Services / Individual Substance Use Counseling
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT • YOUR GOALS
Individual Substance Use Counseling
In Lewiston, Wilton, and by telehealth.
Whether your goal is reducing substance use, lowering its risks, or working toward abstinence, we’ll work with you on meaningful, realistic steps toward change.
● Accepting new clients
Apply yourself or through a referral. An application starts the review process; it does not book an appointment.
Optional medication support
Counseling does not require medication; if you’re interested, an Avalon prescriber can assess whether MAT is appropriate for you.
Care at a glance
WHO WE SERVE
Generally ages 14 and older; younger clients need clinical approval
WHERE
Lewiston and Wilton, Maine
APPOINTMENTS
In person and by telehealth
PAYMENT
We accept MaineCare, self-pay, and select private insurance plans. Please contact us to confirm coverage.
MEDICATION SUPPORT
MAT is available as an option, based on clinical assessment.
CARE BUILT AROUND YOU
Support for substance use, without an abstinence prerequisite
You do not need to be abstinent to begin counseling. We work with a broad range of substance use concerns and meet you where you are. Your counselor will help you explore patterns, understand what you want to change, and choose practical next steps.
Your goals guide the work
Reducing use, lowering risks, and abstinence can all be meaningful goals. We’ll work with you on realistic steps that reflect your needs and readiness for change.
Care that fits your needs
Individual substance use counseling is generally available for ages 14 and older. Children younger than 14 require clinical approval. We assess each person’s needs and discuss other options if a different level of care is needed.
ONE STEP AT A TIME
What working together can look like
01
Start with your story
An individualized assessment helps us understand your concerns, strengths, current challenges, and what you hope will be different.
02
Set goals together
You and your counselor decide what to focus on, with room to revisit your goals as your needs change.
03
Build practical skills
Counseling can include exploring patterns, practicing coping skills, and finding ways to approach challenges in everyday life.
04
Keep the conversation going
Ongoing counseling gives you space to reflect on what you’re trying, discuss difficulties, and adjust your plan together.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER
Approaches our clinicians use
Our clinicians use a range of counseling approaches. The approach varies by clinician and by each client’s needs; not every clinician uses every approach.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Explore how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect, and practice different ways of responding.
Motivational interviewing
Talk through mixed feelings about change and identify reasons and next steps that are meaningful to you.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Practice responding to difficult thoughts and feelings while taking steps that reflect your values.
Person-centered approaches
Work in a supportive space where your perspective, experience, and goals guide the conversation.
Solution-focused approaches
Identify strengths, notice what is already helping, and build toward practical next steps.
MAT with counseling
MAT may complement substance use counseling when clinically appropriate. Clients receiving MAT through Avalon must also participate in counseling through Avalon.
HELPFUL TO KNOW
Common questions
Do I have to stop using substances before I start?
No. Our harm-reduction approach supports reducing use, lowering risks, and working toward abstinence. We’ll talk together about your goals and realistic steps toward change.
Who can apply?
Individual substance use counseling is generally available for ages 14 and older. Clients younger than 14 require clinical approval. You can apply yourself or come through a referral.
Can I meet with a counselor by telehealth?
Yes. We offer both in-person and telehealth counseling through our Lewiston and Wilton locations.
Is medication required?
No. You can receive counseling without medication. If you also receive medication management or MAT through Avalon, counseling through Avalon is required.
What payment options are available?
We accept MaineCare, self-pay, and select private insurance plans. Please contact us to confirm coverage.
What happens after I apply?
After you submit your application, our team will review it and call you to discuss whether our services are a good fit for your needs. If they are, we’ll help you take the next steps toward enrollment. If our services aren’t the right fit, we’ll discuss alternative options with you.
Let’s talk about your next step
Start an application or call to learn more about individual substance use counseling at Avalon. Our team will review your application and call you to discuss next steps.
The contact form is for general questions. Please don’t send private health information through it.
Submitting an application starts a review; it does not book an appointment or guarantee enrollment.