There is no one-size-fits-all solution to addiction treatment. In Maryland, there are plenty of options that provide individualized care to those who need it. At The Freedom Center in Maryland, addiction counseling services are available. Addiction counseling services may be the recovery resource that gives you the momentum to move forward.
Addiction recovery therapy is a form of counseling that addresses the psychological, physical, and behavioral aspects of substance abuse. It helps individuals identify triggers for their addiction, develop healthier coping mechanisms to deal with cravings, repair relationships damaged by addiction, and ultimately achieve long-term sobriety. Therapy for addiction recovery may also involve family members or close friends, providing a supportive network to help maintain sobriety.
The goal of addiction recovery therapy is to break the cycle of substance abuse and enable individuals to live healthier lives. It may also involve relapse prevention techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, or other evidence-based treatments. Ultimately, addiction recovery therapy helps individuals develop the resources and skills necessary to live healthy, productive lives free from substance abuse.
Addiction therapy is an important part of the recovery process, as it helps individuals to recognize and address addiction triggers that may lead to relapse. It also provides a safe and supportive environment for those in recovery to discuss their struggles and frustrations with a trained professional.
In addition, therapy provides education on relapse prevention methods and helps to develop the skills needed to stay sober in the long term. Ultimately, addiction therapy can help individuals make lasting lifestyle changes that will support their overall health and wellness.
Addiction counseling can be an invaluable tool in helping individuals overcome the devastating effects of substance use disorders. Counseling provides those suffering from addiction with the following:
Addiction counselors are skilled in helping individuals recognize and address underlying issues that may be contributing to their substance use and work with them to develop healthier behaviors. Counseling can also help individuals build stronger relationships, as they learn how to communicate more effectively and work through challenging situations without turning to substance use.
Additionally, counseling can offer support for family members of those struggling with addiction and assist in navigating the challenges that come with having a loved one who is struggling with substance abuse.
Several types of addiction therapy services can help individuals struggling with substance use disorders. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), 12-step programs, relapse prevention and contingency management, family therapy, group counseling, motivational interviewing, and various holistic approaches.
Individual therapy is a type of therapeutic intervention that focuses on the individual experiences and challenges faced by an individual. It typically involves one-on-one conversations between the therapist and the patient in which they discuss symptoms, feelings, behaviors, thoughts, beliefs, and motivations. The goal of individual therapy is to help the person identify areas where he or she needs to make changes and work through issues that are causing difficulty in their life.
This type of therapy can be used to address a variety of mental health conditions, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related issues, addictive behaviors, and other emotional challenges. It may also focus on developing healthy coping skills or improving communication with family members and friends. Individual therapy can be a safe and effective way to help you better understand your feelings, behaviors, and relationships.
It can also increase self-awareness, promote personal growth, and help build healthier coping strategies. If you are looking for ways to improve your life or address problems that may be impacting your mental health, individual therapy may be right for you.
Group therapy for addiction is a form of therapy that focuses on helping those with substance use disorders or other addictive behaviors to make positive changes in their lives. It involves group members meeting together in a safe and supportive environment, where they can openly share their experiences, challenges, successes, and goals. In addition to providing emotional support and insight, group therapy offers individuals a chance to practice communication and relationship-building skills with their peers.
This type of therapy can be beneficial for those in recovery, as it provides a supportive atmosphere for them to learn how to manage their triggers and cravings, build a relapse prevention plan, and develop healthier habits. Additionally, the social interaction that comes from participating in group therapy can help to boost self-esteem and reduce feelings of isolation, which often accompany substance abuse.
Group therapy can be beneficial for both those in recovery from substance use, as well as those who have a history of addiction. It is important, however, that any group therapy sessions are conducted by an experienced and qualified mental health professional. This will ensure that each participant is provided with an environment where they feel safe and supported. Group therapy can be one of the most powerful forms of treatment for those struggling with addiction, and it can provide invaluable skills for recovery.
Family therapy for addiction is a type of counseling that focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families address the underlying causes and conditions that contribute to substance abuse. It helps those affected by addiction understand how their behaviors are related to their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about themselves and others.
