Intervention Therapists in Gilroy, CA

Photo of Lysette Etti-Eyong, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gilroy, CA
Lysette Etti-Eyong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Gilroy, CA 95020
My clinical work has included anxiety, depression, and anger management, positive parenting support, ADHD support, crisis intervention, and stabilization support.
I am Lysette Etti-Eyong, a licensed Clinical Therapist with over 12 years of clinical experience in an outpatient mental health clinic. My clients have included children, adolescents, parents, and legal guardians. I approach therapy as a healing process with a passion for supporting individual growth and empowerment. I also have extensive experience providing family therapy to improve communication, solve family problems, and support a better-functioning home environment.
My clinical work has included anxiety, depression, and anger management, positive parenting support, ADHD support, crisis intervention, and stabilization support.
I am Lysette Etti-Eyong, a licensed Clinical Therapist with over 12 years of clinical experience in an outpatient mental health clinic. My clients have included children, adolescents, parents, and legal guardians. I approach therapy as a healing process with a passion for supporting individual growth and empowerment. I also have extensive experience providing family therapy to improve communication, solve family problems, and support a better-functioning home environment.
(669) 322-8416 View (669) 322-8416
Photo of Laura Diaz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gilroy, CA
Laura Diaz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Gilroy, CA 95020
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety/depression. I have experience in working with children, adults, and families. My primary focus has been on dealing with anxiety and depression-related disorders. I have provided services for traditionally underserved and culturally diverse populations. I have assisted clients in managing symptoms and in building healthier coping skills.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety/depression. I have experience in working with children, adults, and families. My primary focus has been on dealing with anxiety and depression-related disorders. I have provided services for traditionally underserved and culturally diverse populations. I have assisted clients in managing symptoms and in building healthier coping skills.
(669) 201-1829 View (669) 201-1829
Photo of Demetria Zappacosta-Iacocca, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Gilroy, CA
Demetria Zappacosta-Iacocca
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LAADC
Verified Verified
Gilroy, CA 95020
Addiction and Recovery Counseling is for anyone who feels that alcohol or drugs are affecting them negatively. As a Licensed Recovery Counselor I offer individuals, couples and families help to develop plans for reaching their recovery goals and making positive changes in their lives. Addiction and Recovery Counseling is an opportunity for families to learn about addiction and the behaviors that go along with it. I help families understand what role they play in their loved ones addiction and recovery.
Addiction and Recovery Counseling is for anyone who feels that alcohol or drugs are affecting them negatively. As a Licensed Recovery Counselor I offer individuals, couples and families help to develop plans for reaching their recovery goals and making positive changes in their lives. Addiction and Recovery Counseling is an opportunity for families to learn about addiction and the behaviors that go along with it. I help families understand what role they play in their loved ones addiction and recovery.
(408) 320-0867 View (408) 320-0867
Photo of Albert Balderas, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gilroy, CA
Albert Balderas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Gilroy, CA 95020
Hello and Welcome! My Name is Albert Balderas I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My goal is to foster a safe and compassionate space where together, we can identify alternative approaches to how you perceive, engage with, and overcome the obstacles that seem to hinder your pursuit of a fulfilling life. Through this collaborative journey, we will work towards empowering you with the tools and insights to lead the life you envision. I specialize working with College Students, young adults, and adults who are wanting to improve their mental health, overcome feelings of depression, anxiety, and mange life’s challenges.
Hello and Welcome! My Name is Albert Balderas I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My goal is to foster a safe and compassionate space where together, we can identify alternative approaches to how you perceive, engage with, and overcome the obstacles that seem to hinder your pursuit of a fulfilling life. Through this collaborative journey, we will work towards empowering you with the tools and insights to lead the life you envision. I specialize working with College Students, young adults, and adults who are wanting to improve their mental health, overcome feelings of depression, anxiety, and mange life’s challenges.
(951) 381-9269 View (951) 381-9269

