Patient guide

Finding Help for Substance Use in District of Columbia

Find mental health providers in District of Columbia who can help with substance use. Substance use disorders are medical conditions, not moral failures, and they are treatable. Care ranges from outpatient counseling and medication to more intensive support, and recovery is possible at any stage.

Substance use disorders are treatable medical conditions, not moral failures. Care ranges from outpatient counseling and medication-assisted treatment to more intensive support, and recovery is possible at any stage. Find providers who treat substance use on HometownMind, or get matched for free. In an emergency, call 911 or 988.

Information current as of June 2026. General education, not medical advice.

Substance Use providers in District of Columbia

Mental health providers are licensed by state, so your care needs to come from someone licensed in District of Columbia. These providers practice there and treat a range of conditions, including substance use. Not sure who fits best? Get matched free for a personalized recommendation, or choose a different state.

Robert Mickey, MD

Addiction Psychiatrist
Washington, DC
Addiction Psychiatry

William Lawson, MD

Addiction Psychiatrist
Washington, DC
Addiction Psychiatry

Rhonda Allen, MD

Addiction Psychiatrist
Washington, DC
Addiction Psychiatry

Brigit Mancini, LISW-CP, CACI

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Barbara Marin, PHD

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Earl Walker, ADDICTION COUNSELOR

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Tyrone Hampton, CAC

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Constina Berry

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Corrine Simons, MSW

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Andrew Carpenter

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Cathy Batson

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

John Syphax, MD

Addiction Psychiatrist
Washington, DC
Addiction Psychiatry

Richard Schottenfeld, MD

Addiction Psychiatrist
Washington, DC
Addiction Psychiatry

George Wheeler, PSYD, LPC, CEAP, SAP

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Kalim Pearson

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Douglas Garland, BS, MDIV, CAC, CODC

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Sally Satel, MD

Addiction Psychiatrist
Washington, DC
Addiction Psychiatry

William Winston, LPC

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

David Gaviria-Munoz, LPC

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Emily Foster, PHD

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Cynthia Jamison, LPC, LCADC, MAC

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Fidelis Sab, CAC II

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Rebecca Lee, PSYD

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Mercy Cruz, CAC II

Addiction Counselor
Washington, DC
Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Providers most relevant to substance use are listed first. For a precise condition fit, get matched free.

See all District of Columbia providers

Find substance use providers in another state

Common signs

How substance use is treated

Medication-assisted treatment

For some substances, prescribers can offer medications that reduce cravings and support recovery.

Counseling and therapy

Evidence-based therapies address the patterns and stressors that drive use.

Which provider treats substance use?

Choose a provider who treats substance use with a nonjudgmental, evidence-based approach. In an emergency, call 911 or 988. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe and manage medication, while therapists provide talk therapy such as CBT. Many people work with both.

How psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and therapists differ
PsychiatristPsychiatric nurse practitionerTherapist
Can prescribe medicationYesYesNo
Typical trainingMedical degree (MD or DO) plus a psychiatry residencyGraduate nursing degree (MSN or DNP) with psychiatric certificationMaster's or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, or social work
Primary focusDiagnosis and medication managementDiagnosis and medication managementTalk therapy and counseling
Often best forComplex or severe conditions and medication needsMedication management, frequently with shorter wait timesTalk therapy, coping skills, and ongoing support

Frequently asked questions

Is substance use disorder a disease?

Yes. Substance use disorders are recognized medical conditions, not a lack of willpower. They are treatable, and effective, evidence-based care is available.

What is medication-assisted treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medications, alongside counseling, to reduce cravings and support recovery for substances such as opioids and alcohol. A qualified prescriber can determine if it is right for you.

Where can I find compassionate, nonjudgmental treatment?

On HometownMind you can find providers who treat substance use with an evidence-based, nonjudgmental approach, or get matched for free. In an emergency, call 911 or 988.

Authoritative resources

Other conditions

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