Addiction Counseling & Therapy

I’m Chad Kirkland, a Licensed CADC serving Reno, Nevada. I’ve spent 5+ years working with individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring concerns. I’m a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Supervisor (CADC-S), Nevada License #06847-C, and Supervisor of Alcohol and Drug Counselor Interns, Nevada License #08159-S, through the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Counselors.

If you’re reaching out for therapy, you may be carrying a mix of pressure and hope — pressure to “fix it,” and hope that things can feel manageable again. My job is to create a steady, non-judgmental space to understand what’s happening, reduce risk, and build skills that hold up in the real world. This is general information; specific needs and safety concerns should be discussed with a qualified professional.

What Addiction Counseling & Therapy Is (and Who It Helps)

Addiction counseling helps people understand substance use patterns and build change that lasts — whether that means abstinence, a harm-reduction pathway, or stabilizing after a relapse. I use evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing and a Stages of Change framework, and I draw on the ASAM Criteria and DSM-5-TR substance use disorder criteria to understand severity, risks, and level-of-care needs.

Counseling also supports the “whole picture,” including co-occurring concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma stress, sleep disruption, or relationship strain. SAMHSA recovery principles guide the tone: person-centered care, respect, and practical supports. Our work is aligned with IC&RC-aligned practice standards so the process stays structured and clinically grounded.

• Early concerns: When you’re noticing increased use, cravings, or loss of control.
• After a relapse: To stabilize quickly and build a plan that addresses triggers and supports.
• Co-occurring stress: When anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma stress is linked to use.
• Family impact: When trust, communication, or boundaries need support alongside recovery.

What to Expect in Your First Counseling Session

The first session is about understanding what you’re dealing with and what “better” looks like for you. We’ll discuss current use patterns, what’s been changing recently, stressors, sleep, relationships, work, and what supports you already have. I’ll ask structured questions and may use brief screening tools to clarify risk and needs in a way that’s consistent and clinically defensible.

Practical Note (Reno): If you’re coming in from Midtown or Sparks, build in time for parking and winter weather. If mornings are hard, consider an afternoon slot — consistency matters more than “perfect” scheduling.

Immediate 5 Questions People Ask About Addiction Counseling

Do I have to be sober before starting therapy?

No. Many people start counseling while they’re still using, especially if the goal is stabilization and harm reduction. We’ll focus on safety, patterns, and practical steps you can take right away. If withdrawal risk may be present, we’ll prioritize medical evaluation and coordinated support. The point is to begin with what’s possible today.

How often should I come in at the beginning?

Frequency depends on risk level, stress load, and what you’re trying to change. Many people benefit from weekly sessions early on to build momentum and skills, then taper as stability improves. If you’re balancing work and family in Reno or commuting from Sparks, we’ll plan something sustainable rather than idealistic.

What approaches do you use in addiction counseling?

I use Motivational Interviewing to strengthen your own reasons for change and reduce shame-driven cycles. I also use Stages of Change to match the plan to your readiness, and I reference ASAM Criteria and DSM-5-TR concepts to clarify risk and level-of-care needs. The tone stays collaborative, structured, and practical.

Can counseling help if I’m also dealing with anxiety or depression?

Yes. Co-occurring concerns are common, and we address both the substance use pattern and the stress system underneath it. That may include coping skills, sleep support, emotion regulation, and communication strategies, alongside recovery planning. If symptoms suggest a medical or psychiatric evaluation is needed, I’ll recommend a coordinated referral.

How will my privacy be protected?

Confidentiality standards may apply, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 where appropriate. We use clear consent and release forms so you understand what is shared, with whom, and why. If you’re contacting us online, do not include sensitive medical or legal details in web forms.

What Progress Can Look Like (Without Hype)

Progress in counseling is often quieter than people expect. It can look like fewer high-risk moments, better sleep, more honest conversations, or a plan for what to do when cravings hit. We track what works, adjust what doesn’t, and keep the focus on safety, functioning, and stability — not perfection.

If you’ve tried to change before, we don’t treat that as failure — we treat it as data. We identify what helped, what got in the way, and what supports were missing. In Washoe County, that may include referral coordination for higher levels of care, group supports, medical follow-up, or family sessions, depending on your needs and goals.

Local Trust & Next Steps for Counseling in Reno

If discretion matters — for your family, your job, or your peace of mind — we keep the process calm and respectful. Confidentiality standards may apply, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 where appropriate, and we’ll explain consent and releases in plain language. Do not include sensitive medical or legal details in web forms.

• Scheduling: Choose a time you can keep consistently; we can adjust frequency as stability improves.
• What to bring: Photo ID and any referral paperwork if a court, program, or provider requested counseling.
• Referral coordination: With consent, we can coordinate next steps (medical evaluation, groups, or higher levels of care) when needed.