Substance Use and Addictive Disorders: The Treatment Team’s Perspective
The clinical team at The Family Recovery Institute (FRI) in San Rafael, California, understands that recovery from substance use disorders can be readily attained. That’s why we offer targeted substance abuse counseling, individual, group, and family therapy designed to meet people experiencing substance use disorders and addiction exactly where they are in their journey toward healing. Whether someone is dealing with early-stage misuse or seeking to establish stability following intensive hospital or residential care, outpatient therapy provides structure, support, and skill development without uprooting daily life.
Why Individual Outpatient Therapy?
1. Personalized Treatment
Unlike group-based programs, individual therapy is fully tailored to each person’s needs and situation. Sessions at The Family Recovery Institute provide a confidential, judgment-free environment to explore underlying dynamics and develop healthier coping strategies. Our deeply experienced clinicians work closely with our clients to set measurable recovery goals—whether that’s reducing substance use, building emotional awareness, repairing relationships, better managing stress, or all of those.
2. Flexibility & Convenience
Outpatient therapy respects the hold of everyday commitments—work, school, family, and social connections. Clients can maintain routines while engaging in weekly or biweekly sessions that strengthen recovery skills. This continuity encourages real-world application of skills acquired at FRI, helping clients practice boundaries, communication, and self-care in day-to-day life.
3. Appropriate for Mild to Moderate Substance Use
Individual outpatient therapy offered at The Family Recovery Institute is designed for those whose substance use is causing concern, but who aren’t in immediate physical withdrawal, at risk of medical complication, or needing a residential level of 24/7 supervised care. People who have stable living environments and supportive networks—and who are motivated to change—thrive in our setting. It’s also an effective option when stepping down from residential treatment, allowing for continued professional support during the transition home.
4. Focus on Skills & Long-Term Well‑Being
Therapists in outpatient care emphasize evidence-based approaches—cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational enhancement, relapse prevention, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. Clients learn to identify triggers, understand thought patterns, navigate cravings, manage stress, and sustain progress over time. This isn’t just about stopping use—it’s about building a rewarding, resilient life in recovery.
Our Clinicians’ Views of Substance Use Disorders and Their Treatment
Our clinical team, overseen by FRI founder Dr. Kenneth Perlmutter, blends compassion, expertise, and dedication. These clinicians deliver individualized outpatient care that empowers and heals. Each has considerable experience guiding clients through recovery from substance use disorders.
Kenneth Perlmutter, PhD
Dr. Perlmutter founded The Family Recovery Institute in 2008 to provide multi-disciplinary treatment for individuals and families including dynamic therapy, family systems work, group therapies, healing workshops and clinician training. He has pioneered and validated a theory of family systems woundedness with a corresponding recovery model he calls Stress-Induced Impaired Coping. He is also the author of Freedom from Family Dysfunction: A Guide for Families Battling Addiction or Mental Illness. published in 2019 and 2022. Read the intro to learn more about his addiction experiences at both the personal and family level.
Dylan Kersh, MFT
With a warm, empathic presence, Dylan approaches substance use therapy through the lens of systems and trauma. He recognizes how family dynamics, cultural forces, and early experiences shape substance use patterns. In individual outpatient sessions, Dylan helps clients understand these influences and develop tools to rewrite their stories. Whether guiding someone in emotion regulation or navigating relational repair, he ensures they leave therapy feeling understood and capable of transformation.
Dylan’s perspective: “Addiction is all about self-soothing and trying to fill a hole inside of a person with things from the outside (drugs, alcohol, problematic behaviors). Recovery is about helping a person to fill that hole by learning to soothe themselves from within, through bonding with a loving community, via spirituality, and with activities that bring them joy. I strive to help clients build this full life so they don’t ever need to go back to their old ways of self-soothing.”
