Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025This MiResource page supports people in Scranton seeking help for Substance Abuse. You’ll learn what it is, how treatment works, and how to find local therapists. We’ll also note hilly terrain, limited transit, driving norms, insurance differences, moderate costs, and common waitlists.
Psychologist
Remote only
Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Substance Abuse, Eating Concerns, Parenting Concerns.
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.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Remote only
Elizabeth Swift is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Substance Abuse, Gender Identity, Social Anxiety.
You can find relief, reclaim your sense of self, and step into a life that feels more aligned, peaceful, and fulfilling.
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, Burnout, Loneliness/Isolation.
Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement
Psychiatrist
Remote only
Michael Roman is a Psychiatrist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Substance Abuse, Sleep Concerns, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Dr. Roman is fully licensed to practice medicine in Connecticut, NY, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, with the authority to prescribe all psychiatric meds
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, Bipolar Disorder, Depression.
Experienced therapist providing compassionate, evidence-based help for people to find their whole selves, reduce their suffering, and achieve their goals
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
123 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19109
Grant Morales is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has been in practice for 4 years. They treat Substance Abuse, Racial Identity, Academic Concerns.
All identities and backgrounds are accepted and affirmed in my therapeutic space. Together, we will heal and grow. Helping you reach your goals.
Substance Abuse is a recognized mental health condition involving patterns of using alcohol or drugs in ways that cause harm or distress. Mental health organizations define it by ongoing use despite problems in health, safety, work, school, or relationships. “Substances” can include alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs; “abuse” means use that leads to impairment or risk, not a moral failing. It is a medical and behavioral health condition, not a personal weakness.
In Scranton, Substance Abuse can show up emotionally as feeling on edge, irritable, ashamed, or numb, with mood swings tied to using or not using. Thoughts may be preoccupied with getting or recovering from substances, rationalizing use, having trouble focusing, or replaying regrets. Body sensations can include strong cravings, sleep changes, headaches, nausea, sweating, or shakiness, especially when cutting back. Behavior might look like using more than intended, missing plans or work, shutting down or isolating, hiding use, or taking risks that don’t fit one’s usual values.
In Scranton, Substance Abuse often develops through a mix of influences rather than a single cause. Genetics, personal history, coping styles, and life circumstances can interact over time to increase vulnerability. Stressful events or chronic pressures can amplify existing risks, while access to substances and social norms can shape patterns of use. Understanding these overlapping factors helps guide compassionate, effective support.
Professional support for Substance Abuse can help you learn practical coping strategies, understand your triggers, and create a plan that makes daily life more manageable. A clinician can help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and track progress, which often reduces stress and setbacks over time. In Scranton, planning ahead for transportation can make appointments easier to keep, since hilly terrain affects walkability and transit frequency is limited. Because insurance acceptance varies and waitlists are common for in-network care, it can help to verify coverage early and consider multiple providers. Even with these hurdles, consistent, professional guidance can build momentum and make recovery feel more achievable day to day.
To find the right Substance Abuse therapist in Scranton, start by searching specifically for providers who list Substance Abuse as a focus and narrow your list to those serving PA. Use filters to check insurance acceptance (since it varies), current availability (waitlists are common for in-network care), and therapeutic approach to match your preferences. Because Scranton has hilly terrain, limited transit frequency, and most residents drive, consider location, parking, and whether telehealth is offered. Read profiles and, if possible, schedule brief consultations to assess communication style and personal fit, which strongly affects outcomes. MiResource makes comparing options easier so you can quickly see who meets your needs and is available.
Accessing care for Substance Abuse in Scranton can depend on where you live and how you get around. In Downtown and the Hill Section, hilly terrain affects walkability and limited transit frequency can make timing appointments harder; many residents drive, so parking and traffic around peak hours matter. In Green Ridge and West Side, driving times to clinics vary, and transportation dependence can be a barrier if specialty care is outside the area. South Side commuters with shift-based work in healthcare, retail, or manufacturing may need evening or early-morning appointments to avoid missed shifts. University semester peaks can tighten schedules and increase demand. Insurance acceptance varies and in-network waitlists are common, so calling ahead about coverage and cancellation lists helps. Plan around weather and seasonality, and consider combining appointments with errands to reduce repeated trips.
Seek emergency help for substance use when there are signs of overdose (slow or stopped breathing, blue lips, unresponsiveness), severe intoxication, dangerous withdrawal (seizures, confusion), chest pain, severe injuries, or if there are thoughts of self-harm or harm to others. Call 911 for any life-threatening symptoms or if someone is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or having a seizure. If you are in emotional distress or need immediate support, call 988. If you’re unsure but worried, it’s safer to seek urgent medical evaluation.
1) Recognize a crisis: trouble staying awake, slow or stopped breathing, seizures, severe confusion, chest pain, high fever, repeated vomiting, or suicidal thoughts. 2) For immediate danger, call 911; for support and guidance, call 988 or Lackawanna County Crisis Intervention (570-346-3350); for mobile, on-site help, contact Scranton Counseling Center Mobile Crisis Team (community mobile crisis response by Scranton Counseling Center). 3) If safe to go, visit an emergency department: Geisinger Community Medical Center; Regional Hospital of Scranton; Moses Taylor Hospital; Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. 4) Expect triage, monitoring (vitals, oxygen), medication to reverse overdose or ease withdrawal, safety planning, and referrals; due to hilly terrain and limited transit frequency, consider ambulance or a trusted driver rather than walking or waiting for transit.
Q: When should someone in Scranton see a therapist for Substance Abuse? A: Consider therapy if substance use is affecting work, school, relationships, or health, or if you’ve tried to cut down and struggled. Cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or using more than intended are also signs to reach out. Co-occurring anxiety, depression, trauma, or sleep problems can be additional reasons to seek help. If you’re unsure, a brief consultation can help clarify next steps.
Q: What should I do if the first therapist I see in Scranton isn’t a good fit for Substance Abuse concerns? A: It’s common to try more than one therapist before finding the right match. Share your goals and what didn’t work, and request a referral or different approach if needed. You can ask about alternative modalities or formats that may suit you better. You deserve care that feels respectful, collaborative, and nonjudgmental.
Q: Can virtual therapy help with Substance Abuse? A: Yes, many people find teletherapy helpful for building coping skills and motivation to change. Evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing can be delivered online. It’s not appropriate for medical emergencies or unmanaged severe withdrawal, which need in-person medical care. Some people combine virtual sessions with occasional in-person visits for added support.
Q: What should I ask when choosing a therapist for Substance Abuse in Scranton? A: Ask about their licensure, experience treating substance use, and the methods they use (for example, CBT or motivational approaches). Clarify how they tailor treatment goals, session frequency, and how progress is measured. Discuss coordination with medical providers if medications might be part of care. Review confidentiality, scheduling options (including telehealth), and fees or insurance details.
Q: Does therapy for Substance Abuse help over time? A: Many people experience gradual improvement as they practice new skills and strengthen motivation. Progress can be uneven, and occasional setbacks are common, but they can be used to refine the plan. Ongoing therapy can support relapse prevention, coping with triggers, and rebuilding routines. Combining therapy with other supports, when appropriate, may enhance long-term outcomes.
MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Scranton, PA who treat Substance Abuse. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.
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.