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Nydia M Medina, Psychologist in Gilroy, CA
Nydia M Medina
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
As a therapist with over 22 years of experience, my style is an interactive one that focuses on providing support, understanding, and constructive feedback to my clients. My goal is to help my clients deal with the challenges and obstacles they encounter in their lives in a more positive and effective manner. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each individual. I help my clients explore and understand their issues, build on their strengths, and learn new, more effective coping skills. I really enjoy working with individuals and helping them achieve their goals. I am also fully bilingual/bicultural in Spanish.
As a therapist with over 22 years of experience, my style is an interactive one that focuses on providing support, understanding, and constructive feedback to my clients. My goal is to help my clients deal with the challenges and obstacles they encounter in their lives in a more positive and effective manner. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each individual. I help my clients explore and understand their issues, build on their strengths, and learn new, more effective coping skills. I really enjoy working with individuals and helping them achieve their goals. I am also fully bilingual/bicultural in Spanish.
(408) 703-5711 View (408) 703-5711
Photo of Carla G Wilson & Company in Gilroy, CA
Carla G Wilson & Company
PPSC, MHRS, MA, CMHRS
Verified Verified
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
I love watching people become themselves and believe in themselves. I love seeing families heal and the look of love and happiness in someone's eyes when they realize it will be ok. I will work with you on setting goals for your future; college, a new job, better health, relationships, whatever is important to you.
I love watching people become themselves and believe in themselves. I love seeing families heal and the look of love and happiness in someone's eyes when they realize it will be ok. I will work with you on setting goals for your future; college, a new job, better health, relationships, whatever is important to you.
(669) 219-8614 View (669) 219-8614

