Find a Therapist for Substance Abuse in Akron

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

If you’re looking for help with Substance Abuse in Akron, you’re in the right place. Here you can learn about this condition and connect with local clinicians who provide care in Akron, with practical notes on access, costs, and availability.

  • Michelle Litwer, Psychologist

    Michelle Litwer

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Substance Abuse, Body Image, Athletic Performance.

    My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

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  • Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC, Sport Psychologist

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC

    Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Substance Abuse, Disability, Chronic Illness/Pain.

    Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement

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  • Benjamin Andrews, Psychologist

    Benjamin Andrews

    Psychologist

    1709 Legion Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517

    Benjamin Andrews is a Psychologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and has been in practice for 11 years. They treat Substance Abuse, Suicidal Ideation, Spiritual/Religious Concerns.

    Experienced therapist providing compassionate, evidence-based help for people to find their whole selves, reduce their suffering, and achieve their goals

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  • Stephanie Castle, Psychologist

    Stephanie Castle

    Psychologist

    800 N High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

    Stephanie Castle is a Psychologist in Columbus, Ohio. They treat Substance Abuse, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family, Grief and Loss.

    Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio

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  • Heather Masters, Counselor

    Heather Masters

    Counselor, Psychotherapist, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

    591 Boston Mills Road, Hudson, Ohio 44236

    Heather Masters is a Counselor in Hudson, Ohio and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Substance Abuse, Adoption, Self-Esteem.

    I believe in taking an integrative approach to the therapy process, understanding that each client and their goals is unique.

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  • Mary Holzheimer, Counselor

    Mary Holzheimer

    Counselor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Psychotherapist

    9826 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023

    Mary Holzheimer is a Counselor in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. They treat Substance Abuse, Relationship Violence/Stalking/Harassment, Alcohol Use.

    I am excited to partner with you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery!

    View profile

Understanding Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse is a recognized mental and behavioral health condition, not a personal weakness. Mental health organizations define it as repeated use of alcohol or drugs that leads to significant problems in health, work, school, or relationships. It often includes loss of control over use, continuing to use despite harm, and using in risky situations (for example, when it could cause danger). “Substances” can include alcohol, prescription medications when misused, and illicit drugs.

Common Signs and Symptoms

In Akron, substance abuse can affect emotions with mood swings, guilt or shame, feeling on edge, or numbness. Thoughts may revolve around cravings, planning the next use, rationalizing choices, or having trouble focusing on work or family. Body sensations can include sleep changes, fatigue, shakiness, sweating, headaches, or an upset stomach, especially between uses. Behaviors might shift toward using more than intended, secrecy, missed responsibilities, withdrawing from others or shutting down, and taking risks that don’t fit personal values.

Why This Happens

Substance Abuse often develops from overlapping influences rather than a single cause. Biological makeup, mental health, and life circumstances can interact and reinforce one another over time. Understanding these layers can help identify practical steps for prevention and support.

  • Biological factors
  • Genetic vulnerability or family history of addiction
  • Brain changes in reward pathways and increasing tolerance
  • Chronic pain or medical conditions leading to exposure to addictive medications
  • Psychological factors
  • Stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma history
  • Impulsivity or sensation-seeking traits
  • Limited coping skills or low distress tolerance
  • Environmental factors
  • Early exposure to substance use through peers or family
  • Easy availability and social normalization of use
  • Ongoing life stressors such as financial strain, unstable housing, or job pressure

How Treatment Works

Working with a professional for Substance Abuse can help you build practical coping strategies, make sense of what you’re going through, and reduce the impact on your daily life. A consistent, structured approach can support progress over time and help you respond more confidently to stress and triggers. In Akron, OH, planning for car-dependent travel and limited transit frequency can make it easier to keep appointments, and parking is generally accessible. Insurance acceptance varies and private pay is generally moderate, so checking your coverage and network access ahead of time can help you find options that fit your budget. With the right support, gradual improvements are possible and setbacks can be managed more effectively.

Finding the right provider in Akron

For Akron, OH, choose a Substance Abuse therapist licensed in your state to help ensure telehealth sessions are allowed and to improve the chances your insurance will cover care. Matching licensure also makes network access and billing simpler. MiResource can filter therapists by licensure so you can quickly find providers authorized to practice in Ohio.

