Harm Reduction Therapy Center

Harm Reduction Therapy is a revolutionary client-therapist collaboration that combines substance abuse treatment with psychotherapy—we help people address both their substance use and the issues behind it.

We respect each individual’s right, power and strength to determine the changes they want to make in their lives, and to prioritize what is most important.

Harm Reduction Therapy is not “one-size-fits all.” We believe there are as many ways to change as there are individuals who use alcohol and other drugs.

You do not have to change anything as a condition of coming to our Center; nor do we ask that you stop drinking or using, unless that is your goal.

Change most often occurs in stages.

30 years of research shows how people change in steps, or stages, and that respecting this journey, as well as planning treatment based on these stages, promotes lasting improvements.

- Prochaska, DiClementi, and Norcross, 1992 (and many studies beyond this)

Abstinence is not the only way – People can and do moderate their substance use.

A 40 year review of controlled drinking/moderation studies demonstrated that “a hazardous pattern of excessive alcohol consumption can be changed to a sustained pattern of relatively modest consumption that does not yield appreciable negative consequences.”

These studies do not assume that everyone can moderate their drinking, but they acknowledge moderation as “an acceptable and realistic goal that is in parity with abstinence”.

- Saladin and Santa Ana, 2004

Researchers at the University of Washington recently reviewed dozens of studies showing that reduction in substance use and improvement in many other important life areas – lowered depression and anxiety, better relationships, stability at work, improved self-esteem – are consistent outcomes of harm reduction interventions.

Hundreds of additional studies have showed that harm reduction interventions, especially the use of sterile syringes by intravenous drug users, save lives and do not lead to increased substance use.

When clients select their own goals, success is more likely

“When the goals of counselors are complete abstinence and the goals of the patient/client are something else, the therapeutic relationship is likely to be confrontational, thereby leading to dishonesty and treatment refusal.” On the other hand, when people are given the opportunity to choose their own goals, they are more likely to meet those goals, to stay in treatment, and to set further goals for themselves.”

- Tucker & Simpson, 2011; Miller & Carroll, 2006

We help clients to address both their substance use and the issues that lie behind it.

We work with families to find common ground with their substance using loved ones, and we help them find alternatives to harsh “tough love” tactics.

The Center’s founders are leaders in creating Harm Reduction Therapy.  They train hundreds of healthcare professionals and agency staff to transform their practices and their…

The Center also offers treatment at no cost to marginalized communities in San Francisco

Webinar with Patt Denning, PhD. This webinar introduces participants to the principles and fundamental clinical interventions of harm reduction psychotherapy (HRP). As an integrated, biopsychosocial…

“It is now one hundred years since drugs were first banned, and all through this long century of waging war on drugs, we have been…

Dr. Patt Denning was interviewed on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition program. You can listen to the full story on KQED Public Radio, click here…

The Center, founded by leaders in the Harm Reduction Therapy movement, is a certified drug and alcohol treatment program staffed by licensed mental health professionals. We have been practicing harm reduction therapy for over 30 years.

As a psychologist in the 1980’s, Dr. Denning created humane counseling for early AIDS patients. Since then, she has been at the forefront of developing harm reduction therapy. Whether working with athletes, business leaders, or families, she brings a unique perspective to helping people overcome substance abuse problems.

Director of Clinical Services and Training

A social worker in practice and in spirit, Jeannie has dedicated her life to empowering people to change their lives. She is a pioneer in developing harm reduction groups and in bringing harm reduction therapy to clients, to therapists, and to others who care for, and about, people who use and misuse alcohol and drugs.

Jeannie Little, LCSW Executive Director

18 E. Blithedale Ave., Suite 14 Mill Valley, CA 94941

45 Franklin Street, Suite 320 San Francisco, CA 94102

901 Campisi Way, Suite 150 Campbell, CA 95008

45 Franklin Street, Suite 320 San Francisco, CA 94102

901 Campisi Way, Suite 150 Campbell, CA 95008

18 E. Blithedale Ave., Suite 14 Mill Valley, CA 94941

Primary Focus of the Provider

• Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse

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Type of Care

• Substance abuse treatment
• Buprenorphine used in treatment
• Naltrexone (oral)
• Prescribes/administer buprenorphine and/or naltrexone

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Facility Type

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Treatment Approaches

• Cognitive/behavioral therapy
• Substance abuse counseling approach
• Trauma-related counseling

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Facility Smoking Policy

• Smoking permitted without restriction

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Service Setting (e.g., Outpatient, Residential, etc.)

• Outpatient
• Outpatient methadone/buprenorphine or vivitrol
• Regular outpatient treatment

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Facility Operation (e.g. Private, Public)

• Private organization
• State substance abuse agency

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Payment/Insurance Accepted

• Cash or self-payment

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Emergency Mental Health Services

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Payment Assistance Available

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Language Services

• Spanish

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Special Programs/Groups Offered

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Ancillary Services

• Non-nicotine smoking/tobacco cessation medications
• Individual counseling offered
• Group counseling offered
• Family counseling offered
• Marital/couples counseling offered
• Motivational interviewing
• Anger management
• Relapse prevention

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Age Groups Accepted

• Young adults
• Adults

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Gender Accepted

• Female
• Male

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Exclusive Services

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