“The Center for Optimal Living is an outpatient treatment and training center for addiction and mental health issues. Our approach utilizes Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP), developed by our founder and director, Dr. Andrew Tatarsky. The Center for Optimal Living, with its team of twelve dedicated clinicians, is the only private treatment center that offers this unique form of therapy. The Center for Optimal Living was founded in 2011 in New York City.
The cornerstone of IHRP is a collaborative, therapeutic relationship that “starts where the person is.” We specialize in helping people figure out whether moderate, less harmful substance use, or abstinence is best suited for them. We tailor our services to help our clients pursue their chosen goal.
The Center for Optimal Living also provides trainings, supervision, and consultation to professionals and organizations. We are actively involved in advocacy efforts to support the needs of those impacted by mental health issues and substance misuse.
Our Approach
Addiction treatment has long been dominated by approaches that require complete abstinence. We recognize that not everyone is ready to commit to abstinence at the onset of treatment and we specialize in engaging people to reduce risk and make positive changes based on where they are ready to begin. By expanding the focus of treatment to include risk reduction and moderation, our aim is to reduce stigma surrounding addiction treatment.
Our approach utilizes harm reduction which aims to reduce the risks associated with drug and alcohol use in a collaborative and empowering way. Abstinence, moderation, and safe use practices are embraced within the umbrella of harm reduction. We understand how shame and stigma may prevent people from seeking help and realize how important the therapeutic relationship is. We view that as a critical foundation of our work and strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where our clients can begin to make positive and lasting changes.”
“Our Treatment OptionsCOMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION
We believe the initial evaluation process should itself constitute the starting point of each client’s treatment. We evaluate each individual sensitively and respectfully, seeking to learn about their unique set of needs and perspectives. Our goal is for both client and practitioner to emerge with a framework for the journey they wish to take together, and the basis of a healing, collaborative relationship.INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY
The majority of our clients meet regularly, one-on-one, with a member of our team. This provides the opportunity to develop a truly individualized, collaborative therapeutic relationship. Some clients also benefit from our “field coaching” services, where a therapist will meet with clients outside the office to support them in meeting their goals. Daytime, evening, and weekend appointments are available.GROUP THERAPY
We offer group therapy to support individual psychotherapy and create a more intensive level of care, if needed. Group therapy can also be utilized in conjunction with services from providers outside the Center. All of our groups include members pursuing moderate drinking/substance use and abstinence.COUPLES AND FAMILY THERAPYRelationships are a tremendously powerful vehicle for change. Problematic behaviors around substance use and other mental health issues can often directly or indirectly affect relationships, and relationships often impact problematic substance use and mental health. We provide families and couples with the chance to work together in a therapeutic, healing environment.PSYCHEDELIC EDUCATION AND CONTINUING CARE PROGRAMThe Psychedelic Education and Continuing Care Program is designed to assist people who have had psychedelic experiences and are seeking support in connection with those experiences, as well as people who would like to learn more about psychedelics but may not have had personal experiences with these substances. Our overarching intention for the program is to increase awareness and reduce risks of psychedelic use.”