Family therapists also teach communication skills that can help family members express their needs and manage family dynamics in healthier ways. Family therapy for addiction can help individuals, couples, and families reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and build a supportive environment to aid in recovery from addiction. Additionally, family therapy can be used to identify any underlying psychological or emotional issues that could be contributing to the dependency on drugs or alcohol.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy used to treat addiction. CBT focuses on changing thinking patterns and behaviors that are associated with substance use. It teaches individuals how to identify and modify irrational beliefs, distortions in thought, and unhealthy behaviors that can lead to relapse. CBT also encourages individuals to develop healthier coping skills to deal with difficult situations and urges, and to practice relapse prevention.
Through practicing the principles learned in CBT therapy sessions, individuals are better able to identify triggers for substance abuse, manage cravings, develop healthier methods of communication and problem-solving skills, and create a relapse prevention plan to maintain sobriety. Additionally, CBT for substance abuse encourages individuals to take responsibility for their recovery and learn new ways to cope with life’s challenges without the need for drugs or alcohol.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy used to treat individuals with addictive behaviors and mental health issues. DBT helps individuals manage their emotions, reduce stress, and cope with substance abuse or other destructive behaviors. It utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help people regulate their emotions, learn new skills for managing difficult situations, and make healthier lifestyle choices.
DBT focuses on providing support, validation, problem-solving skills, and guidance to help individuals restore balance in their lives. It is also used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, trauma-related issues, and other mental health problems.
By helping the individual achieve better self-awareness and improved self-regulation, DBT can be used to reduce suicidal behavior, improve interpersonal relationships, and enhance the overall quality of life.
It’s important to note that although DBT can be beneficial for many people, it is not a cure-all solution for every individual’s mental health problems. It requires dedication, practice, and guidance from a qualified mental health professional to be effective.
Finding the right therapy program for you can be a daunting task. It’s important to take your time and consider all of your options before deciding on a therapy program. When considering different programs, there are several key factors to consider.
The first factor to consider is what type of therapy is best suited to your needs. Different therapies address different issues, so it’s important to do your research and find out which type of therapy would be most beneficial for you. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to treat depression and anxiety; whereas, psychodynamic therapy may be used to explore the underlying causes of a person’s mental health issue.
In addition to this, it is imperative to choose a therapist who is experienced and qualified to treat your particular condition. It’s important to find someone with the right credentials and experience to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
Lastly, make sure that you feel comfortable and safe with your therapist. Therapy can be emotionally draining, so you must have a good and trusting relationship with your therapist. You should also feel comfortable speaking freely and openly about the issues you’re facing.
Client transformations are what drive us to continually improve and enhance everything we do here. We are deeply committed to giving back, lifting others up, and ensuring that no one in our community has to face addiction alone. These are their stories of hope,
At The Freedom Center, our utmost concern is that you find the right addiction treatment for you. Individualized care is the best way to treat substance use disorder. If you or a loved one would like to find out more, you can contact us here.
All content produced by The Freedom Center undergoes a detailed evaluation process to ensure accuracy and quality. We only work with medical professionals and individuals with extensive experience in the field, and all content produced undergoes a review process to ensure accuracy. Our goal is to be a reliable resource the recovery community can turn to for information they can trust.
Mary is an experienced Client Care Manager with 20+ years in customer service. She excels at problem-solving and takes pride in delivering tailored solutions. Mary builds strong client relationships, ensuring satisfaction with each interaction. Her attention to detail and communication skills are valuable assets. Mary goes above and beyond to exceed expectations and is dedicated to outstanding service. In her free time, she enjoys music, reading, and family time.
Samantha is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges and find healing and recovery. Currently pursuing her advanced degree in psychology, Samantha’s personal journey of overcoming addiction fuels her passion for supporting others on their path to wellness. Samantha’s own journey of recovery serves as a powerful foundation for her therapeutic services. She approaches her work with empathy, understanding, and non-judgment, recognizing that everyone’s path to healing is unique.
Corey Hassett grew up in Gaithersburg Maryland. After graduating high school, he attended college at the University of Coastal Carolina & Salisbury University. In 2014, Corey moved to Florida where he worked in retail sales. In 2015, Corey was given the opportunity to join Amethyst Recovery Center’s Business Development team. In 2018, Corey had the opportunity to partner with Amethyst and USR to open The Freedom Center in his to hometown of Gaithersburg, MD. Throughout his tenure at The Freedom Center, he has strategically built relationship with referring providers, hospitals and local government leaders. Corey has continued to grow The Freedom Center brand, educate his local community on Substance Use Disorder and become a pillar of the local recovery community. Corey’s mission is to provide quality behavioral health care to local community members who reach out in need, regardless of their financial situation. Outside of The Freedom Center, Corey enjoys playing golf, hiking and most of all being the best father to his three young boys.
