Substance Abuse Counseling
Substance use can begin to affect your health, relationships, responsibilities, and overall well-being. Counseling can help you better understand your patterns, identify triggers, develop healthier coping strategies, and work toward meaningful change without judgment.
Does This Sound Like You?
Substance use can affect different areas of your life, sometimes gradually. You may recognize some of these experiences:
Difficulty Cutting Back
Cutting back feels difficult.
Using to Cope
Using substances to manage stress.
Relationship Strain
Substance use is affecting relationships.
Work or Life Problems
Substance use is affecting daily life.
Loss of Control
Using more than you intend.
Concern From Others
Others have expressed concern.
How Therapy Can Help
Counseling can help you better understand your relationship with substances, identify patterns and triggers, and develop healthier ways of coping and making meaningful change.
Understand Your Patterns
Recognize the situations, emotions, and triggers that may contribute to substance use.
Build Healthier Coping Skills
Develop practical strategies for managing stress, emotions, and urges without relying on substances.
Strengthen Motivation
Explore your reasons for change and build confidence in taking steps toward your goals.
Create Lasting Change
Develop healthier routines and strategies that support continued progress and well-being.
Our Approach to Substance Abuse Counseling
At Positive Minds Therapy, we understand that changing your relationship with substances is a personal process. Our approach is supportive, nonjudgmental, and tailored to your individual needs, experiences, and goals.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Develop healthier coping strategies.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Strengthen motivation for change.
Coping & Relapse Prevention
Build skills to prevent relapse.
Personalized Care
Care tailored to your recovery goals.
Substance Use & Related Challenges
Substance use often connects with other emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. Understanding what may be contributing to your substance use can help us develop a more personalized and effective approach to treatment.
Why Choose Positive Minds Therapy?
Finding the right therapist is about more than credentials—it's about feeling understood, supported, and confident that you're receiving personalized care. At Positive Minds Therapy, we're committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment in a welcoming environment where lasting change is possible.
Carefully Matched Therapists
Find a therapist whose experience and approach fit your needs.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Therapy tailored to your goals, experiences, and needs.
In-Person & Virtual Therapy
Choose the flexibility of secure online sessions or meet with your therapist in our comfortable Patchogue office.
Flexible Scheduling
We offer daytime and evening appointments to help therapy fit into your busy schedule.
Meet Our Therapists
A Supportive Environment
We provide a welcoming, judgment-free space where you can feel comfortable being yourself.
Evidence-Based Care
We use proven therapeutic approaches tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Meet Our Therapists
Finding the right therapist is one of the most important parts of the healing process. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, stress, or other life challenges, we're here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Explore a specialty below to learn more.
Justin Benson, LCSW-R
Founder & Clinical Director
Doris Minder, LMSW, CASAC-T
Licensed Therapist • Bilingual
Katherine Arita, LMSW
Licensed Therapist • Bilingual
Anxiety • Trauma • Life Transitions
• Emotional Regulation
Hugh O'Henry, LMSW
Licensed Therapist
Anxiety • Depression • Trauma
• Grief • Relationships
Natasha Cruz, LMSW
Licensed Therapist • Bilingual
Anxiety • Depression • ADHD
• Trauma • Relationships
Genna Somers, LCSW
Licensed Therapist & Clinical Supervisor
Anxiety • OCD • Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my substance use is becoming a problem?
Substance use may become concerning when it begins affecting your relationships, responsibilities, health, mood, or ability to control how much or how often you use.
2. Do I have to stop using substances completely to start counseling?
No. You can begin therapy wherever you are in the process. Your therapist can help you explore your substance use, goals, and readiness for change without judgment.
3. How can counseling help with substance use?
Counseling can help you identify triggers and patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen motivation, and work toward changes that support your well-being.
4. What if I use substances to cope with anxiety, depression, or trauma?
Substance use and mental health concerns often overlap. Therapy can address the emotional challenges contributing to substance use while helping you develop healthier ways of coping.
5. Can therapy help prevent relapse?
Yes. Therapy can help you recognize triggers and warning signs, develop coping strategies, and create a plan for managing situations that may increase your risk of returning to old patterns.
6. Is substance abuse counseling confidential?
Yes. Therapy is confidential, with limited exceptions required by law. Your therapist will review confidentiality and its limits with you.
7. How do I get started with substance abuse counseling?
Complete our intake form and tell us a little about what you're experiencing. We'll help match you with a therapist based on your needs and current availability.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you're looking for substance abuse counseling in Patchogue or online support anywhere in New York, our team is here to provide supportive, nonjudgmental care as you work toward meaningful change.
Have questions? Contact our office and we'll help you find the therapist that's right for you.