About The Washton Group

Two specialists. One practice. Complete confidentiality. Dr. Arnold Washton and Dr. Lori Washton bring decades of combined expertise treating adults, adolescents, women, and families.

Dr. Arnold Washton and Dr. Lori Washton — founders of The Washton Group
Dr. Arnold Washton, Clinical Psychologist and addiction specialist

Dr. Arnold Washton

Addiction Psychologist | Author

A widely known addiction psychologist, researcher, and published book author, Dr. Arnold M. Washton has dedicated his professional career to developing flexible individualized approaches to treating substance use and related mental health problems. He has directed both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs in New York, New Jersey, and Florida.

He has served as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine in the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and as substance abuse advisor to the White House Office of Drug Abuse Policy, the US Food and Drug Administration, special committees of the US Senate and House of Representatives, professional sports teams, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the New York State Senate.

A prolific writer, he has published numerous articles in professional journals and nine books including a self-help book "Willpower's Not Enough" (HarperCollins) and a professional textbook "Treating Alcohol and Drug Problems in Psychotherapy Practice" (Guilford Publications).

Dr. Washton is licensed to practice psychology in New York (No. 006178), New Jersey (No. 35S100357400), and Florida (PY-0005912). In addition, he holds national Proficiency Certification in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Abuse from the American Psychological Association and is authorized to practice telepsychology in nearly all states across the U.S. by the PSYPACT Commission of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.

PSYPACT certification badge — Dr. Arnold Washton authorized for telepsychology in 26+ states

Dr. Arnold Washton's Specializations

Dr. Arnold Washton specializes in treating substance-related issues across the full spectrum of severity.

Substance Use Disorder

From mild to severe problems, treatment is tailored to each individual's circumstances and needs.

High-Functioning Executives & Professionals

Treatment tailored to the needs of busy professionals who maintain high-profile careers despite struggling privately with substance use.

Alcohol Moderation

Research-proven strategies for individuals seeking to reduce their drinking to safer levels rather than quit entirely.

Abstinence Support

Relapse prevention strategies and supportive psychotherapy for individuals committed to abstaining completely from alcohol and other drugs.

Episodic Binge Drinking

Habit-breaking strategies for individuals who may not be addicted to alcohol, but periodically disappear on marathon binges that may continue unintentionally for days at a time.

Dual Diagnosis

Integrated treatment for mental health problems often intertwined with addiction such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem issues.

Dr. Lori Washton, Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Lori Washton

Clinical Psychologist | Adolescent & Women's Treatment Specialist

Dr. Loraine J. Washton is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of substance use and a variety of other mental health problems. For the past three decades, she has worked in a wide variety of treatment settings, including outpatient mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, addiction treatment facilities, womens' trauma and addiction programs, and private office-based psychotherapy practice.

Dr. Washton's therapeutic approach incorporates cognitive-behavioral, stress management, emotional regulation, and psychodynamic techniques. Her practice encompasses the treatment of mood, anxiety, substance use, obsessive compulsive, post-traumatic stress, and personality disorders, as well relationship and self-esteem issues.

She maintains a special interest in treating adolescents and young adults who remain stuck in their personal, academic, and/or vocational development by a combination of substance use and other mental health concerns often compounded by family discord and conflicts that often accompany these problems. Dr. Washton is highly skilled at engaging reluctant adolescents and adults in a respectful, productive dialogue that helps them sort out what they truly want and then develop a plan to help them work toward realistic self-selected goals.

Dr. Washton also maintains a strong interest in women's mental health issues and, accordingly, a portion of her practice is devoted to providing individual psychotherapy for women. Dr. Washton is licensed to practice psychology in both New Jersey (Lic No. 35S100517300) and New York (081390) and authorized to practice telepsychology in nearly all states across the U.S. by the PSYPACT Commission of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.

Dr. Lori Washton's Specializations

Women's Treatment

Alcohol, substance use, and mental health treatment tailored to the unique biological, psychological, and social factors affecting women.

Adolescent & Young Adult

Specialized treatment for ages 13-25 navigating substance use, anxiety, depression, and the pressures of academic and early career achievement.

Family-Centered Care

Parents and family members are essential partners in the treatment process. Supportive counseling for the whole family.

Dual Diagnosis

Integrated treatment for substance use co-occurring with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health conditions.

Harm Reduction

Meeting people where they are. Any movement toward health is progress — we don't wait for our clients to hit "rock bottom."

Parent Consultation

Guidance for parents concerned about their son or daughter's substance use and mental health even before the young person is ready for treatment.

Treatment Approach

Evidence Over Ideology

Treatment decisions are based on research and clinical evidence, not rigid ideological positions. What actually works is more important than what's traditional.

Goals You Define

You determine whether moderation or abstinence is right for you. Treatment supports your goals, not someone else's agenda.

Privacy First

Your confidentiality is paramount. HIPAA-compliant practices ensure your treatment remains private and your reputation protected.

Pioneers in Alcohol Moderation Treatment

The Washton Group is a widely known and respected advocate of alcohol moderation and harm reduction as legitimate treatment options for alcohol problems. While the traditional addiction treatment field continues to insist on abstinence as the only acceptable goal, The Washton Group recognizes that some people with alcohol problems, particularly those with less severe problems, can learn to moderate their drinking successfully whereas others with more chronic and severe problems often do better with abstinence.

Not everyone is a good candidate for moderation. During the initial assessment we will help you decide which approach might be best for you. In the event that moderation turns out to be too difficult for you to reliably sustain, a transition to abstinence-based treatment is always an option.

Dr. Arnold Washton's Books

Dr. Washton is a prolific author whose work has helped to shape addiction treatment practices nationwide.

Ready to Take a Step Forward?

Schedule a preliminary phone call with Dr. Arnold Washton or Dr. Lori Washton to see if The Washton Group is a good fit for you.

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