Michael is the Community Outreach Coordinator and Alumni Director. Himself, an alumni of The Freedom Center, Michael brings a personal experience of the program to his role. A resident of Gaithersburg, Michael has planted roots and established a network in the local recovery community. Michael’s goal is to connect current client and alumni with resources to strengthen their life in recovery.
A veteran of two branches of the U.S. military, Max is continuing his education in healthcare administration. Max began his career in the addiction field working as a group facilitator and teacher, developing and delivering a successful faith-based curriculum in a long-term residential treatment setting. Accruing years of hands-on experience working alongside the administrators of facilities across the country in development of their own unique programs gave Max a unique and robust perspective into the administrative requirements of addiction treatment programs. Today, Max is able to channel his passion for battling the disease of addiction into ensuring The Freedom Center maintains strict adherence to the guidelines set forth by The Joint Commission and our partnerships in the insurance industry, and is constantly striving to improve the overall performance of the facility.
Alexandra oversees all operations with The Freedom Center to ensure clients are given the best chance at success. She works with The Freedom Center team to develop and implement policies, procedures and oversees Intakes and Transportation. Alexandra works with Admissions and Clinical Departments for scheduling client admissions, transfers, discharges and outside appointments while maintaining positive relationships with all clients. Her primary focus is to provide all clients with a safe, structured environment while coordinating their care. Alexandra understands addiction from both familial and personal standpoints, as she is active in her own recovery. Through her own hard-won experience and deep desire to help others, Alexandra became a certified Peer Support Recovery Coach, Life Coach and actively practices principals learned through the recovery process in her daily life. Alexandra is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and has learned the value of recovery and succeeding in whatever she sets her mind to. Her innovative approach as Director of Operations gives her clients a safe and compassionate place at The Freedom Center to begin their recovery journey.
James Scribner holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. His career began working in the accounting industry as a financial auditor. In that role, James audited a national trade association with over 1,300 member companies that sell health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans. He also conducted official financial examinations of various non-profit organizations and for-profit corporations. This experience allowed him to learn the inner workings of almost any aspect of a company. It also taught him the value of building meaningful relationships with clients and having a strong ethical framework.
James began his personal recovery journey in 2010. Throughout that process, he learned the importance of helping others and living by spiritual principles. Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center.
Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober. James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery. James works alongside the clinical director and administrative team to help ensure that every client benefits from a customized treatment plan and holistic approach that offers freedom from the grips of addiction.
“Never lose hope. Recovery is possible!”
Melissa is a visionary and empathetic leader in the field of peer support and recovery. Nationally Certified as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist by the Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-health Professionals Certification board, Melissa’s journey has been defined by her unwavering commitment to helping others find their path to recovery. Armed with credentials as a Registered Peer Supervisor, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and Alcohol and Drug Trainee she has earned her place as a guiding light for individuals seeking hope and solace. Melissa’s illustrious journey includes a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, while she currently works diligently towards her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Walden University. Melissa’s personal experiences with addiction and mental health struggles instilled within her a profound passion for supporting others on their recovery journey. Her unwavering commitment to peer support, coupled with her own lived experience, fuels her drive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing similar challenges.
As an integral part of The Freedom Center, Melissa’s multifaceted experience shines through her past work in various capacities. She played a pivotal role as a peer support specialist in the overdose response team for Montgomery County, where she collaborated closely with the Department of Health and Human Services, Crisis Center, EMS, MCPD, and Montgomery County hospitals. Her presence on this team highlights her dedication to crisis intervention and her ability to provide critical support during vulnerable times. Prior to her role in crisis intervention, Melissa worked extensively in the substance abuse and dual diagnoses treatment field. Her diverse roles as a case manager, discharge coordinator, behavioral health technician, group facilitator, and clinician have provided her with invaluable insights into the complexities of addiction and mental health recovery. Above all, Melissa’s authenticity shines through her self-disclosure as someone in long-term recovery herself. This profound personal connection fuels her passion for working in the field and enables her to bring a unique blend of empathy and expertise to her role.
