Teens and Adults
Substance Use and Addiction Counseling
Part of you may want something to change while another part is unsure. We can talk about substance use, its place in your day and the effects on your relationships without expecting a finished decision before the first conversation.
Who This Is For
Joseph's specialties include substance abuse, and his training includes Motivational Interviewing. We see teens and adults who have questions about their use, as well as concerns that overlap with anxiety, mood or family tension.
- Teens ages 13 to 17
- Young adults ages 18 to 25
- Adults ages 26 to 64
- Ambivalence about making changes
Focus of Care
What We Work On
Mixed Feelings
Reasons for change and the reasons it feels difficult.
Everyday Patterns
Substance use in the context of work, school and routines.
Family Impact
Conflict, communication and concerns from people close to you.
Overlapping Concerns
Anxiety or mood symptoms alongside substance use.
How We Work
Motivational Interviewing makes room for ambivalence rather than treating it as a failure. We discuss what matters to you and what you notice about your use. CBT skills can also help us examine thoughts, emotions and responses in situations you want to understand.
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Family discussion
- Feedback Informed Treatment
What Can Shift
You may begin to describe the difference between what substance use offers in the moment and what concerns you afterward. That can give us something concrete to work on. Mixed feelings are useful to discuss, even before your next decision.
What Sessions Look Like
A 50-minute session may focus on a recent situation involving substance use, an anxious evening or conflict with a relative. We talk about your goals and the connection between those experiences, rather than assuming one explanation accounts for everything.
Office-based therapy is not detox. When detox or a higher level of care is needed, we discuss referrals. Medical or psychiatric care may also be part of addressing substance use and co-occurring concerns; we do not prescribe medication.
Talking About Counseling Options
Counseling is available in person in San Diego and by telehealth across California. We can discuss insurance, superbills and fit during a free 15-minute phone consultation, before you arrange an appointment.
Fees in Brief
Individual, couples and family sessions are 50 minutes. We are in network with many plans and provide superbills for out-of-network benefits. Contact us for rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Begin While Unsure About Changing My Use?
Yes, ambivalence can be part of the conversation rather than a reason to wait.
Does This Practice Provide Detox?
No, detox or a higher level of care is a referral when needed.
Can Anxiety Be Discussed Alongside Substance Use?
Yes, we can discuss co-occurring anxiety or mood concerns and their connection to your day.
Is Family Impact Part of This Work?
Yes, we can talk about communication, conflict and possible family participation in care.
Related Support
You May Also Want to Explore
Individual, teen and mood-focused care describe related concerns that may come up alongside substance use.
You can start by telling us what concerns you about substance use, even if you are still weighing what change would mean.
Start With a Conversation