Online Addiction and Substance Use Counseling in NH

If you’re worried about your drinking or drug use, someone close to you is, or a court has asked you to get an evaluation, you’re in the right place. You don’t have to have everything figured out, and you don’t have to hit “rock bottom” to ask for help.

I’m a Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MLADC) providing online outpatient counseling for adults in New Hampshire. I also complete court-required LADC evaluations. My approach is non-judgmental and collaborative, built around where you are right now.

What is addiction?

Addiction, or substance use disorder, is when using alcohol or other drugs continues despite the harm it’s causing, and it becomes hard to cut back or stop. It exists on a spectrum. Some people use in ways that cause problems without meeting the criteria for a disorder, and others are dealing with a serious dependence. Only a licensed professional can diagnose it, but you don’t need a diagnosis to start counseling.

Addiction isn’t a moral failing or a lack of willpower. It involves the brain’s reward and stress systems, and it often develops alongside anxiety, depression, trauma, or other things that are hard to carry.

Signs it might be time to get support

• Using more, or more often, than you meant to
• Trying to cut back and not being able to
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from substances
• Needing more to get the same effect
• Using to cope with stress, anxiety, loneliness, or painful memories
• Problems at work, in relationships, or with the law because of use
• Hiding or minimizing how much you use
• Feeling sick, anxious, or irritable when you stop
• Wondering if you have a problem, even if you can’t say why

If more than one of these sounds familiar, it’s worth a conversation.

What I help with

I work with adults who are:

• Concerned about alcohol or drug use and unsure what to do next
• Wanting to cut back or stop
• Early in recovery or trying to maintain it
• Returning to counseling after a setback
• Dealing with substance use alongside anxiety, depression, or trauma
• Supporting recovery after treatment or a higher level of care

I’m not a detox or medical provider, and I don’t prescribe medication.

Court-required LADC evaluations

If a court, probation officer, attorney, or other agency has asked you to complete a substance use evaluation, I can help. I complete court-required LADC evaluations for DWI-related or other legal situations involving alcohol and other substance in New Hampshire.

What an evaluation involves: a confidential interview about your history and current use, a review of relevant information, and a written report with recommendations. This is typically completed in 2-3 sessions.

Who sees the report: The report is shared with you and your referring party, i.e. your legal team, probation officer, etc.

Insurance: court-required evaluations are not covered by insurance and are paid out of pocket. Ongoing counseling, by contrast, is covered by insurance. More information can be found here.

An evaluation and counseling are two different services. Having one doesn’t commit you to the other, though I’m happy to talk about next steps if recommended.

How I provide counseling

I combine evidence-based therapies and tailor them to you.

Motivational interviewing (MI)

MI is a collaborative conversation style that helps you explore your own reasons for change, including the part of you that isn’t sure you want to. I won’t lecture, pressure, or tell you what you “have to” do. People tend to change when the decision is theirs, and MI helps you get clear on what you want.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you notice the thoughts, triggers, and habits connected to use, then build new responses. We work on identifying high-risk situations and practicing what to do instead, including cravings, stress, and old routines. It’s one of the best-studied approaches for substance use.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills

DBT offers practical tools for the moments when emotions feel too big. Distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and mindfulness skills give you something to do besides use when things get painful.

EMDR therapy

For many people, substance use is tied to trauma or painful past experiences. EMDR can help process those experiences so they carry less weight. I’m careful with timing, since stability and coping skills come first, and we’d talk about whether and when EMDR makes sense for you. You can read more in my guide to [what EMDR therapy is].

Mindfulness and body-based practices

Cravings and stress show up in the body. Grounding, breathing, and mindfulness practices help you ride out urges and calm your nervous system.

What to expect

• A free 15-minute consultation to talk about what’s going on and whether I’m the right fit
• Online sessions over secure video, from wherever you feel comfortable
• A plan we build together, based on your goals, which may include cutting back, stopping, or figuring out what you want
• Honest conversations, with no shame or judgment, including about setbacks
• Coordination with others (your doctor, prescriber, or a higher level of care) when it helps and you consent

I provide counseling to adults located in New Hampshire or Maine at the time of the session. In Maine, my LCPC license doesn’t cover services that require a LADC, such as court-required evaluations or substance use treatment programs that specify one.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be sober to start counseling?
No. You can come in while you’re still using, unsure, or in the middle of change. However, if I feel that you need a higher level of care than what I can provide safely through outpatient online therapy, I will make this recommendation and support in providing referrals and care coordination as appropriate to transition your care.

Do I need to hit rock bottom first?
No. Earlier support often makes things easier, and you can reach out whenever you’re concerned.

Is online counseling effective for addiction?
Research on telehealth for substance use counseling is generally encouraging, and many people find it easier to attend consistently. It isn’t the right fit for everyone. If you need a higher level of care, such as medical detox or an intensive program, I’ll help you find it.

Is it safe to stop on my own?
Stopping some substances suddenly, especially alcohol and benzodiazepines, can be dangerous and may need medical supervision. Please talk with a doctor or call a helpline before stopping if you’ve been using heavily.

Where can I get help or support right now?
If someone is unresponsive or you suspect an overdose, call 911. For emotional crisis or thoughts of suicide, call or text 988.

If you’re going to use alone, Never Use Alone (1-800-484-3731) will stay on the phone with you and send help if you stop responding. For general treatment referrals, the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is free and open 24/7.

In New Hampshire: call 211 to be connected to The Doorway, which offers free treatment referrals, naloxone, and peer recovery support (thedoorway.nh.gov).

In Maine: call 211, or the Maine Crisis Line at 1-888-568-1112. For peer support, the Intentional Peer Support Warmline is 1-866-771-WARM (9276), 24/7.

What’s the difference between an evaluation and counseling?
An evaluation is a one-time assessment, often required by a court or agency, that results in a written report. Counseling is ongoing support. They’re separate, and you can do one without the other.

Will the court get everything I say?
Your lawyer receives a copy of the full narrative report as well as a brief cover letter stating basic findings such as diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.

Does insurance cover this?
Counseling is often covered. Court-required evaluations are not and are paid out of pocket. Learn more here.

Are you an IDCMP provider? Can you complete my DWI/impaired driver evaluation or program requirements?
No. I am not an Impaired Driver Care Management Program (IDCMP) provider, and my services are not part of the IDCMP program. If you were ordered to complete IDCMP requirements, you’ll need to work with an approved IDCMP provider. You can find one through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services or by asking your court, attorney, or probation officer. I can provide outpatient counseling and certain other court-required LADC evaluations, but I can’t complete IDCMP evaluations or care management, and my services won’t satisfy IDCMP requirements.

Is what I tell you confidential?
Counseling is confidential, with legal exceptions. Exceptions to confidentiality include safety concerns, medical emergencies, or threats of harm against yourself or someone else, child/elder abuse/neglect, a properly issued court order, and insurance audits. More information on this can be found in intake paperwork.

How long does counseling take?
It depends on your goals and what you’re dealing with. We’ll review progress together.

Do you prescribe medication?
No. If medication could help, I can coordinate with your doctor or a prescriber as long as a release of information is on file.

Can you help a family member?
I am happy to support providing educational resources for families in need, however, I primarily work with the individual in counseling and do not provide family therapy.

Ready to talk?

You don’t need to have it all figured out. If you’re ready to talk, or you need an evaluation, I offer a free consultation.

If you’re in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988. For free, confidential substance use treatment referrals, you can call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357, available 24/7. This page is for education and isn’t a substitute for professional care.