Online Therapists

Photo of Scott Henrywestwood Licensed, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Gilroy, CA
Scott Henrywestwood Licensed
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LAADC, NCAC-II, SAP, IS-E
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95126
Accepting New Clients - My goal is to provide clients with safe, effective, comprehensive, and life-changing counseling and intervention services. I use both time tested and cutting-edge methods to break the cycle of addiction and/or poor behaviors. I never suggest to a client to do something that I have not done. I assist the client to stay abstinent for the long-term, and I assist the client to restore relationships. I enjoy being able to guide a client through the changes they want to make on their life journey. I witness extraordinary miracles daily. I strive for a more affordable rate $90/session; Call direct 408 203 0964
Accepting New Clients - My goal is to provide clients with safe, effective, comprehensive, and life-changing counseling and intervention services. I use both time tested and cutting-edge methods to break the cycle of addiction and/or poor behaviors. I never suggest to a client to do something that I have not done. I assist the client to stay abstinent for the long-term, and I assist the client to restore relationships. I enjoy being able to guide a client through the changes they want to make on their life journey. I witness extraordinary miracles daily. I strive for a more affordable rate $90/session; Call direct 408 203 0964
(408) 409-8277 View (408) 409-8277
Photo of Karen J Benjamin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gilroy, CA
Karen J Benjamin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR-Tr
Verified Verified
Pinole, CA 94564
My treatment specialties and modalities include but are not limited to: client centered, psychoanalytical, systems, cognitive behavioral (CBT), solution focused and crisis intervention.
EMDR trained, culturally sensitive, clinically adept, provided in a warm, nurturing and safe environment for individuals to help facilitate their growth and development. My specialties are working with VOC, Addictions, Grief/Loss, Parent-Teen issues (Adolescents), Mood Disorders and Early on-set Psychosis Assessments. My philosophy is ..." While keeping your best interest in mind, I believe all individuals have the capacity to reach their "individual" full potential, live their lives to the fullest and maintain a healthy balance".
My treatment specialties and modalities include but are not limited to: client centered, psychoanalytical, systems, cognitive behavioral (CBT), solution focused and crisis intervention.
EMDR trained, culturally sensitive, clinically adept, provided in a warm, nurturing and safe environment for individuals to help facilitate their growth and development. My specialties are working with VOC, Addictions, Grief/Loss, Parent-Teen issues (Adolescents), Mood Disorders and Early on-set Psychosis Assessments. My philosophy is ..." While keeping your best interest in mind, I believe all individuals have the capacity to reach their "individual" full potential, live their lives to the fullest and maintain a healthy balance".
(510) 985-4799 View (510) 985-4799
Photo of Maria Galvan-Perry, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gilroy, CA
Maria Galvan-Perry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95125
Hi, I am Maria Galvan-Perry, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have experience working with most age groups from children to adults. My specialty areas include depression, mood disorders, anxiety, coping skills, grief & loss, relationship issues, and crisis intervention. My mission is to support my clients through their pain and discomfort and to help them grow towards achieving hope, insight, healing, and learning skills to cope with life's challenges. I appreciate working with all people and I have the most experience working with people with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relational issues.
Hi, I am Maria Galvan-Perry, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have experience working with most age groups from children to adults. My specialty areas include depression, mood disorders, anxiety, coping skills, grief & loss, relationship issues, and crisis intervention. My mission is to support my clients through their pain and discomfort and to help them grow towards achieving hope, insight, healing, and learning skills to cope with life's challenges. I appreciate working with all people and I have the most experience working with people with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relational issues.
(669) 338-1711 View (669) 338-1711
Photo of Patricia Pike CEO of CanAm Interventions, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Gilroy, CA
Patricia Pike CEO of CanAm Interventions
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LAADC, CADC II, CIP, NAID
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94903
C), Certified Intervention Professional (CIP), through the Pennsylvania Certification Board and Adult Instructor Diploma (AID).
Patricia M. Pike, CEO of CanAm Interventions, Certified Interventionist & Addiction Specialist, is a trained expert with over 25 years of professional experience in the field of behavioral heath treatment, specializing in addiction and alcoholism. Ms. Pike holds a master accredited certification in addiction studies, conducts successful interventions nationally and internationally. Patricia is a Licensed Advance Alcohol Drug Counselor (LAADC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-II), long standing member of the Canadian Addiction Counselor Association Federation, internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
C), Certified Intervention Professional (CIP), through the Pennsylvania Certification Board and Adult Instructor Diploma (AID).
Patricia M. Pike, CEO of CanAm Interventions, Certified Interventionist & Addiction Specialist, is a trained expert with over 25 years of professional experience in the field of behavioral heath treatment, specializing in addiction and alcoholism. Ms. Pike holds a master accredited certification in addiction studies, conducts successful interventions nationally and internationally. Patricia is a Licensed Advance Alcohol Drug Counselor (LAADC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-II), long standing member of the Canadian Addiction Counselor Association Federation, internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
(415) 578-6836 View (415) 578-6836
Photo of Jean L. Mirando, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gilroy, CA
Jean L. Mirando, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Vacaville, CA 95688  (Online Only)
I also provide Corporate Grief Counseling and Crisis Intervention for employees during times of Crisis or the Loss of a staff member, providing Support Services at the company's facility.
Video Visits and Phone Sessions Only, to California residents, adults and teens. 35 + years of Counseling experience with Adults, Couples, Adolescents and Children. Specializing in working with Parents with Strong Willed Children & Teens. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help reduce symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders. Working to foster Growth and Change from undesired patterns of thinking, and unhealthy Family or Relationship interactions, so that you can identify and work through the challenges you are experiencing. Visit my website at: jeanmirando.com
I also provide Corporate Grief Counseling and Crisis Intervention for employees during times of Crisis or the Loss of a staff member, providing Support Services at the company's facility.