Meet Federico Douglas. Federico is bilingual is Spanish. He earned a Bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania while pursuing his CAC-AD. With strong ties to Victory Christian Church and the 12-step community, Federico shares an amazing personal story of redemption and long-term recovery. With over 32 years in the arena of addiction and sobriety, he uses his vast experience to provide a unique approach to mentorship and guiding our clients toward a supportive lifestyle of recovery. Mr. Douglas’ experience, strength, and hope inspires those in our program, and prepares them for the real-world journey of recovery. With a robust foundation in 12-step philosophy, Federico can not only educate the clients on the model, but also integrate the tried-and-true principles in a more personal, clinical setting.
Bunmi is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services. She joined The Freedom Center team to provide counseling for substance use disorders and related mental health issues on an individual basis, facilitate group sessions, provide assessments, and provide support to the clinical staff. Bunmi is dedicated to helping her clients reach their full potential and build their toolkit of resources to support their long-term recovery.
Meet Cheryl Moore. Cheryl is a Clinical Social Worker licensed by the state of Maryland with over 30 years of experience in the field. She graduated from The University of Maryland with a master’s degree in social work. Her experience in a variety of settings, from leadership in a hospital setting to private practice, affords Cheryl a well-rounded skillset ready to render top-notch care and serve the needs of our diverse community. As a licensed clinician, Cheryl stands ready to diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of mental, behavioral, and personality disorders that sometimes present alongside a substance use disorder. Whether she’s leading group therapy or providing an individual therapy session, Cheryl’s expansive knowledge and genuine compassion paired with her deep drive to help people are always on display at The Freedom Center.
Meet Mr. Kevin Sockwell. In addition to the title of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Kevin is also licensed by the state of Maryland as a Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor. He holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling and has over 26 years of experience as a substance use/mental health counselor with the Montgomery County Government. Whether he’s leading groups or providing individual and family therapy, Kevin’s passion for serving those suffering from substance use disorders is always on display. When he’s not busy treating The Freedom Center’s clientele, you might find Kevin engaged in his other passion as an actor/director in the local theater community. Kevin’s expertise and experience as a Primary Therapist, paired with his natural talents and abilities as a speaker and an artist, have uniquely equipped him to reach our population and render top-notch care.
Vanessa is certified in addictions counseling by Maryland’s Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, with credentials as a clinical supervisor. She comes to The Freedom Center with over 14 years of direct experience in residential and outpatient treatment between the private and federal sectors.
In addition to helping those suffering from addiction, Vanessa has dedicated part of her career to “helping the helper.” In 2015, she began working in a Training and Career Development Center coordinating substance abuse trainings for other clinicians. Her experience in behavioral health training, program development, and organizational leadership lead her to pursue a certification as a Project Management Professional in 2018. Vanessa also holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Behavioral and Social Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master’s of Business Administration-Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University.
Vanessa is a Montgomery County native who spends her free time traveling with her daughter and volunteering in the community.
Judy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland, and a National Certified Counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. Judy is a Primary Therapist who provides services to clients with dual-diagnosis disorders and is skilled in providing Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Eating Disorders. She has served in both clinical and leadership positions in a number of roles, in inpatient and outpatient settings, as a Primary Therapist and Clinical Supervisor.
Deirdre graduated in 2012 from Pace University and completed her bachelor’s at Columbia University in New York and has her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner. Deirdre also has a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology. Deirdre has extensive experience in mental health and treating substance use disorder related issues. In addition, Deirdre has experience in caring for young adults, women’s health issues and adolescents with HIV/AIDS. She served as a Wellness coordinator at Search for Change, Inc and currently serves as an Independent Practice Coach from 2011 to present. As the Family Nurse Practitioner, Deirdre performs history and physical exams, and works with clients to diagnose and treat dual diagnosis clients.
Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medical Director. He received his medical degree in Mexico with further certification from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey. He then attended New York Medical College for his residency training. Prior to being hired at The Freedom Center, he spent over twenty years working in the field of addictions treatment, and has been involved in nearly every treatment setting, from outpatient to residential to maintenance management.
As the Medical Director, Mark works with the staff to coordinate the appropriate level of care for each individual client. He works directly with the clients on management of medical issues both related to and separate from their addiction, ensuring comprehensive health care plans that ensure our clients’ chances at recovery. What he has found to be most rewarding about working in the addictions treatment field is being able to help suffering addicts and alcoholics to realize their fullest potential.
