Substance Use & Abuse Counselling in New Brunswick

Struggling with substance use can feel isolating, overwhelming and impossible to talk about. Whether it’s alcohol, prescription medications, gambling, pornography or other substances, many people use them to cope with stress, trauma or pain — only to find themselves feeling trapped, ashamed or out of control.

Substance use counselling provides a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface. It’s not about labels or punishment — it’s about helping you regain control, find healthier coping strategies and move toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling.

How we can help

Our therapists take a compassionate, evidence-based approach to substance use. We work with you to:

  • Understand the role substances may be playing in your life

  • Identify underlying issues such as stress, anxiety, trauma or depression

  • Develop healthier coping strategies and relapse-prevention tools

  • Explore harm reduction or recovery goals at your pace

  • Strengthen relationships impacted by substance use

  • Build a plan for long-term well-being and resilience

We tailor treatment to your goals — whether that’s reducing use, seeking full sobriety or simply finding ways to feel more in control.

WHO WE help

We support individuals who are:

  • Concerned about their alcohol, prescription or drug use

  • Feeling out of control or worried about dependence

  • Trying to cut back or quit but struggling on their own

  • Living with co-occurring challenges like anxiety, depression or trauma

  • Family members impacted by a loved one’s substance use

You don’t need to be in crisis or “hit rock bottom” to seek help. If substance use is affecting your life, relationships or well-being, counselling can help.

How Substance Use Counselling Works

The first step in connecting with an addiction counsellor in New Brunswick is to fill out this form. Our booking coordinator takes great care in thoughtfully matching you with a therapist who fits your needs, preferences and availability.

Prefer to get started right away? You can also take our therapist matching quiz — a quick and easy way to connect with an available therapist who’s the right fit for your journey. Based on your requirements, we’ll match you with someone we feel is best suited to help you. Or, you can call our booking coordinator at 506-651-1239 Ext. 1 to get matched right over the phone! 

Once you’re matched, your therapist will help you set goals that make sense for you — whether that’s cutting back, stopping entirely or simply exploring your relationship with substances in a supportive environment. Sessions focus on building coping tools, addressing root causes and creating a sustainable plan for your mental health.

Counselling is available virtually across New Brunswick and in person in Saint John and Fredericton.

How much does substance use therapy cost? 

Sessions with a registered social worker (RSW) or licensed counselling therapist (LCT) are $150 for 50 minutes.

Family, couples or specialized therapies are $160 for 50 minutes.

Is substance use counselling covered by insurance?

Our counselling fees are not covered by Medicare but are covered by many extended health insurance plans.

Our clinic has therapists who are either registered social workers (RSW) or Licensed Counselling Therapists (LCT).

You must check your specific plan for what you have coverage for, as coverage is different for each policy. Verify that your plan covers counselling/therapy with a MSW, RSW or LCT. Your insurance may state you have coverage for clinical counsellor or psychotherapist, which would cover LCT or social worker. 

We also offer direct billing with many different insurance companies, which allows you to keep more money in your pocket. We can direct bill Blue Cross, Veterans Affairs (VAC), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Canada Life, Claim Secure, Chamber of Commerce, Work Safe, NIHB, Department of Social Development, and more provided your plan is set up for direct billing. Your are still responsible for any co-pay amounts at the time of service.  

About Laura Gatien & Associates

At Laura Gatien & Associates, we take a proactive and collaborative approach to mental health treatment, offering clients access a diverse team of professionals with various expertise and specialties who learn from and can refer to one another. We take a holistic approach to treatment and believe everything makes perfect sense in the context of your life experiences.

Quality care is very important to us as a team, and we ensure this is upheld through regular clinical meetings, ongoing professional development and training opportunities, as well as using evidence-based frameworks. This helps us provide you with the best care for your individual needs so you can make progress sooner.

Our clients benefit from shared resources that exist within a team and the peace of mind that they are not just working with an individual, but are part of a broader mental health community learning and growing together.

We prioritize accessibility and availability of services, providing limited wait times and evening appointments to accommodate diverse schedules. We will regularly ask for feedback on your experience here so we can continue to improve.

Our Counsellors

  • “I found that my counsellor was very easy to work with and she listened without judgement or interruption during the conversations.”

  • “Welcoming. They listen and provide advice or ways to help. No judgment environment. I'm always looking forward to my next session.”

  • “I felt like Jess quickly got to the root of the issue with actions to undertake immediately.”

  • “The counsellor I saw was very easy to talk to. I was comfortable and didn’t feel judged.”

  • “I was able to speak freely, was very much understood, and zero judgment on my issues. I was made to feel very heard.”

  • “I received the attention that should be given to anyone who has problems.”

From The Blog

Substance use does not define who you are — and reaching out for support is a powerful first step toward change. With the right help, it’s possible to break free from unhealthy cycles, rebuild trust in yourself and move toward a healthier, more hopeful future.

You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out today to be matched with a therapist who understands the challenges of substance use and recovery.

Recovery Starts With Support - You Don’t Have To Do This Alone