Group of friends drinking at a party, smiling and socializing. In need of substance use therapy in Los Angeles.

Substance abuse and addiction Therapy in Los Angeles, CA

What is going on?

you feel more like you're being monitored htan supported
Your use is negatively impacting your relationships, job or physical health
You don't relate to extreme addiction stories, but something still feels concerning
You can never have just one
you're afraid of being labeled
you can't imagine socializing without it
when your partner, friends or loved ones bring it up, you get defensive
you go back and forth between "Its fine", and "this might not be fine."
Dark cloudy sky with sunlight breaking through clouds and illuminating the scene with a bright, radiant light.

How do you know you need addiction counseling…

It may be time for addiction counseling when you find yourself thinking about drinking or using more than you’d like, trying to cut back but not following through, or feeling uneasy about your habits—even if everything looks “fine” on the outside. If substances have become your main way of relaxing, coping with stress, or feeling confident socially, or if your partner has raised concerns and you feel defensive, ashamed, or unsure what to do next, that’s worth paying attention to. You don’t have to hit a dramatic low point for it to matter. Often, the sign is simply a quiet awareness that something feels out of alignment—and a desire to understand it before it grows.

You may not identify as an “addict,” but you’re questioning your relationship with substances and wondering whether something needs to shift.

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Therapy for addiction in Los Angeles can help

you don't have to feel uncertain, ashamed or alone. Therapy with me can help you gain clarity on what you want for your life, and I empower and support you in achieving it.

Addiction therapy with me isn’t about being told what you “should” do. I’m not here to push you into sobriety or label you. Instead, we get honest about your relationship with substances—what it gives you, what it costs you, and what feels aligned (or not) in your life right now. Maybe the answer is sobriety. Maybe it’s moderation. Maybe it’s simply more awareness. We figure that out together. I tailor the work to you—your goals, your pace, your reality—while keeping the conversation real, direct, and gentle. The focus is helping you make choices that actually feel like yours.

You might be wondering:

  • You might wonder if your drinking or drug use is a problem when it starts taking up more space in your life than you intended. Maybe you tell yourself you’ll only have one or two, but it regularly turns into more. You might notice you’re thinking about it during the day, planning around it, or feeling anxious if it’s not available. Perhaps your tolerance has increased, and it takes more to feel the same effect.

    You may also see subtle consequences: trouble sleeping, irritability, hiding how much you use, or minimizing it to friends or partners. Work performance, relationships, or your sense of integrity might feel slightly off. Sometimes the biggest sign isn’t dramatic—it’s the quiet question, “Why is this so hard to control?” If you’ve tried to cut back and can’t, or you use to cope with stress, loneliness, or pain, it may be worth exploring more gently and honestly.

  • Therapy for addiction is not about judgment or forcing you to stop—it’s about understanding the role substances play in your life. Together, we explore what alcohol or drugs help you cope with, whether that’s anxiety, emotional pain, loneliness, stress, or feeling overwhelmed. Many people discover their use makes sense in context—it served a purpose, even if it’s no longer serving them now.

    We also work on building awareness of triggers, patterns, and the moments when urges feel strongest. Therapy helps you develop healthier ways to regulate emotions, tolerate discomfort, and feel more in control of your choices. This might include learning practical tools, strengthening relationships, and reconnecting with parts of yourself that have been quieted.

    You don’t have to label yourself or commit to immediate abstinence. Therapy creates space to explore honestly, at your own pace, so you can move toward a life that feels more aligned, stable, and free.

  • You don’t have to want to quit completely for therapy to be helpful. Many people come to therapy because they feel conflicted—they may rely on substances in some ways, while also noticing parts of their life that feel harder, less clear, or less in their control. Therapy is a space to explore that honestly, without pressure or ultimatums.

    We focus on understanding your relationship with the substance: when you use, why you use, and what it gives you. Together, we can look at what’s working, what isn’t, and whether your current patterns align with the life you want. You remain in charge of your choices.

    Often, people find that simply becoming more aware brings relief and a greater sense of agency. Therapy can help you reduce harm, feel more intentional, and strengthen your ability to cope with stress and emotions—regardless of whether your goal is moderation, change, or simply understanding yourself more deeply.

More questions?

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