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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Tacoma, WA


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Tacoma, WA
Tacoma's addiction recovery community benefits from Headway's extensive provider network offering specialized support for Substance Use Disorder, nicotine dependence, gambling, and behavioral addictions. Access treatment modalities including DBT skills, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and medication management to support your recovery goals.
I'm Melody Claiborne, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed in Washington and California. I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, and depression, offering thorough diagnostic evaluations and personalized medication management for adults. I believe in care that sees the whole person — not just a diagnosis. Having witnessed patients go unheard during their most vulnerable moments, I built my practice around genuine advocacy and connection. I work at your pace, in a safe and supportive environment where your concerns are fully heard and your goals guide your treatment.
I’m from the PNW like sunshine, summer bbq, chasing waterfalls, mariners games and growing my garden and winter seasons. I love a good novella good food and family time.
I’m a licensed therapist with over nine years of experience working in mental health, including inpatient, crisis, and community-based settings. I have a strong background in supporting individuals who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, psychosis, and substance use challenges.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with 18 years of experience in general health and 7 years of mental health. I diagnose and treat mental disorders with a sense of comfort and trust. My practice combines the best of psychiatric services with focus on the best treatment plan for your general well-being.
I’m a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with clients across the lifespan. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Arizona and have experience caring for individuals in outpatient, intensive outpatient, and higher-acuity mental health settings. My background includes treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related concerns, OCD, mood disorders, and substance use. I take a thoughtful, practical, and individualized approach to care, with the goal of helping clients feel understood, safe, supported, and comfortable being honest when feeling emotionally vulnerable.
Dr. Chika Galega-Sabum, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner currently accepting patients aged 5 and older. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Cincinnati and has a background in psychology. Dr. Galega-Sabum specializes in Medication Management, Psychiatric Evaluations, Psychotherapy, Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Trauma, Substance Use Disorders, Alcohol Dependency, Grief, Eating Disorders, and Survivors of Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Abuse and more. She takes a holistic, evidence-based approach, addressing both symptoms and underlying causes of mental health and substance use concerns. Committed to personalized, patient-centered care, she works closely with individuals to develop treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and lifestyles. Passionate about mental health and addiction recovery, Dr. Galega-Sabum is dedicated to empowering individuals on their path to wellness and healing.
As a dually certified provider, I offer a unique blend of clinical precision and compassionate, holistic care for both the body and soul. My journey began in 1995 as a nurse, followed by earning my medical degree in 2002 and completing a residency in General Pathology in Postgraduate Education Academy, Kharkov, Ukraine, which provided me with a profound understanding of the biological foundations of health. In 2006, I met my future husband and moved to the United States.
In the United States, I advanced my nursing career, working as a Registered Nurse and becoming a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in 2019. During this time, I managed complex primary care and detoxification protocols for adults and adolescents in behavioral health inpatient settings. In 2024, I achieved my Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
Looking for one-stop shopping? Meds and therapy together - I do both. Guaranteed intake appointment within 2 days! Evening and weekend hours available. A provider you can reach directly, by text. Personal responses to all messages within 24 - 48 hours, always.
Thanks for reading this. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who works with clients ages 6 to 86 struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse and other issues. For some clients, I provide both therapy and medication management; for other clients, I work closely with their therapists to optimize their medication experience. I help clients to find stability and reduce suffering. LGBTQ-allied, polyamory-informed. All lifestyles welcome.
Depression and anxiety can be logical responses to difficult life events. Many adults who experienced losses and traumas in childhood have never processed these events and continue to suffer their impacts.
Therapy should help you identify the ways you hold yourself back from greater peace and success. We all pick up dysfunctional patterns along the way and need help to identify and change them. I would like to help you in this process.
As a holistic dual board certified mental health and family nurse practitioner, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step!
As your Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I want you to know that I am here for you every step of the way. You can trust that I am fully committed to your well-being and dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care.
Something positive, warm, and uplifting about me as your PMHNP is that I genuinely believe in your strength and resilience. I see your potential for growth and healing, even during the toughest of times. Together, we'll navigate through the challenges.
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 Tacoma
Finding addiction therapists in Tacoma starts with knowing what kind of support fits your needs. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, drug use, nicotine use, gambling, and other behavioral concerns. Some therapists focus on approaches like motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, harm reduction, or relapse prevention planning. Some people also work with a prescriber as part of their care team, so it helps to look for a therapist whose listed specialties match the type of care you want.
Tacoma has a range of local mental health care options, including therapists near downtown, North End, South Tacoma, and nearby Pierce County communities. Depending on your schedule and transportation needs, you may prefer an in-person office visit or a virtual appointment. Recovery can shift over time, so a good fit may include a therapist who offers flexible availability, uses a non-judgmental approach, and has experience with harm reduction frameworks. Reading therapist bios can help you see how they describe addiction care, their communication style, and whether they offer a free phone consultation before booking.
Therapy in Tacoma can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and see what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you find addiction therapists who accept a wide range of insurance plans, many of whom are accepting new patients, and offer upfront cost estimates after you enter your insurance details. You can compare therapists, review their profiles, and book directly 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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