SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT

AT THE FITZROVIA

PSYCHOLOGY CLINIC IN LONDON

  • Initial Consultation
    Discuss your concerns with a clinician experienced in substance use and addiction. We explore your substance use history, emotional wellbeing, and how substance use may be affecting your life.
  • Comprehensive Assessment
    A detailed assessment examining patterns of substance use, psychological factors, lifestyle impact, and any co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
  • Clear Feedback
    Receive a clear explanation of the assessment findings, including whether symptoms meet diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder and the level of severity.
  • Personalised Treatment Plan
    Collaboratively develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. This may involve evidence-based psychological therapies, relapse prevention strategies, and support for underlying emotional difficulties.
  • Supportive and Flexible Care
    Access high-quality private care with flexible appointments, including in-person sessions in London or online therapy where appropriate.
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DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Substance use disorder develops when repeated substance use alters the brain’s reward system, making it increasingly difficult to stop despite negative consequences. Individuals may experience strong urges to use substances, difficulty reducing use, and challenges maintaining responsibilities at work, school, or home.

At The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, diagnosis involves a comprehensive psychological assessment exploring patterns of use, behavioural changes, and mental health history. Treatment is personalised and may include psychotherapy, prevention strategies, and support for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Our aim is to help individuals understand the drivers behind substance use and build healthier, sustainable coping strategies.

15-MINUTE INITIAL CONSULTATION

Following your initial enquiry, we will schedule a brief telephone consultation with you in order to gather some basic information about you, your needs and goals.

A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT

Our private mental health assessment typically involves a 60-90 minute consultation with one of our senior clinicians. You will be asked about your mental health history, current symptoms, physical health, lifestyle factors, and any previous experiences with therapy.

A PERSONALISED TREATMENT PLAN

Experience evidence-based therapies that are always tailored to your needs and goals, delivered by specialists who remain at the clinical forefront.

Book a Consultation

Meet the Team

You’re in expert hands at The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic. Our team of highly experienced clinical and counselling psychologists — many with NHS backgrounds, specialise in complex mental health conditions, including addiction, trauma, and mood disorders.

Respected across the UK and internationally, our clinicians are known for their empathy, clinical expertise, and dedication to helping individuals achieve meaningful and lasting change.

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Dr Jonathan Davidson

Team Lead of The General Adult Mental Health Team | Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Allison Hayes (nee Rigg)

Founder of The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic | Consultant Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Emily Alteirac (Nee Smyth)

Co-Founder | Clinical Psychologist | Team Lead of The Trauma Team

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Dr Lucy Viney

Co-founder | Clinical Psychologist | Team Lead of The Schema Team

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Dr Hannah Stringer

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Vallabhi Khurana

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Mirko Esposito

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Lycia Forde

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Cara Eilender

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Hayley Scanlon

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Heather Westwood

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Gavin Menzies

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Kate Watchorn

Clinical Psychologist | Team Lead of The Perinatal and Child Team

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Dr Sabrina Appadoo

Counselling Psychologist | Team Lead of The DBT Team

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Dr Sam Russ

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Christopher Bonner

Clinical Psychologist | Team Lead of The Health Psychology Team

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Dr Jasmine Shingadia

Counselling Psychologist

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Dr Frankie Washington

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Richard Pomfret

Counselling Psychologist

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Dr Camilla Cookson

Clinical Psychologist | Team Lead of The Child and Adolescent Team

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Dr Gabrielle Brady

Counselling Psychologist | Team Lead of The Eating Disorder Team

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Dr Leonora Marshall

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Nadia Khan

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Sara Lakin

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Adam Kadri

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Ama Hagan

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Frances Maclennan

Consultant Clinical Psychologist

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Mr Jan Sheppard

Psychotherapist

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Dr Adela Mrkaljevic

Counselling Psychologist

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Dr Kiana Azmoodeh

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Tamara Licht Musso

Clinical and Counselling Psychologist

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Dr Samuel Chu

Clinical Psychologist

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Dr Joanna Shearer

Clinical Psychologist

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Ms Hazel Hyslop

Systemic Psychotherapist

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Dr Gurbaani Bhalla

Counselling Psychologist

Frequently Asked Questions

What is substance use disorder?

Substance use disorder is a mental health condition in which repeated substance use leads to difficulties controlling use, strong cravings, and negative impacts on health, relationships, and daily life.

What substances can be involved?

Common substances include alcohol, opioids, cannabis, cocaine, tobacco, and prescription medications. Some individuals may experience difficulties with more than one substance at the same time.

How is substance use disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on a comprehensive assessment of behavioural patterns, substance use history, and mental health factors. Clinicians evaluate whether symptoms meet established diagnostic criteria.

Can substance use disorder be treated?

Yes. With appropriate psychological treatment and support, many individuals successfully reduce or stop substance use and develop healthier coping strategies.

Do you offer online therapy?

Yes. We offer both in-person appointments in London and online therapy where clinically appropriate.

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Get In Touch With Our Experts Today.

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  • "Absolutely the best clinic out there for help & support with any psychological problems you may be facing. The therapists are so compassionate, kind, caring and supportive and make you feel safe from the moment you contact them. Highly recommended."

    Tan Feltham

  • "My experience with Dr Rigg has been amazing. cant highly recommend her and Fitzrovia Clinic enough."

    Gracie Williams

  • "Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic have been incredibly supportive and professional. The psychologists are compassionate and truly dedicated to helping clients grow. Thank to their care, I feel more confident and empowered in my mental health journey."

    Jennifer