Addiction counselor near me, licensed and local
Looking for an addiction counselor often follows a hard conversation, a scare, or a quiet decision that something needs to change. Some people search for themselves; many search for a partner, a parent or an adult child. NearbyTherapy lists licensed counselors and therapists near you, explains the credentials you will see, and points to free, confidential national help lines.
Search addiction and substance use counselors
Enter your city or ZIP, choose addiction as the concern, and pick in person or online. No account needed.
NearbyTherapy does not give treatment advice
We are a directory. We do not assess anyone, judge how serious a situation is or recommend any treatment, program or medication. A primary care provider or a licensed counselor can talk with you about the different levels of care, from outpatient counseling to more intensive and residential programs.
A free, confidential national helpline
The SAMHSA National Helpline is free, confidential and open every day of the year, at any hour, at 1-800-662-4357. It is run by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and offers information and referrals to local services in English and Spanish. It can be a good first call if you are not sure where to start, and family members can call too.
What addiction counselors generally do
Addiction counselors, sometimes called substance use counselors, work with people whose use of alcohol, drugs or behaviors such as gambling is causing problems in their lives. Sessions usually involve an intake about history and current use, then individual counseling, group counseling or both. Many counselors work inside outpatient clinics and programs, and others are in private practice.
Common approaches include Motivational Interviewing, a collaborative conversation style developed by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick that explores a person's own reasons for change, cognitive behavioural therapy, and family-focused approaches. Some counselors are familiar with mutual help groups and can tell you about meetings nearby. Ask any counselor how they work and whether they coordinate with medical providers.
Credentials on addiction listings
Addiction counseling credentials vary by state in both name and requirements. You may see titles such as CADC, LADC, LCADC or LCDC, depending on where you live. In addition:
- Licensed professional counselors and clinical social workers often provide substance use counseling.
- Psychologists may specialize in addictive behaviors.
- Marriage and family therapists often work with families affected by a loved one's use.
Medication for substance use is prescribed by physicians and other licensed prescribers, not by counselors. The NPI listing shows which credential a provider reported, and you can check a license with your state licensing board.
How to search for an addiction counselor on NearbyTherapy
The addiction filter matches claimed profiles, where counselors list substance use work themselves, together with their approaches, insurance, fees and whether they meet online. Claimed profiles carry a License verified badge and an inquiry form that needs only your first name, email and a preferred time. Please leave out details about substances or health in the message.
Below, More licensed providers in your city lists professionals from the public federal NPI Registry, including many substance use counselors and clinics. Those entries show name, credential, address and phone. Call to ask about openings and services.
Questions to ask a counselor or program
- Which credential do you hold, and how long have you worked in substance use counseling?
- Do you offer individual sessions, groups, or both?
- Do you work with family members, and can they join some sessions?
- Do you coordinate with physicians or programs if more support is needed?
- Do you offer evening or online sessions?
- What are your fees, and do you take my insurance or Medicaid?
Paying for addiction counseling
Many health plans include substance use services, and federal parity law generally requires plans that cover them to do so on terms comparable to medical care. Medicaid in every state covers some substance use services. Programs may require prior authorization, so call your plan. The SAMHSA helpline can also point you toward services that offer sliding scale fees.
Addiction counselors by city
See local licensed providers on therapist NYC, Brooklyn therapist, therapist Chicago, therapist Houston, therapist Dallas, therapist Austin, therapist Los Angeles, therapist San Diego and therapist Phoenix.
Recovery can put strain on a relationship, and couples pages cover couples counseling NYC, couples counseling Houston, couples therapy Los Angeles and couples therapy Chicago IL.
Can I contact a counselor about someone else's drinking or drug use?
Yes. Many counselors and family therapists work with relatives and partners, even when the person using is not in counseling.
Is the SAMHSA helpline really free?
Yes. The SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 is free, confidential and open at all hours, every day.
Can addiction counseling happen online?
Some counselors offer online sessions. They generally must be licensed or certified in the state where you are located.
How do I check a counselor's credential?
Each listing shows the credential reported to the NPI Registry. Your state licensing or certification board can confirm a license status.
In an emergency
NearbyTherapy cannot respond to emergencies. If someone may have overdosed, is unresponsive or is in danger, call 911 now. If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) any time. For information and referrals, the SAMHSA National Helpline is at 1-800-662-4357. Our crisis resources page has more.