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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Pasadena, CA


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Pasadena, CA
Pasadena residents dealing with substance dependence, nicotine addiction, or compulsive behaviors can find compassionate, solution-oriented providers on Headway. Our network specializes in withdrawal management, cravings support, and evidence-based modalities to help you achieve lasting recovery and stability.
I’m here to make this journey feel gentle, welcoming, and human. I keep things clear and simple so you can focus on what matters, not the overwhelm. My style is warm, encouraging, and a little poetic—because softness helps us breathe. Let’s take this step together, one calm moment at a time.
Life can feel overwhelming when you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. You may feel stuck in patterns that are hard to break or unsure how to move forward. Therapy can be a space where you begin to understand what’s been holding you back and start creating meaningful change.
I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist with experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. My work focuses on helping you build emotional awareness, improve communication, and develop healthier patterns so you can feel more balanced and fulfilled in your life. Clients should expect to feel heard and supported throughout our time together. I want my clients to feel safe and empowered during their time with me, and I feel privileged to help my clients achieve their goals and improve their lives.
Hi, I’m Amaris, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes healing happens best in a space where you feel safe, understood, and never judged.
I work with children, teens, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, emotional overwhelm, grief, and major life transitions. Whether your child is having big feelings they don’t know how to manage, you’re feeling stuck in patterns that don’t serve you, or your family is walking through the heartbreak of dementia or loss, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
My style is supportive, down-to-earth, and collaborative. Therapy with me isn’t about “fixing” you, it’s about helping you understand yourself, build practical tools, and feel more confident handling life’s challenges. I blend evidence-based approaches with compassion, creativity, and sometimes even humor, because growth doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time.
Parents appreciate that I help kids build emotional regulation skills in ways that make sense to them, and I make sure caregivers feel supported too. Adults often come to me when anxiety, emotional ups and downs, or grief feel overwhelming. I also have a special place in my heart for working with older adults and families facing Alzheimer’s, dementia, and end-of-life changes.
At the core of my work is this belief:
You are not broken, you’re human, and you’re capable of growth.
If you’re ready for a space where you can show up exactly as you are, we’ll work at your pace, together.
I can understand first-hand how difficult it can be to reach out for help for the first time. I believe in the importance of "practicing what you preach" and I have been the client in the room who needs extra support. I invite you to give yourself a chance, try something new, and gain a healthy perspective on how to address complicated moments in your life.
Greetings,
My name is Christopher M Grasso, LPCC and I am a psychotherapist and professional clinical counselor. I have a Master of Arts Degree in Addiction studies with Integrated Recovery for Cooccurring Disorders and hold the professional license of LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor). I have 7 years experience as a LAADC (Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) in a residential recovery environment, and more than 2 years as an LPCC. I have been conducting one on one and group therapy, both in-person and remote, for the last 8 years and my specialized areas of treatment include:
· Addiction Related Behaviors
· Substance Abuse
· Trauma
· PTSD
· Depression
· General Anxiety
· Performance Anxiety
· Life Transitions
· And Grief & Loss
My goal is to be your partner in finding the change you desire.
I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.
My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.
I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.
What clients should know before starting
Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.
If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.
Frequently asked questions


Find the right addiction counselor for you
Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Therapist in Pasadena
Searching for addiction therapists in Pasadena starts with finding someone whose experience matches the type of support you want. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, substance use, nicotine dependence, gambling, compulsive behaviors, and related concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship stress. As you compare therapists, look for listed specialties and approaches that fit your needs, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, harm reduction, or coordination with a prescriber when medication management may be part of your care team.
Pasadena has a smaller local therapy market than nearby Los Angeles, so virtual appointments can expand your options while still keeping care accessible from home. You may want an in-person therapist near Old Pasadena, Playhouse Village, South Lake, or another nearby area, or you may prefer virtual sessions that fit around work, school, or caregiving schedules. Recovery can change over time, so it helps to look for a therapist who describes a non-judgmental style and experience with harm reduction, relapse prevention, or long-term support. Reading therapist bios can help you compare approach, communication style, availability, and whether a free phone consultation is offered before you book.
Therapy in Pasadena can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to lower out-of-pocket session costs and make ongoing care easier to plan for. Headway helps you find addiction therapists, check your coverage and estimated costs for your specific plan before booking, and book directly with therapists who are accepting new patients. You can browse therapists, review bios, and choose a time when you’re ready.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
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