Video Visits and Phone Sessions Only, to California residents, adults and teens. 35 + years of Counseling experience with Adults, Couples, Adolescents and Children. Specializing in working with Parents with Strong Willed Children & Teens. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help reduce symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders. Working to foster Growth and Change from undesired patterns of thinking, and unhealthy Family or Relationship interactions, so that you can identify and work through the challenges you are experiencing. Visit my website at: jeanmirando.com
(925) 308-9259 View (925) 308-9259
Photo of John Yoo, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gilroy, CA
John Yoo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Ramon, CA 94583
Reaching out for help can feel awkward and overwhelming, so finding the right therapist is crucial. My goal is to provide you the right support with curiosity, compassion, and skilled intervention. We will work collaboratively through a treatment plan while paying close attention to your unique personality, cultural background, and family context. Let's work together to address the concerns you bring to therapy that will help you achieve balance, emotional stabilization, and improved quality of life, with respect to your investment of time and financial resources.
Reaching out for help can feel awkward and overwhelming, so finding the right therapist is crucial. My goal is to provide you the right support with curiosity, compassion, and skilled intervention. We will work collaboratively through a treatment plan while paying close attention to your unique personality, cultural background, and family context. Let's work together to address the concerns you bring to therapy that will help you achieve balance, emotional stabilization, and improved quality of life, with respect to your investment of time and financial resources.
(925) 515-2571 View (925) 515-2571
Photo of Life Steps Consulting, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Gilroy, CA
Life Steps Consulting
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LAADC, ICADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elk Grove, CA 95758
I offer individual sessions, couples counseling, family counseling, substance abuse evaluations for family and legal courts, and intervention services.
Have you or a loved one struggled with alcohol or drug dependency? Allow me to help you on your journey to recovery. At Life Steps Consulting, we know that life is full of different transitions, which can be broken down into a series of steps. When you are struggling with substance abuse, movement through the transitional steps halts, causing you to fall into unhealthy life cycles, which impact your career goals, relationships, physical and mental health. I can help you get back on track. I not only have studied the disease of alcohol and drug addiction, but I have been there and I know how you feel.
I offer individual sessions, couples counseling, family counseling, substance abuse evaluations for family and legal courts, and intervention services.
Have you or a loved one struggled with alcohol or drug dependency? Allow me to help you on your journey to recovery. At Life Steps Consulting, we know that life is full of different transitions, which can be broken down into a series of steps. When you are struggling with substance abuse, movement through the transitional steps halts, causing you to fall into unhealthy life cycles, which impact your career goals, relationships, physical and mental health. I can help you get back on track. I not only have studied the disease of alcohol and drug addiction, but I have been there and I know how you feel.
(916) 545-9754 View (916) 545-9754
Photo of LaToya Braxton, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gilroy, CA
LaToya Braxton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MEd, EdS
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
What would it be like to be understood? No really?! The journey truly starts when we first seek to understand ourselves. Through personalized, identity affirming intervention and an unconditional judge-free zone, I implement healthy relationship building with each one of my clients first. As a result, trust can be established and influences you to be empowered yet vulnerable, ultimately leading to healthy behavior modification and a deeper awareness of how to thrive even through adversity.
What would it be like to be understood? No really?! The journey truly starts when we first seek to understand ourselves. Through personalized, identity affirming intervention and an unconditional judge-free zone, I implement healthy relationship building with each one of my clients first. As a result, trust can be established and influences you to be empowered yet vulnerable, ultimately leading to healthy behavior modification and a deeper awareness of how to thrive even through adversity.
(510) 380-7541 View (510) 380-7541
Photo of Emma Johnson (Deep Wellness Center), Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in Gilroy, CA
Emma Johnson (Deep Wellness Center)
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC, MS, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Modesto, CA 95356
I have a desire to develop a rewarding therapy experience that will enable me to provide individual and family therapy, crisis intervention services, psychological assessments and create effective treatment plans to help meet my client’s goals.
It’s important to be mindful of your mental health. If you are struggling with your emotions, I am here to help. My name is Emma Johnson, I am a bilingual Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing individual, adolescent and child therapy. I specialize in treating children and teens with issues related to stress, anxiety, family conflicts, blended family issues, self-esteem, depression, PTSD, ADHD and academic and school related problems. I work with parents to establish good parenting skills, communication, and conflict resolution to have a long-lasting relationship with their children.
I have a desire to develop a rewarding therapy experience that will enable me to provide individual and family therapy, crisis intervention services, psychological assessments and create effective treatment plans to help meet my client’s goals.
It’s important to be mindful of your mental health. If you are struggling with your emotions, I am here to help. My name is Emma Johnson, I am a bilingual Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing individual, adolescent and child therapy. I specialize in treating children and teens with issues related to stress, anxiety, family conflicts, blended family issues, self-esteem, depression, PTSD, ADHD and academic and school related problems. I work with parents to establish good parenting skills, communication, and conflict resolution to have a long-lasting relationship with their children.
(209) 370-1351 View (209) 370-1351
Photo of Jennifer Lara, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Gilroy, CA
Jennifer Lara
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
Burlingame, CA 94010
I practice each intervention through distinctive situations my clients may experience when living with trauma and mental health which can develop symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and co-occurring addictive disorders.
