Individual Therapy for Substance Abuse
Personalized support when substance use feels difficult to manage on your own.
Substance use can affect different areas of your life, including your emotions, relationships, routines, work, and overall well-being. You may notice patterns that are difficult to change, rely on substances to cope with stress or difficult emotions, or simply feel ready to better understand your relationship with substance use.
Individual therapy for substance abuse gives you a private, supportive space to explore your substance use without judgment. At Avena, therapy can help you identify triggers, understand patterns, and consider the changes you want to make based on your individual needs and goals.
Our therapists take time to understand your experiences, concerns, and circumstances rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. Through individual therapy for substance abuse, you can develop practical coping strategies, strengthen your ability to manage triggers, and explore healthier ways to respond to stress and difficult emotions.
At Avena, individual therapy for substance abuse is tailored to where you are now and where you want to go. Therapy provides ongoing support as you work toward meaningful changes that feel realistic, personal, and sustainable.
Here’s what we can work on in individual therapy for substance abuse:
Recognizing patterns of substance use that may have helped you cope but are no longer supporting your well-being.
Reconnecting with parts of yourself that may feel distant or disconnected as substance use has become part of your life.
Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself that may contribute to or result from substance use.
Building supportive routines that help you manage triggers, reduce reliance on substances, and feel more grounded in daily life.
Identifying patterns and triggers that make change difficult.
Creating space for healthier ways to experience connection, enjoyment, and relief without relying on substances.
Do you offer individual therapy specifically for substance use or addiction?
Yes, Avena Psychological Services offers individual therapy for people experiencing concerns related to substance use. Therapy provides one-on-one support to explore patterns of use, triggers, emotional concerns, and goals for making meaningful changes.
Do I need to be sober before starting therapy, or can I be actively using?
You do not necessarily need to be completely sober before beginning individual therapy for substance abuse. Your therapist can meet you where you are, discuss your current substance use, and help determine what type and level of support may be appropriate for your needs.
What treatment approaches do you use for substance use?
Treatment is individualized based on your needs, experiences, and goals. Depending on the therapist and treatment plan, therapy may incorporate approaches designed to help you understand patterns, strengthen motivation for change, develop coping skills, and make healthier choices.
Do you work alongside detox, rehab, or medication-assisted treatment programs?
Individual therapy can be one part of a broader substance use treatment plan. If you are participating in detox, rehabilitation, medication-assisted treatment, or another program, talk with Avena about how individual therapy may fit alongside your existing care.
Is therapy confidential from employers or family?
Individual therapy provides a confidential space to discuss substance use and other personal concerns. Your therapist can explain confidentiality, its limits, and how your information is handled before treatment begins.
Do you accept insurance for substance use treatment?
Insurance coverage depends on your individual plan and benefits. Avena is currently in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare, including certain affiliated plans, and also works with out-of-network benefits. The Avena team can help you understand and verify your coverage before beginning therapy.
Do you also treat co-occurring conditions like anxiety or trauma?
Therapy can address substance use alongside mental health concerns that may be affecting your well-being. Your therapist can explore how concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, or trauma may interact with substance use and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Real People. Real Expertise. Real Change.
At Avena Psychological Services, we offer holistic, individualized therapy designed to help you understand yourself more deeply and create meaningful, lasting change. Our licensed psychologists tailor each session to your specific concerns and goals, drawing from your full life experience—including your childhood, culture, relationships, physical health, and personality. Whether you’re struggling with depression, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can help you break your issues down into manageable pieces and begin moving forward. Left unaddressed, mental health concerns can impact every area of life—from work and school to physical health and relationships. But with the right support, you can shift your mindset, make empowered choices, and experience real transformation.
Virtual Mental Health Therapy Tailored For Your Comfort
Video Call Therapy
Online therapy conducted via Zoom. Video meetings allow you to see your therapist from the comfort of your preferred location.
Phone Therapy
Full service therapy conducted via a phone call. Have full conversation with your therapist without the need to be seen.
Concierge Therapy
Personal appointments can be tailored to special locations through a prior approved agreement with Dr. Avena.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be completely sober to start therapy with you?
Not necessarily. Individual therapy for substance abuse can begin by looking at where you are now, your concerns about substance use, and the changes you would like to make. Your therapist can also help determine whether additional or more intensive support may be appropriate.
Do you offer harm-reduction approaches or only abstinence-based treatment?
Treatment goals should reflect your individual needs and circumstances. Contact Avena directly to ask about harm-reduction and abstinence-based approaches and determine which available services may best align with your goals.
Can therapy work alongside an outpatient or intensive outpatient program (IOP)?
Yes, individual therapy may be used alongside outpatient or intensive outpatient treatment when appropriate. Coordination depends on your treatment needs, existing providers, and the services involved.
Do you treat co-occurring mental health conditions along with substance use?
Individual therapy can address mental health concerns that occur alongside substance use. Treatment may explore how emotional health, past experiences, stress, relationships, and substance use affect one another so your care considers the broader picture.
Schedule An Appointment
If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please follow instructions found here.
Phone
therapy@avenapsych.com
Mailing Address
99 Wall Street #4424 New York, NY 10005