Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a addiction can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 112 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Addiction

What is addiction counseling?

Addiction counseling therapists at Thriveworks in Newport News, VA can help people manage their urges to use the substance or engage in the activity they’re addicted to. In addition, it can help people manage the challenges that stem from their addiction, from relationship issues to problems at work, as well as those whose addiction may stem from issues like trauma.

How does addiction counseling work?

Addiction counseling at Thriveworks in Newport News, VA works by helping one understand the underlying causes of their addiction, teaching them coping strategies, and recognizing their specific triggers. Long-term or ongoing addiction counseling can also help to prevent relapse.

Is addiction counseling conducted in person or online?

Addiction counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does addiction counseling last?

The length of addiction counseling depends on the individual’s needs, the extent and severity of their addiction, and the problems that might stem from it. That said, people can make meaningful progress in addiction counseling in the first weeks to months.

Need more help deciding?

Because addiction is not about the substance, it can look very different from person to person. Addiction can look like abusing a substance such as marijuana, prescription drugs, heroin, opioids, alcohol, and more. Addiction may also appear as an obsessive behavior such as compulsively using the Internet, video games, or pornography. However the addiction may look from the outside, the same disease is at work on the inside.

Addiction is an illness that changes people’s brains. It can affect the poor, the rich, the old, the young in every gender, race, and socio-economic status.

It is also an illness that has many treatment options. There is therapy and treatment for addiction.

Many clients walk through the doors of Thriveworks Newport News who have an addiction. Our therapists and psychologists have helped them find the care, healing, and support they need to battle this illness.

Signs You (or Someone You Love) Have an Addiction

Addiction is a disease, and the fundamental changes it makes in an individual’s life are in the brain. It rewires people’s brains so that endorphins and dopamine (the so-called pleasure hormones) are released excessively during a particular activity or substance use. The endorphins and dopamine bond an individual to that experience, and over time, the experience takes over people’s choices, thoughts, and behaviors. That means, what is happening in the brain with addiction will be made visible in people’s bodies, emotions, and behaviors. These observable red-flags are the outward signs that addiction may have taken root inside.

Bodily Red Flags

  • If drugs are involved, experiencing hyperactivity or lethargy.
  • Excessive sniffing without being sick.
  • Losing weight.
  • Repetitive speech.
  • Dilated pupils, red eyes.
  • Being undernourished or pale.
  • Body odor that is different, even unpleasant.

Emotional Red Flags

  • Defensiveness.
  • Low self-awareness about one’s behavior: diversions, denial, minimizations, rationalizations, blame.
  • An inability to handle stress.
  • Irritability.
  • Obnoxious, silly, easily confused.
  • Loss of interest in once-enjoyable people/activities.

Behavioral Red Flags

  • Lying to loved ones (especially, to cover the addiction).
  • Missed social engagements/ school/work.
  • Difficulty in school.
  • Isolating oneself.
  • Keeping secrets.
  • Relationship problems.
  • Financial difficulties (particularly, needing money).

No one has to look hard to see that addiction can have devastating effects both for the individual who is addicted and for that individual’s loved ones. Addiction means that people often take risks and put themselves and their loved ones in danger so that the addiction can survive. Mental health professionals often speak about the three C’s of addiction: consequences, cravings, and control. The addiction takes over control in a person’s life—overriding people’s self-restraint systems. Addiction cannot be healed through more willpower. The control is secured through cravings for the substance and/or behavior. These cravings persist despite any negative consequences the addict may experience.

Addiction Misunderstandings

Even though tens of millions of people suffer from addiction within the US every year, it is a widely misunderstood disease. In some cases, these misunderstandings shame addicts and can keep them from reaching out for help. A few of these misunderstandings include…

Misunderstanding #1: Addiction Is a Choice.
The idea here is that people’s choices directly lead to addiction so they can just choose not to be addicted. Unfortunately, this is not how addiction work. Of the many beneficial treatment options available to those with addiction, more willpower is not one of those options. The truth is that many factors go into addiction, just like any disease. Many of those factors are completely out of people’s control—things like genetics, childhood trauma, family history, and allergies.