Childhood trauma can cripple us, it creates overpowering ‘intense’ emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger when left unattended which begins to create physical symptoms to defend our bodies from the internal wounds. Has there ever been a time in your life where you have experienced this reaction? Are you experiencing these feelings based on current or past trauma from childhood, early teens, adolescence, adulthood, or as a senior? I aim to utilize a variety of actionable techniques to help reduce trauma related symptoms and make lasting changes in life.
I practice each intervention through distinctive situations my clients may experience when living with trauma and mental health which can develop symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and co-occurring addictive disorders.
Childhood trauma can cripple us, it creates overpowering ‘intense’ emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger when left unattended which begins to create physical symptoms to defend our bodies from the internal wounds. Has there ever been a time in your life where you have experienced this reaction? Are you experiencing these feelings based on current or past trauma from childhood, early teens, adolescence, adulthood, or as a senior? I aim to utilize a variety of actionable techniques to help reduce trauma related symptoms and make lasting changes in life.
(669) 200-2652 View (669) 200-2652
Photo of Radha Richmond, Licensed Educational Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist in Gilroy, CA
Radha Richmond, Licensed Educational Psychologist
Licensed Educational Psychologist, MA, EdS, LEP
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
I'm a licensed educational psychologist specializing in assessment and intervention of psychological disorders impacting learning and school performance (e.g. dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, attention issues like ADD/ADHD, neurodevelopment disorders such as autism, and social-emotional disorders). I specialize in psycho-educational assessment focusing on discovering why educational difficulties are occurring and providing intervention recommendations. Families often come to me to discover why their child may be failing in school, or has lost motivation to do their best, or is having behavioral/attention challenges, or when homework takes a long time and/or is a battle (among other reasons).
I'm a licensed educational psychologist specializing in assessment and intervention of psychological disorders impacting learning and school performance (e.g. dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, attention issues like ADD/ADHD, neurodevelopment disorders such as autism, and social-emotional disorders). I specialize in psycho-educational assessment focusing on discovering why educational difficulties are occurring and providing intervention recommendations. Families often come to me to discover why their child may be failing in school, or has lost motivation to do their best, or is having behavioral/attention challenges, or when homework takes a long time and/or is a battle (among other reasons).
(510) 592-4419 View (510) 592-4419
Photo of Jennifer Lara, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Gilroy, CA
Jennifer Lara
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
I practice each intervention through distinctive situations my clients may experience when living with trauma and mental health which can develop symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and co-occurring addictive disorders.
Childhood trauma can cripple us, it creates overpowering ‘intense’ emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger when left unattended which begins to create physical symptoms to defend our bodies from the internal wounds. Has there ever been a time in your life where you have experienced this reaction? Are you experiencing these feelings based on current or past trauma from childhood, early teens, adolescence, adulthood, or as a senior? I aim to utilize a variety of actionable techniques to help reduce trauma related symptoms and make lasting changes in life.
I practice each intervention through distinctive situations my clients may experience when living with trauma and mental health which can develop symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and co-occurring addictive disorders.
Childhood trauma can cripple us, it creates overpowering ‘intense’ emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger when left unattended which begins to create physical symptoms to defend our bodies from the internal wounds. Has there ever been a time in your life where you have experienced this reaction? Are you experiencing these feelings based on current or past trauma from childhood, early teens, adolescence, adulthood, or as a senior? I aim to utilize a variety of actionable techniques to help reduce trauma related symptoms and make lasting changes in life.
(408) 214-6772 View (408) 214-6772
Photo of Jose Guadalupe Hurtado, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gilroy, CA
Jose Guadalupe Hurtado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Are you experiencing depression, anger, anxiety issues? I am a Spanish speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years experience of working with adults, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma, abuse, and crime victimization. I am experienced in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, individual, and family therapy. I support families with gang membership issues and individuals out of the prison system; including abused, neglected and trauma or community violence impacted families. I have worked with anxiety, depression, individuals with suicide attempts, addiction and DUI issues. Mondays and Saturdays
Are you experiencing depression, anger, anxiety issues? I am a Spanish speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years experience of working with adults, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma, abuse, and crime victimization. I am experienced in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, individual, and family therapy. I support families with gang membership issues and individuals out of the prison system; including abused, neglected and trauma or community violence impacted families. I have worked with anxiety, depression, individuals with suicide attempts, addiction and DUI issues. Mondays and Saturdays
(831) 534-9295 View (831) 534-9295
Photo of Laura Melgosa, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gilroy, CA
Laura Melgosa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Ramon, CA 94583
For close to 30 years, I have provided psychotherapy and counseling within a variety of settings to clients struggling with various life challenges. I have successfully treated clients both in short-term and long-term therapy. In addition to providing individual and family therapy, my special interests and extensive experience involves working with teenagers and couples. I have substantial experience with crisis intervention/prevention issues including: depression & suicide, grief & loss, infidelity, child abuse, domestic violence, and substance abuse/dependency.
For close to 30 years, I have provided psychotherapy and counseling within a variety of settings to clients struggling with various life challenges. I have successfully treated clients both in short-term and long-term therapy. In addition to providing individual and family therapy, my special interests and extensive experience involves working with teenagers and couples. I have substantial experience with crisis intervention/prevention issues including: depression & suicide, grief & loss, infidelity, child abuse, domestic violence, and substance abuse/dependency.
(925) 273-7293 View (925) 273-7293
Intervention Therapists

