Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is your success rate?
    At the risk of sounding overly casual, my response to this question is: either 0% or 100% depending on whether or not you're willing to do whatever it takes to stay clean and sober. As we all know, we can manipulate statistics to say anything we want them to. So don't be a statistic. Make a decision and commit to it. You can never fail at recovery as long as you choose to keep working at it. What's important is that you honor the difficulty of growing. Your success is at least as much about your ongoing, heroic efforts as it is about my clinical excellence. So the question really becomes what is your success rate?
  2. What are your credentials?
    I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor in the state of Arizona. Our facility, Inner-Work Counseling, is also licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services as an Outpatient Clinic.
  3. How much experience do you have?
    I have been working as a counselor in various capacities since 1984 when I earned my Bachelors degree in Social Work.
    My masters degree is in counseling, which means I received more formal post graduate education about the counseling process than other counselors with masters degrees in Social Work (M.S.W.), Education (M. ED.) or the Arts (M.A.) etc.
    I have a history of extensive experience with individual and group psychotherapy on an in-patient basis, as well as both individual and group psychotherapy on an out-patient basis.
    I have been facilitating intensive outpatient programs since 1990. I have been in private practice since March of 2000.
  4. Are you in recovery?
    Yes, but not from addiction. I am willing to share my background with you in person if and when it serves your therapeutic process.
  5. If you're not a recovering addict, how can you help me?
    With over twenty years experience specializing in the treatment of substance abuse, addiction and mental health issues, I have become quite comfortable with this question. I have a keen ability for empathy and a sincere passion about my work. Ultimately were all recovering from something. In my experience, once people get honest with themselves and each other, they realize they have much more in common than not. I have met excellent therapists both in and outside of recovery from addiction. Obviously it is your right to work with a therapist in recovery if that is your preference. If that's the case, I support your decision.
  6. Do I have to attend 12-step meetings?
    Great question! And one only you can answer. While most insurance companies require it when they're paying the bill, my philosophy continues to be one of diversity. Recovery is about choices and consequences. Lets focus on what works for you.
    Many people are unwilling to attend 12-step meetings for personal reasons. I'm not as interested in what you're not willing to do as I am in what you are willing to do. I encourage you to be honest with yourself about what you determine your needs are to stay clean and sober. An open mind is a powerful tool in recovery.
  7. Is your program a non-12-step program?
    I don't define my program by what it is not. My program is what I call an integrative models program. This means it is inclusive of all models of therapy and recovery. Quality substance abuse and addiction treatment, like any quality counseling service needs to be flexible and meet people where they are. We are united by our individuality. Respecting people's individuality honors their dignity and integrity and increases their willingness to do whatever it takes to work a quality program of recovery.
  8. What drugs of choice are included in your treatment program?
    While I can't think of a single drug of choice I haven't worked with over the years, the more common ones include, but are certainly not limited to alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, speed, opiates, cannabis, ecstasy, hallucinogens and inhalants.
  9. Do you provide detox services?
    No.
  10. Is the intensive outpatient program abstinence based?
    Yes.
  11. Do you require random urine drug screens?
    Yes.
  12. What about other medications while in program?
    Treating mental health issues at the same time as substance abuse and addiction issues has been controversial and can become complicated. Genuine disorders, such as anxiety and panic in particular, sometimes require high-risk medicines.
    My approach here is cautious and flexible. I view medicines as part of a multi-dimensional treatment plan.
    I collaborate with knowledgeable Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners and Physicians who are experienced in treating mental health issues along with substance abuse and addiction. Its a common mistake to be either too rigid or too flexible when considering high-risk medication. Its important to do a serious cost/benefit analysis when high-risk medications are truly indicated.
  13. Do you allow people on suboxone to enroll in your program?
    Yes.
  14. Do you accept Insurance?
    We accept most insurances. Call us about the details.
  15. What are the costs?
    Please call us about the details.