Asking for help takes strength.
Addiction is a brain condition with real causes and real treatments. Whether you're dealing with alcohol, substances, gambling, internet use, sex addiction, video gaming, or other addictive disorders you can't seem to break. I offer compassionate, professional addiction therapy in Caldwell, NJ to help you find a way forward.
Schedule a Free ConsultationThis could be rock bottom for you.
One of the biggest barriers to people getting help with addiction is the belief that their problem isn’t bad enough to need help. That their drinking isn't that bad, or that plenty of people do what they do. I've heard this from people who’ve tried again and again to control it on their own.
I work with people dealing with substance use disorders, alcohol addiction, and a full range of addictive disorders — including behavioral addictions like gambling, internet use, sex addiction, video games, and other compulsive patterns that have started to take a real toll on your life and relationships. Addictive disorders are recognized clinical conditions, not character flaws. My approach is outpatient, practical, and nonjudgmental. I'm not here to tell you what to do. I'm here to help you figure out why the pattern keeps repeating and what to do about it.
If something is costing you in your relationships, your work, or you’re simply spending way too much time on it, that's enough reason to reach out.
Types of addiction I work with
Substance & Alcohol
Addictive Disorders & Behavioral Addictions
Currently accepting new clients in Caldwell, NJ & throughout Essex County
Americans will struggle with a substance use disorder at some point in their lives, yet fewer than 1 in 10 will ever receive treatment. If you're here, you're already ahead of that curve.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)What addiction actually is — and isn't.
Most people come to me with a lot of shame around their addiction. Part of what I do early on is help reframe what is actually happening. Not to let people off the hook, but because understanding addiction accurately is the first step to treating it effectively.
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Caldwell, NJ, with specialized training in addiction counseling (CCS — Certified Clinical Supervisor). I've worked with people across a wide range of addictive patterns, from alcohol and substances to behavioral compulsions, and I bring the same nonjudgmental, practical approach to all of it.
My work with addiction is connected to the whole picture: reducing the behavior, treating the anxiety underneath, and healing the relationships. I'm not just trying to stop a behavior, I'm helping you build a life that doesn't need it.
I'm currently accepting new clients and offer a free 20-minute consultation to start.
How I treat addiction in Caldwell, NJ
My approach to addiction therapy is outpatient, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based methods. I draw on Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and relapse prevention strategies, but always within the context of who you are and what you're actually dealing with.
- Understanding the function — What is the addiction doing for you? What need is it meeting? You’ll need new, healthier ways to address those needs.
- Building genuine motivation and hope — Through Motivational Interviewing, I help you find your resolve to get unstuck.
- Practical relapse prevention — Identifying triggers, high-risk situations, and building concrete strategies to respond differently.
- Treating co-occurring issues — Anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.
- Defining your own recovery — Whether that's abstinence, harm reduction, or meaningful pattern change, we set goals that make sense for your life.
- Local and accessible — In-person in Caldwell, NJ or telehealth throughout Essex County and all of New Jersey, including West Caldwell, Verona, Montclair, Livingston, and Roseland.
Currently accepting new clients · Caldwell, NJ & Essex County
"I'm not here to judge how you got here. I'm here to help you figure out where you want to go, and to walk that path with you in a real, practical way."— Chris Tomkins, LPC NCC ACS CCS · Caldwell, NJ
Addiction therapy — your questions answered
Do I have to be at rock bottom to start addiction therapy?
Not at all. I'd rather you didn't wait that long. People who seek help before things reach a crisis point often have more resources, more motivation, and more to work with. If a pattern is affecting your relationships, your work, or your sense of self, that's enough reason to reach out.
Is addiction therapy only for people with severe substance problems?
No. I work with people across the full spectrum. From those managing a daily habit that's quietly gotten out of hand, to people with more severe substance use disorders, to those dealing with behavioral addictions like gambling, pornography, or compulsive overwork. If something has taken on a life of its own and you can't seem to stop on your own, therapy can help.
What's your approach & do you require abstinence?
I don't impose a single definition of recovery. For some people abstinence is the right goal; for others it's harm reduction or meaningful pattern change. My job is to help you define what recovery means for your life and to support you in getting there — not to assign you a template. We'll figure that out together early in our work.
What if I've tried to stop before and failed?
"Failed" attempts are data. They tell us something about what hasn't worked, what triggers are hardest to manage, and what’s holding you back. Most people who ultimately achieve meaningful recovery have tried and struggled before.
Will you judge me for what I've done?
No. I've dedicated my career to working with people across the entire spectrum of addiction and mental health. Shame is one of the biggest barriers to recovery. I'm here to help heal it, not add to it.
How does addiction therapy work alongside other issues like anxiety or depression?
Usually the addiction is an attempt to manage the anxiety or depression. People need new ways to manage their mental health without relying on the substance or behavior.
Do you offer telehealth for addiction therapy in NJ?
Yes. All my services are available via secure telehealth to anyone in New Jersey. Many clients find telehealth particularly valuable for addiction work because it removes barriers like transportation, scheduling, and the visibility of walking into an office. If you're in Essex County or anywhere in NJ, we can work together remotely.
Do you take insurance for addiction therapy?
I'm an out-of-network provider, which means I don't bill insurance directly. After each session I provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many clients receive partial reimbursement through their out-of-network mental health benefits. HSA and FSA accounts are also accepted. Individual sessions are $225 (45 min).
Explore other therapy services
Reaching out is the hardest part.
I'll take it from there.
I'm currently accepting new clients in Caldwell, NJ and throughout Essex County. The first step is a free 20-minute consultation — no judgment, no pressure, just a conversation to see if I'm the right fit for you.
Schedule a Free Consultation12 Smull Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006 · 973-500-8892 · Essex County, NJ