Substance Use Disorders Treatment and Support
Substance use disorders can affect the way a person relates to alcohol, prescription medications, or other substances. They involve patterns of use that may become difficult to manage and can affect daily responsibilities, relationships, health, and emotional wellbeing.
At Harborside Psychiatrics, care for substance use concerns includes evaluation, medication management when appropriate, and therapy support from licensed clinicians. Care is delivered by video, allowing adults and families across New England to connect with the team from home.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crisis support, call or text 988. Harborside does not provide emergency or after-hours care.
What Substance Use Disorders looks like
Substance use disorders involve ongoing patterns of substance use that may create distress or interfere with important areas of life. The experience can vary from person to person. Some people notice changes in their relationship with a substance, while others may seek support after concerns are raised by loved ones, healthcare providers, or personal reflection.
Substance use concerns are not defined only by the amount of a substance used. A clinician considers the overall pattern, the effects on daily life, and the person’s individual circumstances.
Substance use disorders may involve:
- Feeling unable to manage or change patterns of substance use
- Spending significant time thinking about, obtaining, or using a substance
- Continuing use despite concerns or consequences
- Experiencing changes in mood, sleep, relationships, or responsibilities related to substance use
- Wanting support to better understand your options for care
If you are concerned about substance use, an assessment with a qualified clinician can help you discuss your experiences and possible next steps. Reading about substance use disorders can provide information, but it is not a substitute for an individual evaluation.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) provides educational information about substance use disorders, including treatment approaches and available resources. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Substance Use and Addiction Information
When it is worth getting help
You may consider reaching out for support if substance use has become a concern for you or people close to you. A conversation with a clinician can help you better understand what you are experiencing and what types of care may be appropriate.
Support may be worth considering when:
- You have concerns about your relationship with alcohol or other substances
- You have tried to change your use patterns and want professional support
- Substance use is affecting responsibilities, relationships, or emotional wellbeing
- You are experiencing distress related to substance use
- You want to discuss treatment options in a private setting
Seeking support does not require you to have all the answers before making an appointment. A clinician can help you discuss your concerns and available care options.
How we approach it
Substance use disorder care at Harborside Psychiatrics is provided through medication management and therapy services based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Medication management and functional psychiatry services are provided by psychiatric nurse practitioners:
- Rachel Egan RN PMHNP-BC,
- Emily Pardue RN PMHNP-BC
- Kirstin Ritchie RN PMHNP-BC
Each psychiatric nurse practitioner is qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe for mental health conditions. Full bios and credentials are available on the team page.
Therapy services are provided by the licensed therapy team:
Therapy can be an important part of care for sleep concerns, especially when stress, thoughts, emotions, or behaviors are connected to sleep difficulties. Harborside therapy services are available in MA and NH only.
What treatment involves
Treatment for substance use disorders begins with an evaluation of your concerns, history, current circumstances, and goals for care. Your clinician will discuss your experiences and help identify appropriate options.
Care may involve:
- An initial appointment to discuss your concerns and treatment options
- Ongoing conversations about symptoms, challenges, and support needs
- Therapy with a licensed clinician when appropriate
- Medication management when prescribed by a psychiatric nurse practitioner
- Coordination of care recommendations when additional services may be needed
Medication options may be discussed when clinically appropriate. A psychiatric nurse practitioner can explain the purpose of any recommended medication, potential considerations, and how it fits within your overall care plan.
Therapy for substance use concerns may include approaches that focus on understanding patterns, coping skills, emotional regulation, and changes that support your personal goals. Your clinician will discuss the approaches available and how they may fit your needs.
Working with children and teens
Substance use concerns can affect adolescents and young adults. When a young person is experiencing difficulties related to substance use, families may seek support to better understand their options.
Care for children and teens involves considering age, development, family circumstances, and the concerns involved. A clinician can discuss available services and whether Harborside’s care is appropriate for your child or teen.
What we do not do
Harborside Psychiatrics provides scheduled outpatient behavioral health appointments through video care.
We do not provide emergency or after-hours services. If you are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, call or text 988 for crisis support or call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Care at Harborside begins with an appointment where a clinician can learn about your concerns and discuss appropriate next steps. Substance use concerns can involve many factors, and a clinician can help determine what type of support may be suitable.
Getting started
Starting care begins with learning more about your concerns and determining what type of support may be appropriate.
Harborside Psychiatrics is a private-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly for appointments. Current fees for an initial and a follow-up appointment are listed on the pricing page, and questions about cost can be answered before anything is booked.
Care is provided by video from our practice based at 411 Main St, Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts. You can contact Harborside to ask questions about services, scheduling, and whether an appointment may be a good fit for your needs.