Addiction Therapists in Gardena, CA.

Counseling for addiction and codependency in Gardena, CA. Help for alcohol and substance abuse, pornography, sex and internet addiction, gambling, and compulsive spending.


Amanda Burback, LMFT, EMDR
Addiction Counselor

Amanda Burback, LMFT, EMDR

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90066 - Nearby to Gardena.

I work with individuals navigating addiction through a compassionate, nonjudgmental lens. Whether it's substance use, disordered eating, or compulsive behaviors, I help clients explore the underlying emotional and relational patterns that fuel their struggles. My approach integrates mindfulness, parts work, and trauma-informed care to support both accountability and self-compassion. Together, we work to reduce shame, build healthier coping tools, and reconnect with what truly matters. Healing from addiction is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Verdant Oak Behavioral Health, Psy.D. and Ph.D.
Addiction Counselor

Verdant Oak Behavioral Health, Psy.D. and Ph.D.

Psychologist

In 91030 - Nearby to Gardena.

Struggles with addiction and substance abuse can often be accompanied by guilt and shame, and this guilt and shame are typically triggers for continued use/relapse. Use of a strengths-based approach to treating substance abuse can tap an individual's own strengths to gain insight and to increase coping skills. Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy can also prove useful to address unmet needs, feeling "stuck" and challenging irrational thoughts that lead to continued use.

Curtis Miller, MFT, Psy.D., D. Min., M.A., M.Div.
Addiction Counselor

Curtis Miller, MFT, Psy.D., D. Min., M.A., M.Div.

Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychotherapy

In 91107 - Nearby to Gardena.

We become addicted to certain behaviors when painful feelings about ourself cannot be recognized or expressed, and therefore unprocessed. Caught in these unrecognized feelings that never get understood, behaviors of accommodation take hold and keep us trapped. Therapy is a process of recognizing these emotional patterns leading to a personal empowerment to speak what one really desires and needs. This process breaks the addictive patterns.

Carl H. Shubs, Ph.D.
Addiction Counselor

Carl H. Shubs, Ph.D.

Psychologist

In 90212 - Nearby to Gardena.

Are you abusing, addicted, or not sure? Are you concerned about substances (alcohol, pot, cocaine, meth), behaviors (sex, porn, computers, gambling, spending, cutting), or both? Together, we can see if these issues are really a problem for you. If you’re having problems in these areas, we can sort it out and deal with it. Some people benefit from 12-step programs, and others don’t want them. I can work either way. Together, we’ll see what triggers you, how you deal with them, what works, what doesn’t, what situations affect your using and not using, and how this ties in with your earlier life. We’ll see what helps you to cope, where that works and doesn’t, and what other options might be.

Matthew Kijak, LCSW, Psychotherapist
Addiction Counselor

Matthew Kijak, LCSW, Psychotherapist

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

In 90042 - Nearby to Gardena.

My approach to addiction therapy is holistic and compassionate. I understand that addiction is a complex issue that affects not only the individual struggling with substance abuse, but also their loved ones. Together, we will work to identify the root causes of the addiction and develop coping strategies to overcome it. We will also address any co-occurring mental health issues that may be contributing to the addiction. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to work through their addiction, while also addressing any other areas of their life that may be affected. I may incorporate evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational

Ute Zimmermann, Ph.D.
Addiction Counselor

Ute Zimmermann, Ph.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

In 91106 - Nearby to Gardena.

Addiction is complex and encompasses many entities. One of them is the participation in an AA program, another one the therapist. I can help on the therapeutic side, as addiction is often connect to underlying trauma. We will work through the trauma and the tools needed, while AA provides the tools required for sobriety. It's an ongoing process, providing growth and stability over time.

Christian Holmes, LMFT, EMDR, CSAT-C
Addiction Counselor

Christian Holmes, LMFT, EMDR, CSAT-C

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 90403 - Nearby to Gardena.

Does it feel like sex or a substance is out of your control? Maybe it feels compulsive, it's the fix for sadness, hurt, anger and stress its also what you’ve used to increase your joy, peace and good feeling. Whether you call it addiction or just problematic, you're reading this because you're hoping things could be better. I'm here to tell you they can be. Together we will work to understand what's really going on and get you to a place where you feel a sustained sense of goodness. If you're ready--let's connect. I'd love to meet you and see how I can help.

Dr. Chris Nikolaidis, PhD
Addiction Counselor

Dr. Chris Nikolaidis, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

In 92648 - Nearby to Gardena.

Addicted to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine? Addicted to sex, the internet, gambling, shopping, food, porn, exercise, money? Or perhaps you have achieved sobriety as a recovering Alcoholic or Drug Addict, you attend AA or NA regularly, and want additional support from a psychologist? I can help. In my Newport Beach Private Practice, I draw on my prior experience as a psychologist at celebrity rehab Morningside Recovery in Newport Beach. My specialties in helping you through recovery are Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Anger Management, and Couples Counseling. Call, click or text (949)791-7127 and get the support you need.

Sandra Dupont, MA, MS, MFT
Addiction Counselor

Sandra Dupont, MA, MS, MFT

Adolescent & Emerging Adulthood Specialist

In 90401 - Nearby to Gardena.

The transition to young adulthood can be an intense time where teens may become overwhelmed by new feelings. Self-medication through drugs or alcohol is often an attempt by sensitive young people to regulate or avoid uncomfortable feelings. Since individuals who are at high risk of becoming addicted often feel emotionally disconnected from the people in their life, my work focuses on helping my clients create more meaningful connections with their family. I also work with young adults who have completed rehab and are interested in finishing the emotional growth process that got derailed while they were using drugs as a teenager.

Nazanin Moali, Ph.D.
Addiction Counselor

Nazanin Moali, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist

In 90505 - Nearby to Gardena.

My evidence-based treatments will help you to stop uncontrollable behaviors and obsessions that feel secretive, shaming, and abusive. Our sessions will focus on giving you the tools you need to stop these painful and troublesome patterns and move on to your blissful life! I provide individual therapy to support my clients with: Alcoholism Prescription and non-prescription drug abuse Sex addiction Gambling and trading addiction Shopping addictions I welcome the uniqueness of each patient who comes through my door!

Laura Pescione, Ph.D.
Addiction Counselor

Laura Pescione, Ph.D.

Psychologist

In 91604 - Nearby to Gardena.

I specialize in helping people who are struggling with addiction. I provide a safe, empathic environment that will enable us to build a trusting relationship that you can come to depend on instead of dependency on a substance. Through our relationship, you can learn to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that you can learn how to tolerate and regulate them without a substance.


Gardena is located in Los Angeles County, California. It has a land area of 5.82 square miles and a water area of 0.03 square miles.  The population of Gardena is 60,447 people with 20,897 households and a median annual income of $47,674. .


Therapy Affordability Meter for Gardena, CA

Some budgeting needed

While counseling can certainly be an expense for individuals and families in Gardena, with proper budgeting, it is entirely do-able and the risk/reward is worth it. For some families, it may be difficult to sustain a commitment to therapy without proper insurance coverage. If this is you, ask your therapist about low cost options as practitoners in and around Gardena may have flexibility or sliding scales. Low cost counseling and affordable therapy are also sometimes offered by listed city and university level clinics, check with your local Gardena public health department.