Jacqueline Perlmutter, RAS, DASD, Addiction Specialist
Jacqueline brings a strength-based, collaborative style to her work. She deeply values partnership—viewing every client as the expert in their life. Utilizing evidence-based tools like CBT and motivational interviewing, Jacqueline supports individuals in clarifying values and living with intention. Her approach is gentle but powerful: clients gain insight into subconscious beliefs and learn to create sustainable habits that align with their goals.
Kevin Lecy, PsyD
Kevin’s calm presence and exceptional listening skills make him a provider clients trust. He blends cognitive behavioral therapy with motivational enhancement methods, spotlighting strengths and cultivating motivation. Whether warding off relapse or repairing scattered routines, Kevin meets clients wherever they are—resisting judgment and encouraging steady growth. His clients appreciate his steady optimism and structured support.
Jessica Parr, PhD, AMFT
In her role as both clinician and recovery coach, Jessica offers practical and lived-experience-informed guidance. Her approach integrates clinical techniques with real-life wisdom: how to deal with cravings at work, repair strained relationships, or cope with emotional overwhelm. Jessica’s coaching style is hands-on and compassionate, inspiring clients to try new behaviors and acknowledge successes. With Jessica’s support, outpatient clients often make meaningful strides in mindfulness, communication, and emotional resilience.
Jess’ perspective: “I believe that healing happens in relationship- through our therapeutic relationship, supporting you in creating authentic connections, and supporting you in strengthening your self-esteem and relationship to yourself, we can transform your life so that rather than operating from patterns of dependence, obsession, and addiction, you are operating from mindfulness, value-alignment, and, connection.”
Daniel Cobar, AMFT
Daniel runs the FRI Young Adult Men's group and has a particular expertise in this area. Clients appreciate his warmth, genuine curiosity, and grounded nature as well as his openness to the many ways people express themselves in relationships and in society.
Who Should Consider Outpatient Therapy?
Individual outpatient therapy at FRI is a great fit for adults who:
Use substances in a way that creates problems—or parental concerns—but who are not suffering from complex medical risks
Have consistent access to a safe living situation
Can regularly attend sessions (weekly, biweekly, or more as indicated)
Are motivated to reduce use, build coping skills, improve emotional health, and strengthen relationships
May have already completed or are considering entering detox or a residential program and now seek therapeutic support to maintain gains or make the move to a higher level of care
What to Expect in Sessions
Clients in individual therapy for substance use disorder begin with a comprehensive assessment. This holistic evaluation covers substance use history, mental health, social environment, and physical well‑being. From there, the clinician partners with the client to set goals—whether that means abstinence, moderation, relationship repair, or stress management.
Sessions are interactive and practical. Between learning about triggers and thought patterns in CBT, attending to personal values and internal motivation, strengthening emotional awareness, or practicing mindfulness, clients may leave with “homework” that reinforces progress.
Clinicians periodically check in on trends and shifts, adjusting treatment plans as needs evolve. Review milestones—for example, a month of reduced use or a tension-free conversation with a loved one—are celebrated and affirmed.
The Distinctive Advantage of Therapy at FRI
What sets FRI’s outpatient therapy for substance use disorders apart is the blend of clinical expertise, lived-experience insight, and our unwavering belief in the individual. Our clinicians—Dylan, Jacqueline, Kevin, Jessica, and Daniel—capture this synergy. Each brings their own strengths: This multidisciplinary approach means clients don’t just stop using—they learn resilience, communication, and self-compassion. Over time, they step into a new reality: one where substance use no longer defines identity or limits possibility.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're ready to explore how individual outpatient therapy can support recovery and overall well-being—whether you're in early use concerns or transitioning from higher levels of care—we’re here to help. To learn more or schedule an intake in San Rafael, contact the Family Recovery Institute today. Together, we’ll build a plan as unique as you are—and map a course toward lasting change.
At FRI, we believe everyone deserves a personalized path to health. Outpatient therapy delivers that with dignity, focus, and purpose. Reach out today, and start your next chapter with support, skill, and community. Call today. 415-322-0939.