therapy. We then tailor our work to your specific issues and needs, be they contemporary stressors or long standing vestiges of the past -- or both. We may discover core conflicts, psychic remnants of past relationships and experiences, that contribute to your current symptoms or show up in your life as self-defeating patterns in your relationships. Re-working these past struggles can help release you from feeling emotionally trapped, so that you have greater freedom and authorship in your life.

I find therapy to be a valuable space for reflection, connection, and growth and embrace the opportunity to construct such a space with my clients. I bring a warm, empathetic presence and a desire to understand my clients deeply as we work together towards the change they desire in their lives. I enjoy working with clients on a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, sexual assault/abuse, substance use concerns, traumatic and concerns related to navigating identities of all types. Offering an environment that is affirming to LGBTQ+ clients is particularly important to me.

Welcome! I am a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice on the Upper West Side. I completed my Ph.D. at Fordham University, and my pre-doctoral internship at the Yale University School of Medicine. I specialize in providing treatments that have been supported by research including cognitive behavioral therapy for mood and anxiety disorders, dialectical behavior therapy for emotion dysregulation/borderline personality disorder, and relapse prevention/motivational interviewing for substance abuse. In addition to my private practice, I work as a supervising psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center / Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

With a focus on trauma/PTSD and substance use disorders, my work as a therapist frequently brings home the reality that people can heal. With effective treatment, clients are freer to make decisions and choices based in the here-and-now rather than the past. Recovery takes compassion toward self and a willingness to focus on the course of healing, and being a witness to this process is an enduring (25+ years) path of my work.

I am a psychologist practicing individual and group therapy with adults across the lifespan, from college aged people to older adults. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, substance use, out of control sexual behavior, self-defeating behaviors, trauma, grief, and feelings of inadequacy. I have worked extensively with LGBT+ people, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and with older adults. I have a particular expertise in working with individuals living with HIV.

I work very well with adolescents and adults whom struggle to believe that therapy could be beneficial for them. Through my experience, I learned that utilizing psychodynamic theory with the individual during the first several months of therapy aids in building a strong therapeutic relationship. Thus, my initial goal is to help the individual understand how their experiences in life - both positive and negative - contributed to shaping their behaviors, thought patterns, interests, etc. This will help the individual to identify unconscious stressors and improve their emotional response.

Hello. Thanks for reading about me. I’m a warm, down to earth psychologist with a passion for helping people. Staying present focused, we will center on keeping your hopes and dreams up front, while reducing distress in the context of a solid and genuine therapeutic relationship. We will work to enhance your understanding of the barriers that are keeping you from achieving your goals and learn skills to turn that understanding into strategies to better overcome them. While there is no quick fix to most problems, I use proven strategies (such as CBT and DBT) that will help you experience relief and progress relatively soon.

Do you feel like you are in a constant battling with your own mind or body? You may be struggling with intrusive anxiety, traumatic memories, or chronic illness. And your methods of coping are not serving you - you feel so locked in avoidance, suppression, or distraction that you can’t recognize yourself or what you stand for. Your life feels centered on avoiding pain instead of your most important values.

Accepting new patients. You have already taken an important step in identifying that there is room in your life for healing, growth, support, and exploration. I work with individuals who are experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, substance use, interpersonal issues, questions of identity, or feeling stuck in patterns of behavior. My curious, collaborative, and compassionate approach allows you to explore your inner world and challenges in a safe, affirming environment. I view therapy as a space where you can bring your entire self, including your pain, joy, and possibilities for transformation.

HAVE YOU OR OTHERS HAD CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR ALCOHOL USE? WHEN FEELING ANGRY OR FRUSTRATED DO YOU USE ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUGS TO HELP RELIEVE YOUR NEGATIVE FEELINGS? Misusing alcohol, drugs, food or engaging in behaviors like excessive gambling or shopping to cope with strong emotions, may become habitual and as problematic as the negative feelings they are meant to alleviate.

Family Addiction Specialist is a boutique concierge practice in New York, NY (with offices in Midtown Manhattan or Brooklyn Heights, as well as an undisclosed office in the Upper East Side to ensure the highest level of privacy) where high-net-worth clients and their families struggling with substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, depression, anxiety, insomnia, complex family dynamics and conflicts, and other emotional and life issues receive impeccable support and guidance. In addition to talk therapy, the firm also utilizes coaching, hypnotherapy and Neurolinguistic Programing when deemed to be appropriate and beneficial.

I am guided by the belief that we all have the right to mental health treatment that is free of judgment, shame and stigma. As a therapist, I provide an empathetic space where you will feel seen, heard and accepted. Over my many years as a clinician, I have successfully helped people with a wide range of issues including intimate relationships, family, depression, anxiety, loneliness and substance use - just to name a few. I also have significant experience working with adults who engage in poly and other sexually expansive lifestyles, as well as issues in sexuality, such as sexual desire discrepancy between partners.

Diana’s patient and respectful approach to therapy creates a warm and welcoming environment for her clients to achieve their goals. Diana previously worked at a treatment program focused on helping people with substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma, and relationship issues. Diana also has extensive experience helping people with stress management, anger management, and self-esteem building.

Coupled with my clinical skills, I offer empathy, support, and guidance to help my clients with all of life’s challenges, wounds, & problems. I empower my clients and help them develop coping skills. My therapy skills aim to increase self-awareness, enhance internal strength, and reduce stress, fear, and suffering. Together, I can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and answer questions such as, “What can I change?” How can I learn to accept things?” or “How do I want to move forward in this precious life?” I work with clients who are seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, grief, trauma/PTSD, and substance use.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a NYS Credentialed Substance Use Counselor. I see adults of all ages in a comfortable, private and safe setting on the Upper West Side. I think dynamically, but work eclectically. I coach behavioral changes while exploring beliefs, reactions and motivations so you understand yourself better and enhance your options in living. I deeply believe that the more we understand ourselves and our motivations, the greater will be our power to take control of things that previously seemed inevitable.

Christina utitlizes a combination of Cognitive Theory, Attachment Theory, and Feminist theory to address the whole person, and better understand the systems they inhabit. Employing humor, frankness, and compassion she provides a safe, nonjudgmental place for clients to come and do the work to meet their desired outcomes.