How does an intervention work?

An intervention is a planned, structured meeting in which a person’s family or friends voice concerns about the person’s behavior and its consequences; the goal is for the person to accept treatment. In this meeting, the person’s loved ones (often with the guidance of a trained interventionist) share how the person’s behavior has harmed them and the consequences if the person refuses treatment. They collectively ask the person to accept a proposed treatment plan.

How effective are interventions?

There isn’t extensive research on the efficacy of interventions, in part because success is difficult to measure. Individuals often enter addiction treatment after an intervention, for example, but treatment itself may not work, especially if the person only begins due to external pressure from others rather than due to internal motivation to change. However, if all other attempts at helping someone have failed, an intervention may be worth exploring.

What are the limitations of interventions?

While a friend or family member’s intentions are in the right place in wanting to help a loved one through an intervention, there are significant limitations to the approach. The surprising nature of the event can make the person feel ambushed or judged. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed as a result, and relationships may be strained or broken. This can make it difficult for the individual to be receptive to the concerns of their loved ones and the interventionist.

Are there alternatives to interventions?

Rather than confronting a loved one through an intervention, an effective and less pressured approach is to create space for a caring, open, one-on-one conversation. This works best if the loved one asks open-ended questions, listens attentively to the answers, and frames their observations and statements with concern rather than judgment. More than one conversation may be needed, but change can take root over time.