40+ Years Pioneering Compassionate Alternative Addiction TreatmenT
Meet Andrew, psychologist and psychoanalyst, developer of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy and internationally recognized expert in substance use treatment.
Why This Work Matters to Me
Andrew’s early interest in psychology grew from a desire to understand human suffering and support meaningful change. As he began working with individuals struggling with substance use, he observed that many were not well served by traditional abstinence-only models.
He saw clients judged, denied care, or labeled “not ready” if they could not immediately commit to stopping altogether. The prevailing framework often overlooked the complexity of addiction, the emotional and relational dimensions underlying it, and the varied paths people take toward change.
Witnessing these patterns led him to develop a more compassionate and clinically rigorous alternative. This work ultimately resulted in Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, a model designed to meet individuals where they are, reduce harm, and support meaningful change at a pace that is collaborative and sustainable.
Developing IHRP:
Early in his career, Andrew observed that abstinence-only treatment models were not serving many of the people who needed care most. Clients who were not ready to stop immediately were often labeled unmotivated, discharged, or denied treatment, frequently returning to use with increased shame.
In his therapy work, he saw a different pattern. When clients were allowed to speak openly about their use, ambivalence, and underlying emotional struggles, engagement deepened and meaningful change became possible.
Repeated clinical observations reinforced this shift: clients often deteriorated after being discharged from abstinence-based programs, many improved when allowed to set their own goals, and trauma and mental health concerns were frequently intertwined with substance use but insufficiently addressed.
These experiences led to the development of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, a more flexible, psychologically informed, and compassionate clinical model.
Andrew developed Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy to address critical limitations in traditional substance use treatment.
Abstinence was often treated as the only acceptable goal, underlying trauma and mental health concerns were frequently overlooked, and many clients felt judged or stigmatized. Addiction and mental health treatment were also commonly treated as separate domains.
IHRP was created to offer a more integrated, flexible, and compassionate approach, one that supports individualized goals, addresses the whole person, and recognizes that any positive change is meaningful.
My Mission
I am committed to training the next generation of clinicians to work with people who use substances in ways that are compassionate, evidence-informed, and grounded in autonomy. My mission is to expand access to Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy by equipping practitioners with the skills and confidence to support any positive change goal.
I envision a clinical field that moves beyond rigid abstinence-only models and truly meets people where they are. My work supports the development of nonjudgmental, collaborative, and trauma-informed care that honors the complexity of substance use and the humanity of those seeking help.
Professional Background and Credentials
- PhD in Clinical Psychology
- New York State Licensed Psychologist
- License Number: 9253-01
- 40+ years of clinical practice of individual, group, couple and family therapy
- Postdoctoral Certificate in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis
- Developer of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP)
Clinical Specializations
Substance use disorders and other problematic and addictive behaviors, co-occurring mental health conditions, the full range of mental health issues and behavioral difficulties, harm reduction psychotherapy, Individual, couple and family therapy. I also treat the full range of other mental health issues and problems of living.
Professional Activities
International trainer in IHRP, keynote speaker at conferences, clinical supervisor and consultant, thought leader in harm reduction movement.
Publications and Scholarly Contributions
Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Problems
A foundational work in harm reduction psychotherapy, offering a clear and comprehensive integration of theory, clinical application, and real-world case examples. Widely used in training programs and clinical education around the world.
Free book in Russian
Free book in Spanish
In the Media and Professional Collaborations
Notable Appearances and Collaborations
Why Choose Andrew for Therapy or Training
- Created the Model
He didn’t just learn IHRP. He developed it. This is original work informed by decades of clinical practice and research.
- Experience that meets complexity with care
40+ years focused exclusively on substance use treatment gives him insight into patterns, challenges, and solutions that only comes with extensive experience.
- Proven Track Record with Complex Cases
When other approaches have failed, Andrew’s clients find new pathways forward. His expertise is particularly valuable for people who have not found traditional addiction treatment to be helpful, rather than treatment resistant cases.
- Balances Compassion with Evidence
This isn’t just about being nice. It’s about applying research-backed techniques within a humanistic, respectful framework.
- International Thought Leader
His influence extends far beyond his individual practice. He’s training the next generation of clinicians, shaping the field, and advancing harm reduction globally.
Work with Andrew
If you’re a mental health professional seeking training in IHRP, and you are ready to move beyond outdated models to embrace a non-shaming, integrative, and autonomy-respecting framework that is transforming substance use treatment.
If you’re seeking therapy that respects your autonomy and meets you where you are, and you are looking for a non-judgmental path to address substance use issues or other risky behaviors, whether your goal is moderation, safer use, or abstinence, the Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP) approach is specifically designed for you, focusing on positive change defined by your own values and pace.