Barry Lessin, M.Ed., CAADC
Harm Reduction Psychotherapy for Individuals and Families
What is Harm Reduction?
Harm reduction is a philosophy that acknowledges the rights and uniqueness of each person and looks to engage people in process of change by meeting them where they're at and empowering them by encouraging small positive changes. My harm reduction approach is based on the knowledge that human beings will always engage in behaviors that carry risks and respects a person’s right to make choices. This shifts the focus from attempting to restrict or prohibit risky behaviors to reducing the negative consequences associated with them.
People use drugs for reasons, and harm reduction reduces shame and stigma because you’re not judged for using substances. Substance use is explored as having a “relationship” with substances which offers you an opportunity to take a more open, safer look at the problems in your life. It can empower you to take the next steps to better deal with the issues in your life that most concern you.
About Barry Lessin, M.Ed., CAADC
I specialize in discreet customized outpatient services for individuals and families and offer flexible alternatives to traditional one-size-fits-all addiction treatment programs.
I'm a licensed psychologist and Certified Advance Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) with a passion for working with young people and their families who have been impacted by substance use and related mental health issues. My career spans over forty years as a clinician, administrator, educator, researcher, and public health advocate.
My Treatment Approach
I embrace a personalized harm reduction approach in all my therapies. I support individuals, couples, families, and parents of teens and young adults in making healthier decisions and fostering positive relationships. My empathetic, nonjudgmental approach encourages my clients to engage in treatment, empowering them to addresses challenges like anxiety, depression, substance use and addiction, and relationship conflicts. By offering a secure, safe setting, I help clients gain insight into their emotions, overcome unproductive patterns of behavior, and learn more effective coping techniques.
My dual training and experience as a licensed psychologist and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) allows me to expertly deal with the interaction of substance use and mental health problems.
Reach out for an individualized treatment plan and together let's build a brighter future for yourself and your family while embarking on the path towards well-being.
Substance Use & The Family
People use drugs for reasons and so substance use doesn't exist in a vacuum. There are often complex and significant mental health concerns that are important to address sometimes even before a person can address a plan for dealing with substance use.
Harm reduction therapy for substance use is an empathetic, judgement-free approach aimed at reducing the adverse effects associated with substance use. This therapy respects personal autonomy, assisting individuals in making healthier decisions, which in turn enhances well-being and minimizes the dangers associated with substances.
Teens and Young Adults
As teens and young adults begin to experience the excitement of independence, some the normal stresses associated with having more freedom can become challenging. Issues like academic demands, sexual/gender identity, high parental expectations, parental separation/divorce, social media conflicts, peer relationship issues, and ow self-esteem, can become overwhelming and turn into worries that can contribute to anxiety and mood problem. This is where therapy can be helpful--by offering suggestions for tools to cope better with these stresses.
Cannabis Education
With medical cannabis now being legal in Pennsylvania and adult-use cannabis likely to be legal in a few years, I educate families about cannabis as medicine and review options for incorporating medical cannabis use into their lives. Conversations with teens about cannabis are becoming more urgent and I offer guidance on understanding cannabis-related information and how best to discuss it with your teen.
As a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians and with the Pennsylvania Department of Heath Training Certification in Medical Cannabis, I am well-equipped to support you in navigating this evolving landscape.
Individual, Couples and Family Therapy
Most clients begin with individual sessions to develop a treatment plan and establish an Initial foundation for ongoing treatment. Partners and/or family members may be included in treatment if it is an agreed upon part of the treatment plan.
Many parents with teenagers and young adults who are unwilling to start therapy can benefit from starting therapy without their child to help get a better handle on their child and related family issues and to develop a plan to proceed with making an effective intervention.
Individual And Family Consultations
If you know you need some type of help or guidance for yourself, a loved one, or a family member but are uncertain about what exactly you may need, a consultation can be helpful to get you pointed in the right direction.
This client- and family-centric comprehensive substance use and mental health consultation is available to new clients or family members whether you or your loved one is not ready to begin treatment. I will offer feedback and initial recommendations at the end of the consultation that you will help you move forward with taking next steps. It can be considered an initial plan, or like a road map, to guide you in the next steps moving forward. Contact me to schedule a personalized consultation and embark on your journey towards healing and personal growth.
Embrace Change:
Begin Your Healing Path to Well-being Now
Take the first step towards a brighter future today. Contact me to schedule a personalized telehealth appointment and embark on your journey towards healing and personal growth.
Please note: I am a 100% telehealth practice. While I do not participate in any insurance plans, some plans may reimburse patients for a portion of the cost of therapy. See my Fees page for more info.
My Recent Articles
“Barry is a skilled practitioner with years of experience working compassionately with families and young people impacted by substance use. I highly recommend contacting him if you are concerned about your own or a loved one's substance use. He will provide you with the support you need!”
Sheila Vakharia, Ph.D. M.S.W.
“I have known Barry Lessin from his extraordinary work with families that are wrestling with the nightmare of having loved ones who are trapped in the prison of addiction. His understanding of addiction psychotherapy methods is comprehensive and his dedication to healing young people is profound. It is my pleasure to recommend my colleague and his work.”