How to Treat Mild-to-Moderate Substance Use and Other Addictive Disorders Through Individual Therapy
From the Team at The Family Recovery Institute, San Rafael, CA
At The Family Recovery Institute (FRI), we understand that not every struggle with addiction requires an intensive outpatient or residential level of treatment. For many individuals dealing with mild-to-moderate substance use or behavioral addictions, personalized, one-on-one therapy can be an effective and empowering path to recovery. Individual therapy offers a flexible, targeted, and deeply supportive approach, especially for those seeking help while continuing to meet the demands of daily life and honor the responsibilities of work, school, or caring for a family.
Understanding Individual Therapy for Addiction?
Individual therapy for substance use and other addictive behaviors focuses on personalized support from a licensed mental health or addiction professional. Sessions are typically held weekly or bi-weekly and are tailored to each person’s unique needs, history, and goals. At FRI, our team of highly trained clinicians takes a holistic, evidence-based approach that integrates modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed care to address not only the addictive behaviors but the underlying issues that contribute to them. The role of the family or “family system” in treatment recovery is also significantly considered.
This level of care is best suited for individuals who are:
Beginning to notice problematic patterns with alcohol, drugs, gambling, or compulsive behaviors
Highly motivated to change and open to self-reflection
Functioning well in other areas of life (e.g., maintaining employment or school, supportive relationships, and housing)
Not in immediate danger of withdrawal or experiencing acute mental health symptoms
Individual therapy at FRI is especially effective for those seeking discretion, personal attention, and a customized treatment plan. It provides the opportunity to develop healthier coping skills, identify triggers, and work through emotional or relational challenges—all within a confidential and supportive therapeutic relationship with one of our PhD-level therapists.
How Individual Therapy at FRI Differs from an Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
While both individual therapy and IOP aim to help individuals recover from substance use and addictive behaviors, they differ significantly in terms of structure, intensity, and time commitment.
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) typically involves 9-15 hours of group and individual therapy per week and is designed for individuals who need more structure and support but do not require 24-hour supervision. An IOP may offer relapse prevention groups, psychoeducation programming, family therapy (offered at FRI), and psychiatric support.
In contrast, individual therapy at FRI offers:
One-on-one attention with a dedicated therapist
Greater scheduling flexibility
A less time-intensive commitment, often once per week
While FRI offers Group Sessions, Individual Therapy provides privacy and personalization, allowing for deeper exploration of issues not always addressed in group settings.
For those with mild-to-moderate symptoms who are functioning relatively well and do not require the intensity of an IOP, individual therapy provides the autonomy and intimacy needed to make meaningful changes at one’s own pace.
When to Consider a Higher Level of Care
While individual therapy can be highly effective, it’s not perfect for everyone. Some signs that a higher level of care—such as IOP or residential treatment (neither offered at FRI)—may be appropriate and include:
Frequent relapses despite ongoing treatment
Difficulty maintaining daily responsibilities
Physical dependence requiring detox
Co-occurring mental health disorders that are destabilizing or untreated
Limited social support or a high-risk home environment
Self-harming behaviors or suicide attempts (beyond suicidal thoughts)
Tendency toward violent outbursts
At FRI, we conduct comprehensive assessments to determine the most appropriate level of care. If we determine that IOP or residential care is necessary, we’ll provide trusted referrals and guide clients through the transition with compassion and continuity.
Our Expert Clinicians Make the Difference
What sets the Family Recovery Institute apart is the caliber and compassion of our clinicians. Each member of our team brings advanced training and years of experience in treating substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. They include:
Licensed Clinical Psychologists and Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) who bring depth in addressing both individual and relational aspects of addiction
Certified Addiction Counselors who provide practical tools and strategies grounded in the latest recovery models
Trauma specialists who help clients work through unresolved trauma that often fuels addictive behavior
Mindfulness and somatic practitioners support nervous system regulation, an essential component of sustainable recovery
Our Team includes:
Kenneth Perlmutter, Ph.D.
Founder & Family Systems Psychologist – Licensed psychologist with 30+ years in family systems and complex disorders. Developed the Stress-Induced Impaired Coping (SIIC) model and has led family programs nationally. Author of Freedom from Family Dysfunction.
Jesse Rentz, Psy.D.
Staff Psychologist – Integrates relational psychodynamic, existential, family systems, and addiction therapies. Works with teens and adults on anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and addiction. Leads remote men's groups.
Jacqueline Perlmutter, RAS, DASD
Addiction Specialist & Spiritual Director – Employs holistic, evidence-based approaches (REBT, CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, ecopsychology). Certified ecotherapist and trauma group facilitator, drawing on 30 years of personal recovery.
Kevin Lecy, Psy.D.
Staff Psychologist – Trained at CSPP with experience in forensic (San Quentin), inpatient acute care, and school-based settings. Focuses on PTSD, substance abuse, chronic-illness stress, depression, and anxiety.
Dylan Kersh, MFT
Director of Training – LMFT with a background in education and youth programs. Specializes in teens and young adults facing addiction, mental illness, and behavior issues. Leads men’s group and trains interns.
Daniel Alfredo Cobar, AMFT
Associate MFT (AMFT) – Humanistic, narrative, psychodynamic orientation. Works with adults and teens, with a special skill for men and cultural diversity in immigrant families. Facilitates groups and workshops.
A Supportive Step Toward Healing
Choosing to begin individual therapy at FRI can be a powerful first step—or a supportive continuation—on the journey toward recovery. Whether you are just starting to question your relationship with substances or are working to maintain long-term sobriety, our experienced team is here to help you navigate the path ahead with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you or a loved one is struggling with mild to moderate substance use or addictive behaviors, the Family Recovery Institute is here to support you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Call us at 415-322-0939. You don’t have to do this alone—and you should not wait for things to get worse. Let’s start the conversation today.