Getting Started with Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy

This past January, Freedom Institute welcomed Andrew Tatarsky, PhD, as Director of Clinical Programming and, with Dr. Tatarsky’s arrival, we introduced the Harm Reduction framework alongside our existing abstinence-based model. 

Currently, interested individuals can get started with Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy which offers a range of therapeutic options tailored to individual’s goals. Learn more below. Harm Reduction Groups are being developed for the spring. 

 Who Does Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP) Serve?

Freedom Institute IHRP programs serve individuals at many – and all –  stages of their journeys. We treat patients who have moved forward from residential treatment; those who have never had formal treatment; some who refer themselves to us; and others who meet us through an external referral.

Many patients find us when looking for alternative, cutting edge, innovative harm reduction treatment – something different. Others come to Freedom Institute for our established and exceptional abstinence based Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Many come to us not entirely certain what they are looking for, but in need of help to figure it out.

What behaviors does IHRP treat? Are there any exclusions?

The IHRP Program treats the entire range of risky and harmful behaviors including alcohol and drug use with co-occurring issues related to gambling, shopping and problematic sexual behaviors.  

 The core dynamics of these behaviors are often the same. There are many variables -- that can be very complicated -- which may determine if one expresses themselves through one behavior vs. another. The negative consequences and risks vary greatly with problematic behaviors and there are a lot of complex factors at play.

 With everyone we meet, our goal is to pair them with a Freedom Institute team member who has expertise in their particular area of concern, and with whom they connect. As Freedom Institute grows and expands, we expect to develop specialized tracks to treat specific behaviors and expressions.

What does the ‘Admission Process’ look like?

All prospective patients begin by speaking with speaking with Freedom Institute Senior Admissions Coordinator, Kristin Waite-Labott.  The aim of this initial discussion is to assess a client’s needs and make an initial determination of where the client may fit at Freedom Institute.  The patient may be a fit for us, or it may be appropriate for us to make a referral to another program or provider.

Once it has been established that Freedom Institute is an appropriate fit for the client, a 90 minute comprehensive assessment session is scheduled with one of our clinicians. The assessment can be virtual or in person, whatever works best for the client. Through the assessment, we work to understand why the individual is seeking treatment, what their goals are, what type of program they are looking for, the desired intensity of program/treatment, and level of motivation. Individuals come to us at all stages of ‘readiness.’  Some come to us seeking help for a family member; others might be in great need of help, but uncertain of next steps; some come ready to go. As with everything in life, we are all different and those differences are reflected in the care we provide. 

Development of Treatment Plan

Following the comprehensive assessment, individuals are paired with a Freedom Institute clinician to work collaboratively to develop a tailored treatment plan for moving forward. The clinician may remain the lead clinician on the plan and/or partner with additional Freedom Institute clinicians to support a patient.   

 The IHRP Treatment Plan may include any of a range of modalities, including:

• Individual psychotherapy

• Group therapy

• Couples therapy

• Family therapy and support

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Psychodrama, Meditation, Yoga, Art Therapy

• Psychedelic preparation and integration

• Ketamine assisted therapy

• Abstinence based IOP 

The treatment plan may include individual psychotherapy one or more times per week; several “touches” at the outset, such as individual, family, and/or partner therapy; a group option or treatment in the form of an ‘individual intensive outpatient program.” 

A specialized treatment plan will be constructed for each individual in a way that addresses the patient’s needs and goals. A treatment plan may evolve over time, as needs and goals evolve.  

Does IHRP last for a particular length of time?

There is no science to determine what one’s ideal outcome and timing will be at the outset. There are many variables that may impact the course of treatment and contribute to a successful outcome: how motivated is the individual; how open and self-reflective is one able to be; how much work is one able to put in; what barriers might get in the way; how simple, straightforward, or complex are the issues?

Treatment may be completed in 12 weeks, or it may last longer.  But there is progress, and growth, and satisfaction in the process. At the end of a session, it is always possible to reflect back on the strengths an individual is demonstrating and be optimistic about the path forward.

There are nearly infinite paths, and our work is to help find the right one for each individual.

To learn more or get started, please contact Senior Admissions Coordinator, Kristin Waite-Labott by email or at 212-838-0044.