Counseling for Addiction

After a person completes a treatment program for drug or alcohol addiction, NYU Langone psychiatrists offer counseling to help with recovery. Psychotherapy, or “talk” therapy, involves meeting with a mental health professional to discuss addiction and mental health issues. Our experts can also address other types of addictions, such as gambling, sex, and shopping.

Therapy can help raise a person’s awareness of the issues and lifestyle choices that lead to substance abuse. Through therapy, a person learns coping skills and how to replace drug- or alcohol-focused activities with healthier choices.

Psychotherapy sessions, which are conducted on an outpatient basis, usually involve meeting one-on-one with a trained therapist. Sometimes family members are included. Sessions typically last about an hour and continue for 12 to 16 weeks. They may last longer, however, depending on the type and severity of the addiction.