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 40 therapists in Massachusetts available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Addiction

What is addiction counseling?

Addiction counseling therapists at Thriveworks in Waltham, MA 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 Waltham, MA 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?

Angie started smoking marijuana when she was in middle school. Her friends gave her some, and she wanted to join the fun. For a while, Angie just used it occasionally, like when she was with her friends or at parties. It was easy escape from stress. But as the stress in her life grew, so did her use. Occasional use turned into weekly use which turned into daily use. Now, as an adult working full-time, Angie even uses during her lunch break sometimes. She knows that if she is caught, then she will be fired. Angie has tried to stop, but she cannot gain any ground. Angie is beginning to wonder if this is an addiction.

“Addiction isn’t about substance—you aren’t addicted to the substance,
you are addicted to the alteration of mood that the substance brings.”
—Susan Cheever

Many people, perhaps even you, can resonate with Angie’s story. The details and the substance (or action) may differ, but as author Susan Cheever explains, the altered mood is the same. The cycle is the same whether the addiction is with alcohol, cocaine, prescription drugs, cannabis, sex, video games, Internet, or many other substances or activities. Addiction traps people in a cycle of compulsive behaviors. It changes people’s brain, and often, people need treatment from a mental health professional to find the right treatment options for overcoming their addiction.

The addiction counselors and psychologists at Thriveworks Counseling in Waltham, MA understand what it takes to treat the disease of addiction. There are many options available, and we have helped many clients find the healing and regain their lives.

Addiction and Misconceptions

The news can stigmatize and misrepresent what it means to struggle with addiction. People may stereotype addicts as poor, low-income, and from the “wrong” background (whatever their varying definitions of “wrong” mean). However, addiction does not discriminate. It can strike rich, poor, male, female, young, old, and more. As many as 21 million people in the United States suffer from an addiction—people in every race, religion, gender, and social class.

Addiction is a pervasive disease, and stigmas can keep people from reaching out for the help the desperately need and deserve. Here are a few common misconceptions about addiction:

1) Addiction Is a Choice
When a loved one is an addict, it is easy to become frustrated with them. It is easy to think, if they just made a different choice, then everything would be better. It is easy to think these things, but it is also inaccurate. An addiction is not a choice, but it is a disease. Just because a non-addict can choose to drink today and not drink tomorrow, it does not follow that an addict has the same choice. When addiction strikes individuals, it changes their brain. People who have an addiction need serious intervention and treatment, just like someone who has cancer.

2) Addicts Are “Weak”
Addicts and their loved ones often feel intense shame because of this stigma. They may hide the addiction because they are so embarrassed that they cannot simply exercise enough willpower to stop. Addiction is not that simple. Much like diabetes or cancer, addiction is a disease. Genes and allergies are often contributing factors—factors that people have no control over.
The same shame that people feel in addiction can drive them away from their loved ones. Isolation and lack of community can fuel the addiction. Addicts need to work through the shame and guilt, and they often need support so that they can embrace the recovery process.

3) Addiction Is Rare
The shame that says addicts are weak can also whisper, you are alone. However, this is not true. The reality is that addiction programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are full of people who understand. Many people struggle with addiction, and the chance of recovery increases when people find a community that provides them with understanding, trust, and love, where they can be vulnerable and ask for help without shame. Family members can also find support from communities like Al-Anon. When addicts find an empathetic and supportive community, they are less prone to relapse. They can focus upon healing.

Reaching Out for Help: Therapy for Addiction at Thriveworks Counseling in Waltham, MA

Are you or is someone you love struggling with an addiction? When addiction takes root, people have a hard time controlling their behaviors regarding a particular substance or activity. They may take on social and personal risks for the addiction. Even though they are experiencing negative economic, social, or health consequences, people who have an addiction may not be able to quit. More warning signs of addiction include…

  • Craving the activity or the substance.
  • Building up a tolerance for the activity or substance so that more must be used to achieve the same level of satiety.
  • Failed attempts to stop or curb the addiction.
  • Lying to hide one’s actions or the addiction.
  • Irritability regarding the activity or addiction, particularly when not participating in it.

If you recognize these symptoms, consider reaching out for help. When you contact Thriveworks in Waltham, you may have your first appointment the following day. We work with many insurance carriers and accept many insurance plans. You will never reach a voicemail, but a person answers our phone and helps our clients make their appointments. Weekend and evening sessions are also offered.

Let’s fight addiction together. You are not alone. Call Thriveworks Counseling in Waltham, MA today to work with an addiction counselor or psychologist now.

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 Massachusetts therapists and counselors accept 32 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Waltham
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

5.0 Thriveworks Waltham reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Brandon is a very kind and trustworthy counselor. He is dedicated to helping each person he sees and is very empathic to their needs. His caring and compassionate nature help put his clients at ease. He can help guide you through any difficulties you maybe facing.
Read more Brandon is a very kind and trustworthy counselor. He is dedicated to helping each person he sees and is very empathic to their needs. His caring and compassionate nature help put his clients at ease. He can help guide you through any difficulties you maybe facing.
Waltham Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
You can tell within a short time of meeting Brandon that he cares about people and has the experience to help others with various needs. His patience, listening ear, and knowledge make him an exceptional counselor and person. You can tell he loves his job of helping his clients.
Read more You can tell within a short time of meeting Brandon that he cares about people and has the experience to help others with various needs. His patience, listening ear, and knowledge make him an exceptional counselor and person. You can tell he loves his job of helping his clients.
Waltham Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Brandon Ellis is hands down the best counselor if you’re looking for someone who knows their stuff! His knowledge and expertise surpasses anyone I know. Brandon’s very approachable and easy to talk to. He cares about all of his clients and will work with you till you’re well. Please consider Brandon Ellis if you want a real expert.
Read more Brandon Ellis is hands down the best counselor if you’re looking for someone who knows their stuff! His knowledge and expertise surpasses anyone I know. Brandon’s very approachable and easy to talk to. He cares about all of his clients and will work with you till you’re well. Please consider Brandon Ellis if you want a real expert.
Waltham Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Janan is a wonderful compassionate therapist who makes you feel heard and respected. She offers many ways to help with your problems like anxiety and depression that you can use every day.
Read more Janan is a wonderful compassionate therapist who makes you feel heard and respected. She offers many ways to help with your problems like anxiety and depression that you can use every day.
Waltham Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Awesome/with 5 being the best.
Waltham May 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Kristen is a knowledgeable and compassionate therapist. She is dedicated to her clients and she easily develops positive rapport with them.
Read more Kristen is a knowledgeable and compassionate therapist. She is dedicated to her clients and she easily develops positive rapport with them.
Waltham Apr 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Kristen is an empathic and caring therapist. She really takes the time to understand her clients and her therapeutic style makes her clients feel validated and understood.
Read more Kristen is an empathic and caring therapist. She really takes the time to understand her clients and her therapeutic style makes her clients feel validated and understood.
Waltham Apr 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I am really glad I attended my sessions under Janan! She is a very helpful therapist and every time our session was finished I would leave feeling better about myself and would look forward to the next one! Seeking help is a very important step and I highly recommend Janan as your therapist.
Read more I am really glad I attended my sessions under Janan! She is a very helpful therapist and every time our session was finished I would leave feeling better about myself and would look forward to the next one! Seeking help is a very important step and I highly recommend Janan as your therapist.
Waltham Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Waltham can be reached by taking exit 43B on I-95, and following 2nd Ave to Bear Hill Road. We are located in the same complex as Eastport Real Estate Services. We are next door to Boston Engineering.

Phone number

(781) 905-8487

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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