Addiction Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA

I provide couple counseling and individual psychotherapy to adults and adolescents with presenting concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief and bereavement.
I hold a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and have been licensed to practice as a Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2005. I am a trauma informed therapist and have extensive post-graduate education and training in trauma work, addiction, grief and bereavement, and couples work.
I provide couple counseling and individual psychotherapy to adults and adolescents with presenting concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief and bereavement.
I hold a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and have been licensed to practice as a Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2005. I am a trauma informed therapist and have extensive post-graduate education and training in trauma work, addiction, grief and bereavement, and couples work.

If you're dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, or any other emotional struggles, I'm equipped to assist you.
Congratulations on taking the courageous step towards positive change. I'm Dr. Vester Appiah, and I'm here to provide you with specialized support on your journey to well-being. With over a decade of experience, my passion lies in offering compassionate counseling to individuals of all age groups. Whether you're a teenager navigating the complexities of youth, a young adult grappling with life's transitions, or an experienced individual seeking personal growth and healing, I'm here to walk with you every step of the way.
If you're dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, or any other emotional struggles, I'm equipped to assist you.
Congratulations on taking the courageous step towards positive change. I'm Dr. Vester Appiah, and I'm here to provide you with specialized support on your journey to well-being. With over a decade of experience, my passion lies in offering compassionate counseling to individuals of all age groups. Whether you're a teenager navigating the complexities of youth, a young adult grappling with life's transitions, or an experienced individual seeking personal growth and healing, I'm here to walk with you every step of the way.

e someone dealing with addiction might benefit from cognitive behavioral approaches while also responding to expressive arts, such as visual arts, drawing, painting, music, and journaling.
Often the client is very clear about what their goals are, and little is needed to elicit the goals but to ask and support the goals by helping plan how these goals might be met. Other times the process of goal setting is a longer process where motivational interviewing helps the client to figure out priorities in order to set goals.
e someone dealing with addiction might benefit from cognitive behavioral approaches while also responding to expressive arts, such as visual arts, drawing, painting, music, and journaling.
Often the client is very clear about what their goals are, and little is needed to elicit the goals but to ask and support the goals by helping plan how these goals might be met. Other times the process of goal setting is a longer process where motivational interviewing helps the client to figure out priorities in order to set goals.

These parts show up as addiction, anxiety, depression, & self sabotage to distract from the pain beneath.
I can help, because I have been there, and found a path to healing. My approach is founded in nonjudgmental compassion with advanced training in Internal Family Systems & Polyvagal Theory. It has been life changing for myself, my loved ones, and the people I serve. I offer the possibility of real change, and to become your authentic best Self.
These parts show up as addiction, anxiety, depression, & self sabotage to distract from the pain beneath.
I can help, because I have been there, and found a path to healing. My approach is founded in nonjudgmental compassion with advanced training in Internal Family Systems & Polyvagal Theory. It has been life changing for myself, my loved ones, and the people I serve. I offer the possibility of real change, and to become your authentic best Self.

Lisa Kays
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with clients who are distressed or confused by why they engage in the behaviors they do, whether it's addiction, anger, or relationship difficulties and challenges.
I work with clients experiencing a broad range of challenges, including relationship difficulties, life transitions and adjustments, addiction, trauma, abuse, narcissistic abuse and gaslighting, procrastination, decision-making, anxiety, depression, family-of-origin challenges, and grief and loss. I also have great spidey senses for diagnoses.
I work with clients who are distressed or confused by why they engage in the behaviors they do, whether it's addiction, anger, or relationship difficulties and challenges.
I work with clients experiencing a broad range of challenges, including relationship difficulties, life transitions and adjustments, addiction, trauma, abuse, narcissistic abuse and gaslighting, procrastination, decision-making, anxiety, depression, family-of-origin challenges, and grief and loss. I also have great spidey senses for diagnoses.