Local Care Logistics in Akron

Access to substance abuse care in Akron can vary by neighborhood. Downtown, North Hill, Kenmore, and Highland Square are reachable but the area is largely car-dependent, transit runs infrequently, and parking is generally accessible. Insurance acceptance varies and private pay is typically moderate, so confirm network status and out-of-pocket costs before scheduling; availability may hinge on your specific plan. Appointment demand can shift with the University of Akron calendar, summer events, holiday periods, and winter conditions, which may tighten or open up scheduling; plan ahead around these cycles.

Practical tips:

  • Ask about telehealth and early-morning or evening options to work around commute and shift schedules.
  • Request to be added to cancellation lists and, if possible, join more than one waitlist to shorten delays.
  • Verify in-network status and required authorizations before the first visit to avoid rescheduling.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Akron

Substance use patterns in Akron can be strained by limited in-network behavioral health capacity and long waitlists for specialty care, which can prolong periods without support and make lapses more likely during crises. Transportation barriers across a spread-out metro area can complicate keeping appointments or accessing medication, especially for those relying on rides from others, increasing isolation and irregular routines. Scheduling constraints for manufacturing and shift-based workforces common in manufacturing and advanced materials, healthcare and social assistance, and retail and wholesale trade can disrupt sleep and recovery plans, heighten stress at odd hours, and make consistent group or counseling attendance harder. When help is delayed or hard to reach, people may lean on familiar coping habits, and small setbacks can snowball. Planning around commute times, waitlists, and rotating shifts can reduce friction and support steadier progress.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Seek emergency help for substance abuse when there is immediate danger to your life or safety, or you cannot stay safe without urgent support. Call 911 for life-threatening situations or if you need rapid medical help. If you are in crisis and need immediate emotional support, call 988. Go to a local emergency department if you need urgent medical evaluation or stabilization.

  1. If you notice signs of immediate danger or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek help right away.
  2. Call 911 for emergencies; call 988 or the Summit County ADM Crisis Line (330-434-9144) for immediate crisis support; request the Summit County Outreach Team if a mobile crisis response is appropriate.
  3. For urgent medical care, go to the emergency department at Summa Health Akron Campus, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Western Reserve Hospital, or University Hospitals Portage Medical Center.
  4. Expect triage, medical stabilization, and connection to follow-up care; plan for car-dependent travel with limited transit frequency and generally accessible parking.

Common Questions About Substance Abuse

Q: When should someone in Akron, OH consider seeing a therapist for Substance Abuse? A: Consider therapy if substance use is interfering with work, school, relationships, health, or legal or financial stability. Other signs include strong cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or repeated attempts to cut down without lasting change. Co-occurring concerns like anxiety, depression, or trauma also suggest it could help. Reaching out early can make planning and support more manageable.

Q: What should I do if the first therapist I see for Substance Abuse in Akron, OH isn’t a good fit? A: It’s reasonable to share your concerns with the therapist and see if adjustments can be made to the approach or goals. If it still doesn’t feel right, you can seek a different provider whose style, expertise, or availability aligns better with your needs. Ask for a referral and request that your records be transferred to avoid starting from scratch. Trusting the therapeutic relationship is important, and it can take a bit of trial and error.

Q: Can virtual therapy help with Substance Abuse for someone in Akron, OH? A: Virtual therapy can be helpful for many people by increasing access, flexibility, and privacy. It supports evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing via video or phone. Some situations—such as medical detox needs or significant safety concerns—may call for in-person or higher levels of care. A plan for crisis support and a private space for sessions can improve virtual care.

Q: What should I ask when choosing a therapist in Akron, OH for Substance Abuse? A: Ask about their training and experience treating Substance Abuse, including work with co-occurring mental health conditions. Inquire about approaches they use (for example, CBT, motivational interviewing, or relapse-prevention strategies) and how progress is measured. Clarify scheduling, communication between sessions, and how they coordinate with other providers if needed. Discuss costs, insurance, and whether they offer in-person, virtual, or a hybrid option.

Q: Does therapy for Substance Abuse help over time in Akron, OH? A: Many people notice gradual benefits such as reduced use, improved coping skills, and more stability with consistent therapy. Progress can vary, and periods of struggle or relapse can occur while still moving forward overall. Regularly reviewing goals and outcomes with your therapist helps guide adjustments to the plan. Combining therapy with supports like healthy routines and social connections can strengthen results.

Local Resources in Akron

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Akron, OH who treat Substance Abuse. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

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