psychotherapy+ Ketamine STUDIO
Support for Recovery That Feels Sustainable
Recovery from addiction is not about willpower or shame. It's about understanding why substances became necessary, what they were helping you avoid or manage, and how to rebuild a life where coping doesn't require numbing. Many people seeking recovery feel exhausted, isolated, caught in cycles of relapse, or terrified of facing life without their substance of choice. We meet these clients with compassion, without judgment, and without the assumption that one approach works for everyone.
Addiction therapy at Higher Ground addresses the emotional, relational, and psychological patterns beneath substance use: trauma, anxiety, depression, attachment wounds, perfectionism, or chronic stress. Whether you're newly sober, in active use, or somewhere in between, we help you understand what's driving the behavior and build a recovery path that feels real, grounded, and aligned with who you want to become.
At Higher Ground, our work integrates evidence-based addiction treatment with deeper emotional processing. Together, we help clients build resilience, emotional regulation, and meaningful connection while developing practical tools for relapse prevention and long-term sobriety.
Support that holds space for the messy, nonlinear process of healing.
Who This Work Supports
Addiction therapy is designed for individuals struggling with substance use, recovery, or relapse who want compassionate, evidence-based support that honors their complexity. It's also for families navigating the impact of addiction together.
Adults struggling with alcohol, drugs, or behavioral addictions
Individuals in early recovery needing ongoing therapeutic support
People who have relapsed and feel shame, confusion, or hopelessness
Those considering sobriety but unsure how to begin
Anyone using substances to manage trauma, anxiety, or emotional pain
Individuals seeking alternatives to traditional 12-step programs
Partners and family members impacted by a loved one's addiction
Key Benefits
Compassionate Approach
We don't treat addiction as a moral failure. We explore the functions substances serve in your life: what they help you avoid, manage, or escape. We then help you to build healthier, more sustainable ways to meet those needs.
Personalized Recovery Planning
Recovery isn't one-size-fits-all. We create individualized plans that honor your values, circumstances, and readiness. Whether you're committed to abstinence or exploring harm reduction, we meet you where you are.
Addressing Root Causes
Sobriety isn't just about stopping use; it's about healing what made use necessary. We work with trauma, attachment, identity, and emotional regulation to build a foundation that makes recovery feel possible, not just punishing.
What We Focus On
Understanding the Function of Use
Addiction doesn't happen in a vacuum. We help you understand what substances were solving for (stress relief, emotional numbing, social anxiety, trauma avoidance) so you can address those needs directly and build healthier coping mechanisms that actually work.
Trauma & Emotional Regulation
Many people turn to substances to manage overwhelming emotions or escape painful memories. We process underlying trauma, teach nervous system regulation, and help you build emotional tolerance so feelings don't feel dangerous or impossible to sit with.
Relapse Prevention & Coping Skills
Relapse is often part of recovery, not a failure. We identify triggers, high-risk situations, and early warning signs, then build a personalized toolkit of grounded, practical strategies: urge surfing, distress tolerance, self-soothing, and accountability systems that feel supportive rather than punitive.
Rebuilding Identity & Connection
Addiction often isolates. Recovery requires rebuilding: a sense of self, trust in relationships, and connection to meaning and purpose. We help you rediscover who you are beyond your substance use and create a life worth staying sober for—not through obligation, but through genuine fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be sober to start therapy?
No. We meet you wherever you are in your relationship with substances. Whether you're actively using, newly sober, or somewhere in between, therapy can be helpful. We'll work together to determine what makes sense for your situation.
Do you follow the 12-step model?
We respect 12-step programs and support clients who find them helpful, but we don't require them. Our approach is personalized and evidence-based, incorporating harm reduction, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and practical relapse prevention strategies that fit your values and goals.
How long does addiction therapy take?
Recovery timelines vary significantly. Some clients benefit from short-term intensive work; others need longer-term support. We'll create a realistic, compassionate plan based on your needs, progress, and circumstances.
What if I've relapsed multiple times?
Relapse doesn't mean failure; it means something in your recovery plan needs adjustment. We explore what happened without shame, identify patterns and triggers, and rebuild a stronger foundation. Many people need multiple attempts before recovery feels sustainable, and that's completely normal.
Can you help me find residential treatment if it becomes necessary?
Yes. If it becomes necessary for you to temporarily move to a higher level of care, we will work to help you find the best fit. We have a very wide network of providers that we have collaborated with for many years across the country.
Do you offer monitoring and support for people who have just been discharged from treatment?
Yes. We know that this is a crucial time, especially in the first few weeks post-discharge. We can support you in several ways with appropriate and empowering levels of accountability.