Together we address harmful thoughts and behaviors that lead to depression, anxiety and substance use.
I value the significant contribution relationships can make to learning about ourselves. In therapy, people learn how their early and current relationships affect them in everyday life - including the way they handle stress and anxiety. Gaining insight about the dynamics of our relationships always leads to personal growth.
Together we address harmful thoughts and behaviors that lead to depression, anxiety and substance use.
I value the significant contribution relationships can make to learning about ourselves. In therapy, people learn how their early and current relationships affect them in everyday life - including the way they handle stress and anxiety. Gaining insight about the dynamics of our relationships always leads to personal growth.

Svandis Geirsdottir
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I have 10 years of experience working with adults struggling with mental health and substance use.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, irritability, sadness of the unknown? Watching everyone moving on with their lives and being successful? Are you battling with emotions, thoughts and/or behaviors that perhaps are self deprecating or self-sabotaging that creates cycle of shame/guilt or judgement? Sometimes we need sounding board to hear ourselves to sort out facts and myths. I will assist you by creating safe, honest and open dialogue in a non-judgmental setting, to support you in identifying and meeting yours goals. Watching people achieve their potential is the most rewarding aspect of my work.
I have 10 years of experience working with adults struggling with mental health and substance use.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, irritability, sadness of the unknown? Watching everyone moving on with their lives and being successful? Are you battling with emotions, thoughts and/or behaviors that perhaps are self deprecating or self-sabotaging that creates cycle of shame/guilt or judgement? Sometimes we need sounding board to hear ourselves to sort out facts and myths. I will assist you by creating safe, honest and open dialogue in a non-judgmental setting, to support you in identifying and meeting yours goals. Watching people achieve their potential is the most rewarding aspect of my work.

I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and substance abuse-related issues.
My counseling style is warm, interactive, and connecting. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't deal with stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and experiential counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific individual needs.
I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and substance abuse-related issues.
My counseling style is warm, interactive, and connecting. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't deal with stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and experiential counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific individual needs.

Michael Payne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
I have extensive experience on such issues as depression, anxiety, OCD, grief & loss, addiction, self-esteem, sexual minorities, spirituality, relationships, career stalemates, lack of fulfillment, and difficult transitions.
Whether you're looking to set a new course in life, heal a wounded heart, break from unhealthy habits, I can teach you strategies and skills to become the person you want to be. Any positive change requires awareness, determination, and effort. At heartsandmindshealth, my goal is to improve your mental health and well-being. I take an insight-oriented, solution-focused approach to our work, After setting mutually-determined treatment objectives, I help individuals, couples, and groups achieve life goals, heal emotional wounds, become "unstuck", or break free from unhealthy patterns.
I have extensive experience on such issues as depression, anxiety, OCD, grief & loss, addiction, self-esteem, sexual minorities, spirituality, relationships, career stalemates, lack of fulfillment, and difficult transitions.
Whether you're looking to set a new course in life, heal a wounded heart, break from unhealthy habits, I can teach you strategies and skills to become the person you want to be. Any positive change requires awareness, determination, and effort. At heartsandmindshealth, my goal is to improve your mental health and well-being. I take an insight-oriented, solution-focused approach to our work, After setting mutually-determined treatment objectives, I help individuals, couples, and groups achieve life goals, heal emotional wounds, become "unstuck", or break free from unhealthy patterns.

Sarah Pitkin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LSATP, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
As daily life becomes more complex, many individuals face challenges such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship issues, difficulty balancing work and life, and unresolved trauma.
In my practice, I work with clients to clarify their struggles, set goals, and gain insight into emotional and relational difficulties. Through a collaborative approach, I help clients tap into their strengths and build coping skills to achieve greater balance and well-being.
As daily life becomes more complex, many individuals face challenges such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship issues, difficulty balancing work and life, and unresolved trauma.
In my practice, I work with clients to clarify their struggles, set goals, and gain insight into emotional and relational difficulties. Through a collaborative approach, I help clients tap into their strengths and build coping skills to achieve greater balance and well-being.

