Living with OCD or an anxiety disorder is hard enough. When you’re also using alcohol, marijuana, or other substances to take the edge off, things can get complicated quickly.
You might notice:
You need more than you used to just to feel “okay”
You’re relying on substances to fall asleep, face social situations, or get through the day
You feel ashamed or “weak” for needing a drink or something to calm down
Your anxiety or OCD feels worse when you cut back, so you end up using again
If this sounds familiar, you are absolutely not alone and you’re not broken. Many adults with OCD and anxiety disorders understandably reach for something that offers quick relief. My job is not to judge you. My job is to help you understand what’s happening and find safer, more sustainable ways to cope.
When your brain is constantly on high alert, worrying, catastrophizing, checking, or battling intrusive thoughts, substances can temporarily:
Numb emotional pain
Quiet racing thoughts
Take the edge off social or performance anxiety
Help you “escape your head” for a little while
The problem is that over time, substances can:
Increase anxiety, irritability, and sleep problems
Make OCD symptoms and intrusive thoughts more intense
Interfere with therapy progress
Create shame and secrecy that keep you isolated
It’s very common to feel stuck in a loop:
Anxiety/OCD → Substance Use → Temporary Relief → More Anxiety/OCD → More Use
You don’t have to navigate this alone, and you don’t have to have it all “figured out” or be ready to quit completely before reaching out
Free 15-minute consultation
First 60-minute session — getting grounded, setting goals
Weekly 45-minute therapy for the first month
Ongoing check-ins & adjustment
Building alternative coping skills.
✓ 50-minute session: $185
✓ Provide a superbill for possible insurance reimbursement
✓ Contact me for sliding scale or package discounts
I bring a combination of experience that’s especially helpful for people in this situation:
20+ years as a licensed clinical social worker
Extensive work in substance use treatment as both a therapist and program leader
A current specialty in anxiety disorders, OCD, and panic disorder in private practice
Training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT), CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based approaches
This means I understand both sides of the equation:
How OCD and anxiety work
How and why people use substances to cope
What actually helps when both are present
You don’t have to choose between working on your anxiety or your use of substances. We can address both at a pace that feels respectful and realistic.
My approach is:
Nonjudgmental and shame-sensitive
Collaborative we make decisions together
Structured and practical
Evidence-based.
We will work as a team to help you change thought processes, so you don’t keep repeating the same unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Think of it as changing your usual travel routes because your destinations have changed. (You found a new job; you’re going to a different school; you’ve switched grocery stores; etc.) You will learn and practice new coping strategies that can help you improve the way you manage thoughts and feelings for the better. You will have to do some work on your own, outside of sessions, but it’s worth it to improve your quality of life.
Our first session will typically last 60 minutes so that we can discuss your history and goals. We’ll meet weekly for the first four weeks, typically for 45 minute sessions. After that, we can discuss how often we’ll continue to meet.
In Georgia I am in-network with Cigna, United Healthcare and Aetna. I am not in-network with insurance companies in Florida or Delaware. I can provide you with a Super Bill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
In Georgia I am in-network with Cigna, United Healthcare and Aetna. I am not in-network with insurance companies in Florida or Delaware. I can provide you with a Super Bill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. We will meet every week for the first four weeks to develop a good working relationship and gain momentum to work on your goals. Then we’ll discuss how often we will continue to meet.
For self-pay clients, the cost of the assessment session is $245 and subsequent sessions are $185. I can provide you with a superbill that you can file with your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
One of the most important aspects of therapy is having a therapist that you can trust. You want to find someone who resonates with you. Often that means a therapist with authenticity, empathy, compassion and maybe a sense of humor. Do you feel heard and understood? That’s a good sign.
The number of sessions and the frequency necessary will vary depending on you and your goals. We will be regularly checking in during our sessions to discuss the changes you are making and adjust accordingly.
I offer teletherapy and provide virtual sessions to residents of Georgia, Florida and Delaware. All you need is a private area free from interruptions and a good internet connection.
Call me or email me to schedule a free 10 minute phone consultation. We’ll see if we’re a good fit.