Misunderstanding #2: Addicts Are Not Strong.
This misunderstanding is shame-based, attacking those who are already harmed from this disease. Addiction and personal strength have nothing to do with each other. The truth is that many people who are addicted are strong survivors. Just as people do not get cancer because they are weak, so no one develops an addiction because they are not strong enough.

Setting Up an Appointment for Addiction Counseling at Thriveworks Newport News

Are you ready to work with a therapist or counselor? If you recognized some of the red flags for addiction, it may be time to seek help. Thriveworks Newport News is ready for you. When you call to make an appointment, you may be meeting with your therapist the following week.

We accept many forms of insurance, and we offer weekend and evening sessions. Do not fight an addiction alone. Call Thriveworks Newport News today or schedule online to get started.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Newport News therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Newport News
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.8 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
Read more Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
ROBERT Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Pennie Hurta has been a great therapist for me. I also love that she is always doing continuing education. She is on it! Highly recommended!
Read more Pennie Hurta has been a great therapist for me. I also love that she is always doing continuing education. She is on it! Highly recommended!
Hedi Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Thank you Thrive Works fdor your servicesw. The therapy,counseling and Coaching I received from DR.Patrical Jone Psy was excellent all the material and coaching was so much beneficial to me>The first day i was fearful that i would not be able to get through my grieving of loss of my wife of 52 years but after going through the affirmation of self-esteem gave me a new outlook that i could put my life together aqgain.With hope and prayer along with support group iam on the road aqgain. I feel better about now and iam optimistic about life.. so thank you Dr. Jones again for your coaching. It is not what happened to me but how I handle it that determines my emotional well-being Donnell
Read more Thank you Thrive Works fdor your servicesw. The therapy,counseling and Coaching I received from DR.Patrical Jone Psy was excellent all the material and coaching was so much beneficial to me>The first day i was fearful that i would not be able to get through my grieving of loss of my wife of 52 years but after going through the affirmation of self-esteem gave me a new outlook that i could put my life together aqgain.With hope and prayer along with support group iam on the road aqgain. I feel better about now and iam optimistic about life.. so thank you Dr. Jones again for your coaching. It is not what happened to me but how I handle it that determines my emotional well-being Donnell
Newport News Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I decided to seek counseling for the first time 3 months ago and I’m glad I did! It’s been a huge blessing for me, and my counselor James Martin is so wonderful! I look forward to our sessions and find myself feeling so good after them. Coming to counseling gives me an opportunity to talk about everything that has happened in the last two weeks and really process it. James has taught me a very important lesson of learning to accept things that happen in life & I’m really happy with Thriveworks. I tell people about you guys all the time!
Read more I decided to seek counseling for the first time 3 months ago and I’m glad I did! It’s been a huge blessing for me, and my counselor James Martin is so wonderful! I look forward to our sessions and find myself feeling so good after them. Coming to counseling gives me an opportunity to talk about everything that has happened in the last two weeks and really process it. James has taught me a very important lesson of learning to accept things that happen in life & I’m really happy with Thriveworks. I tell people about you guys all the time!
Newport News Apr 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I had the pleasure of working with patrica jones .a very caring and thoughtful counselor ,but due to her leaving the newport news office i chose to stay on this side to get future help.
Read more I had the pleasure of working with patrica jones .a very caring and thoughtful counselor ,but due to her leaving the newport news office i chose to stay on this side to get future help.
Newport News Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I highly recommend Dr. Patty! She is amazing and very professional. From the first call to the last session, I was always treated with respect and kindness.
Read more I highly recommend Dr. Patty! She is amazing and very professional. From the first call to the last session, I was always treated with respect and kindness.
Newport News Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My daughter really enjoys her appointments.
Newport News Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I love the gentle treatment im shown whether its on the phone or in person. Its been easier to see hope in my future just from the two visits ive had so far.
Read more I love the gentle treatment im shown whether its on the phone or in person. Its been easier to see hope in my future just from the two visits ive had so far.
Newport News Nov 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

We are located off of Loftis Blvd, directly across the street from the Sentara Medical Campus. Once you reach the parking lot, you'll see our office (with our logo on the door) at the front of the building parallel to Loftis Blvd.

Phone number

(757) 418-8127

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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