Struggling to break free from substance use? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. It’s a form of therapy that equips you with tools to understand and manage the thoughts, emotions, and situations that trigger your cravings.
CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thinking patterns and developing healthy coping skills to reduce your desire to use substances and prevent relapse. CBT can be used in both individual and group settings.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy works by helping an individual recognize distorted thinking, replacing it with more accurate thoughts, identifying unhealthy behavior patterns that lead to anxiety and depression, and developing healthier coping skills.
It equips you with tools to understand the thought patterns that fuel cravings and lead to relapse. You’ll learn to identify triggers associated with substance use and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage them effectively.
By gradually changing these thought patterns and behaviors, CBT helps people to better manage their emotions, reduce stress, and make more effective decisions in their lives. It encourage individuals to become aware of their thoughts and feelings to understand how these components affect their behavior.
Through CBT, people learn to challenge irrational thoughts and replace them with healthier alternatives. This ultimately leads to improved relationships, increased self-confidence, heightened creativity, and more successful problem-solving ability.
CBT emphasizes the importance of relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. This helps individuals calm down during times of high stress or anxiety, allowing for better decision-making and improved overall well-being. CBT is a powerful tool that can be used to help people lead happier, healthier lives.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) operates on a collaborative foundation, where the therapist and client work together as a team. This partnership focuses on identifying goals you want to achieve, developing personalized strategies to reach them, and tracking your progress throughout the therapy journey.
CBT emphasizes the importance of self-awareness. By becoming more mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, you can identify unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to emotional distress and negative behaviors.
The therapy equips you with new skills to manage your emotions effectively, cope with challenges in a healthy way, and ultimately replace unhelpful behaviors with healthier ones. CBT prioritizes the present, helping you develop solutions to address current situations and challenges, and empowering you to move forward with a sense of control.
This focus on the present is complemented by an emphasis on practice. CBT encourages you to actively apply the newly learned skills and techniques in real-life situations, solidifying progress and fostering lasting change.
CBT can be effectively used to treat Substance Use Disorders (SUD). It helps individuals identify triggers for substance use, as well as develop healthier coping skills and behaviors. It teaches them how to manage their cravings and urges more constructively. CBT also encourages individuals to practice relapse prevention techniques, such as recognizing high-risk situations and developing strategies for handling them. In addition, it teaches problem-solving skills that help individuals better manage stress and other life problems which can lead to substance use.
CBT also provides a safe and supportive environment in which individuals learn how to build healthier relationships and make positive lifestyle changes. Finally, it encourages self-efficacy by helping individuals build a sense of confidence in their ability to manage cravings and urges. The goal of CBT is to equip individuals with the skills necessary for engaging in substance use treatment and achieving long-term sobriety.
CBT is an effective approach for treating substance use disorders, as it provides personalized strategies that are tailored to the individual’s needs and current situation. It also helps individuals identify patterns, triggers, and underlying issues that may be contributing to their substance use.
Moreover, CBT provides a platform for individuals to explore their feelings and thoughts about substance use, which can lead to more informed decisions about how to manage cravings or handle difficult situations in the future. Additionally, CBT can help individuals develop a support system and create an action plan for sobriety.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been used to treat a wide variety of mental health disorders, including the following:
CBT can also be beneficial for individuals dealing with anger management issues, substance abuse issues, eating disorders, relationship challenges, and sleep difficulties. CBT helps people identify and challenge negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that can lead to mental health issues.
CBT uses techniques such as cognitive restructuring, problem-solving, relaxation strategies, and goal-setting; because of this, it is possible to develop healthier coping mechanisms that may help to reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being. Additionally, CBT can help individuals understand their behavior patterns to make positive changes that lead to improved functioning.
CBT is an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you have any of these conditions, CBT could help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Most insurance companies will cover CBT for substance abuse if it’s deemed medically necessary, although the extent of coverage may vary depending on your plan. To find out more about your coverage options, contact your insurance provider or speak to a therapist. It’s also important to note that some states require insurers to provide coverage for mental health services, including CBT.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
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,
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.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be the piece of the puzzle that helps you get over substance use disorder. Not only that, but it is very helpful in treating other mental health disorders. If you or a loved one would like to find out more, you can contact us here.
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.
