The Heartwood Program: Adult Substance Use Support Group

Our outpatient-level care group is designed for adults (18-70+) seeking support for substance use. This group is ideal for individuals who are interested in reducing their substance use and exploring sobriety. Utilizing a dialectical abstinence philosophy, the group welcomes those who following an abstinence-based recovery path as well as those who are sober-curious and focused on harm reduction.

The group provides a safe space to examine patterns of substance use, cultivate healthier relationships, improve communication, enhance social skills, and work on daily living skills.

Enrollment and Participation

Enrollment is rolling, and the group takes place in person at our offices in Bethesda.

Adult group: Tuesdays from 6-7 pm

Is This the Right Group for You?

The Adult Substance Use Support Group is suited for individuals looking to explore
harm reduction, reduce substance use, or commit to abstinence. The group is
appropriate for those facing challenges such as:

• Substance Use Disorder
• Managing or Reducing Substance Use Frequency/Amount
• Depression Linked to or Impacted by Substance Use
• Anxiety Linked to or Impacted by Substance Use
• Self-Defeating Behaviors
• Low Self-Esteem
• Communication and Relationship Issues
• Distress Tolerance
• Managing Conflict
• Coping with Life Situations
• Family, Work, or Financial Stress

Screening and Intake Process

What to Expect: 
• Schedule Your Screening: Make an appointment with our intake coordinator on the Heartwood Program website to schedule your initial screening and answer any questions you may have.

• Admission:
During the screening, clinical recommendations will be made to help you decide if this group is the right fit. Information on joining your first group session will be provided.

• Complete Paperwork:
Upon admission, you’ll receive access to our patient portal to complete intake paperwork. Please complete this prior to your first group session.

Join Us!

Once your paperwork is completed, we’ll provide a start date and an individualized treatment plan. We look forward to supporting your journey.

The Heartwood Program: Friends & Family Addiction Support Group

Our outpatient-level care group is designed for adults (18+) coping with a loved one who struggles with addiction. This group is ideal for individuals who are interested in building a community of support, learning about addictive behaviors, centering their own well-being
and boundaries and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. The group provides a safe space to discuss the difficulties of loving someone with an addiction, lean on others for help, and learn from clinicians and peers alike how to support yourself while supporting a person with an addiction.

Enrollment and Participation

Enrollment is rolling, and the group takes place virtually using Microsoft Teams
Thursdays 6-7pm

Is This the Right Group for You?

The Friends & Family Addiction Support Group is suited for individuals who have a person in their life who is currently experiencing, or has experienced in the past, a substance use disorder or an addiction to behaviors like gambling, gaming, shopping, or sex. The group is appropriate for those facing challenges such as:

  • Anxiety Linked to or Impacting by the Loved One’s addiction
  • Depression Linked to or Impacted by the Loved One’s addiction
  • Low Self-Esteem or Confidence in How to Help the Loved One
  • Poor Boundaries
  • Distress Tolerance
  • Managing Conflict
  • Coping with Life Situations
  • Family, Work, or Financial Stress

Please note, this group is facilitated by a mental health clinician with training and experience in addictive behavior.

 

Screening and Intake Process

What to Expect:

• Schedule Your Screening:
Make an appointment with our intake coordinator on the Heartwood Program website to schedule your initial screening and answer any questions you may have.

• Admission:
During the screening, clinical recommendations will be made to help you decide if this group is the right fit. At times, our clinicians may recommend additional services such as individual therapy. Information on joining your first group session will be provided.

• Complete Paperwork:
Upon admission, you’ll receive access to our patient portal to complete intake paperwork.

Please complete this prior to your first group session.

 

Join Us!

Once your paperwork is completed, we’ll provide a start date and introduce you to the group. We look forward to supporting your journey.

Meet Our Group Facilitators

 

Brianna Hurwitz, LCSW-C
Substance Use Disorder Specialist

Kevin Nicastro, AYT
Substance Use Disorder Specialist

Tori Kerr, AYT
Substance Use Disorder Specialist

Austin Hill, LMSW
Substance Use Disorder Specialist

Chris D’Arpa, LMSW
Substance Use Specialist

Related links

What is Substance Use Disorder?
Is AA For You? – A pamphlet that introduces 12-step programming, and helps to identify if you may be experiencing an alcohol use disorder or drug use disorder
About Depression
A Useful Interactive Tool for Understanding Emotions