I specialize in substance use and general mental health treatment of those ages 13-99 years old.
The most common theoretical approach of my work is cognitive behavior. I work with individuals to explore how their thinking can change feelings and behaviors, thus creating a more favorable outcome.
I specialize in substance use and general mental health treatment of those ages 13-99 years old.
The most common theoretical approach of my work is cognitive behavior. I work with individuals to explore how their thinking can change feelings and behaviors, thus creating a more favorable outcome.
Meet Our Addiction Therapists
I have been working in the counseling and substance use field for over 25+ years working in the areas of mental health, substance abuse , corrections and leadership.
My treatment modalities are Individual, Group and Family Counseling. I have extensive experience working with formerly incarcerated individuals, men, women, same gender loving individuals, adolescents, and elderly. My therapeutic styles are person centered and cognitive behavioral in nature. Safety, accountability, and empowerment in sessions are essential.
I have been working in the counseling and substance use field for over 25+ years working in the areas of mental health, substance abuse , corrections and leadership.
My treatment modalities are Individual, Group and Family Counseling. I have extensive experience working with formerly incarcerated individuals, men, women, same gender loving individuals, adolescents, and elderly. My therapeutic styles are person centered and cognitive behavioral in nature. Safety, accountability, and empowerment in sessions are essential.

Patrick Trentalange is a dedicated therapist specializing in addiction and mental health treatment.
Patrick Trentalange's professional capabilities extend to working with older adults, complementing his existing skills and expertise. His ability to effectively engage with individuals in the retirement phase of their lives adds another dimension to his therapeutic practice, allowing him to address the unique needs and concerns of this demographic.
Patrick Trentalange is a dedicated therapist specializing in addiction and mental health treatment.
Patrick Trentalange's professional capabilities extend to working with older adults, complementing his existing skills and expertise. His ability to effectively engage with individuals in the retirement phase of their lives adds another dimension to his therapeutic practice, allowing him to address the unique needs and concerns of this demographic.

I am also a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) in Virginia.
My communication style is friendly, supportive, and curious. My hope is to break down walls and barriers for you to get the care you need in the most accessible way possible. I value adapting to clients' changing needs and have a desire to empower, encourage, and educate clients to recognize their strengths amidst their life situations.
I am also a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) in Virginia.
My communication style is friendly, supportive, and curious. My hope is to break down walls and barriers for you to get the care you need in the most accessible way possible. I value adapting to clients' changing needs and have a desire to empower, encourage, and educate clients to recognize their strengths amidst their life situations.

Darby Integrative Counseling LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCADAS
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Serves Area
We have a commitment to providing care to LGBTQIA+ & BIPOC folx and those healing trauma and addiction wounds.
At Darby Integrative Counseling, our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and groups who are seeking support, healing, and growth. Our practice is made up of professionals who are actual experts in their fields. We don’t just say we value diversity, equity, and inclusion — our team proudly reflects these values. We represent diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences, that truly sets us apart from other therapy practices. We are committed to providing culturally competent care to meet the unique needs of each client. Reach out today and experience the difference.
We have a commitment to providing care to LGBTQIA+ & BIPOC folx and those healing trauma and addiction wounds.
At Darby Integrative Counseling, our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and groups who are seeking support, healing, and growth. Our practice is made up of professionals who are actual experts in their fields. We don’t just say we value diversity, equity, and inclusion — our team proudly reflects these values. We represent diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences, that truly sets us apart from other therapy practices. We are committed to providing culturally competent care to meet the unique needs of each client. Reach out today and experience the difference.

Ashley Patrican
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
My experiences with mental health range from: autism, mood disorders, postpartum depression, lyme disease, suicide ideation, gender identity concerns,personality disorders, chronic pain, trauma, behavioral management, social skills training, parent training, psychosis to substance use..
The first session is a meet and greet and it's also an opportunity to learn about your history and what makes up your personality. I will look at your family history, marital status and relationship style and communication style and medical background. Then it will be starting to look at treatment goals and collaborating on a treatment plan.
My experiences with mental health range from: autism, mood disorders, postpartum depression, lyme disease, suicide ideation, gender identity concerns,personality disorders, chronic pain, trauma, behavioral management, social skills training, parent training, psychosis to substance use..
The first session is a meet and greet and it's also an opportunity to learn about your history and what makes up your personality. I will look at your family history, marital status and relationship style and communication style and medical background. Then it will be starting to look at treatment goals and collaborating on a treatment plan.

I work with a wide range of issues including: depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues, grief and loss, relational/family concerns, and substance abuse.
Hello there! My name is Jennifer Smith Sims. I am licensed Mental Health Counselor (LPC) and the Owner/Founder of LifeSpark Counseling and Coaching.I have over sixteen years of experience in the field and I have a solid foundation in utilizing techniques from Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Schema-Focused Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution focused therapy. I also have a strong Christian faith and am very passionate about providing faith based counseling to those individuals that want to incorporate their faith into our sessions.
I work with a wide range of issues including: depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues, grief and loss, relational/family concerns, and substance abuse.
Hello there! My name is Jennifer Smith Sims. I am licensed Mental Health Counselor (LPC) and the Owner/Founder of LifeSpark Counseling and Coaching.I have over sixteen years of experience in the field and I have a solid foundation in utilizing techniques from Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Schema-Focused Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution focused therapy. I also have a strong Christian faith and am very passionate about providing faith based counseling to those individuals that want to incorporate their faith into our sessions.

I strive to work specifically with children, adolescents, and adults dealing with various mental health and substance abuse disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, addiction, and other mood concerns.
Have you been struggling to cope and deal with the pressure of everyday stressors in life (i.e., family, work, career, parenting, relationships, etc.)? Has re-occurring feelings of depression, anxiety, and other fluctuating moods and emotions become an everyday norm for you? If this is you or someone you know, then as your therapist, I can partner with you to not only assist in processing your personal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, but I can also help guide you into establishing healthy boundaries and positive coping skills to assist with effectively decreasing and managing these negative stressors in your life.
I strive to work specifically with children, adolescents, and adults dealing with various mental health and substance abuse disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, addiction, and other mood concerns.
Have you been struggling to cope and deal with the pressure of everyday stressors in life (i.e., family, work, career, parenting, relationships, etc.)? Has re-occurring feelings of depression, anxiety, and other fluctuating moods and emotions become an everyday norm for you? If this is you or someone you know, then as your therapist, I can partner with you to not only assist in processing your personal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, but I can also help guide you into establishing healthy boundaries and positive coping skills to assist with effectively decreasing and managing these negative stressors in your life.

I also provide grief and substance abuse group counseling.
I use a variety of techniques, including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral, positive psychology, and existential psychotherapy. A positive working alliance between a counselor and client can result in an effective counseling relationship. I have worked in inpatient and outpatient settings providing therapy to clients with co-occurring conditions.
I also provide grief and substance abuse group counseling.
I use a variety of techniques, including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral, positive psychology, and existential psychotherapy. A positive working alliance between a counselor and client can result in an effective counseling relationship. I have worked in inpatient and outpatient settings providing therapy to clients with co-occurring conditions.

Ceyonna Lewis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties and areas of interest include perinatal mental health, substance use, crisis support, anxiety, depression, peer and family conflict, and behavioral concerns.
My passion is to assist individuals in addressing their mental health concerns and support them through challenging moments. I strive to empower clients in strengthening their confidence, developing autonomy in making important life decisions and choices, and utilizing effective skills to overcome any obstacle thrown their way.
My specialties and areas of interest include perinatal mental health, substance use, crisis support, anxiety, depression, peer and family conflict, and behavioral concerns.
My passion is to assist individuals in addressing their mental health concerns and support them through challenging moments. I strive to empower clients in strengthening their confidence, developing autonomy in making important life decisions and choices, and utilizing effective skills to overcome any obstacle thrown their way.
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What is the best therapy for addiction?
Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.
How long does therapy for addiction take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.
How effective is drug addiction treatment?
Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.
How can you get addiction treatment for someone?
The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.