Understanding Drug and Substance Abuse in the Jewish Community

Hello and welcome to our dedicated space for discussing and addressing drug and substance abuse within the Jewish community. Our site features a diverse range of professionals, therapists, and content focused on combating and understanding drug and substance abuse in the Jewish community.

Unique Challenges of Drug and Substance Abuse in the Jewish Community

When individuals within the Jewish community struggle with drug and substance abuse, which is often shaped by distinct cultural and religious factors, it represents a specific category of challenges faced by this group. Stigma, shame, cultural expectations, and religious considerations can all impact the experience and treatment of drug and substance abuse in the Jewish community. Often, cultural and religious factors play a role in how addiction is perceived and addressed. It can affect individuals' physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and participation in community life.

Watch the videos below to gain insights from Jewish addiction professionals, therapists, and advocates. These resources offer extensive knowledge on addressing drug and substance abuse within the Jewish community, providing expert guidance and culturally sensitive techniques.

Professionals Who Specialize in Drug/Substance Abuse

Shauli Wagschal, MHC-LP CASAC-T

Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Limited Permit: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn
  • $100 - $200 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Shauli Wagschal is a therapist who integrates an existential perspective, in addition to CBT, DBT, & ACT to empower his clients to find meaning & purpose in life.


"My approach begins with a humanistic, person-centered foundation. I deeply believe that people are inherently good and possess the ability to grow, heal, and create meaningful change when supported in the right environment. By fostering empathy, unconditional positive …

  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🐣 Out of the box

Anya Karpov, MD, MBA

Psychiatrist, Physician and Clinical Director

  • In-office Brooklyn
  • $330 - $550 Per Session
  • 1 review

Anya Karpov is a physician who provides patient-centered ketamine therapy for depression with evidence-based care, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.


"I take an evidence-based and patient-centered approach to care, always keeping the individual at the heart of treatment. Each patient receives a personalized care plan that is tailored to their needs, designed to help manage depressive symptoms in …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ™Œ Affirming
  • 🧘 Calm
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Avi Weiskopf, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • In-office Lakewood
  • $190 Per Session
  • I accept insurance
  • 2 reviews

Avi Weiskopf, LCSW, believes therapy should never be a one-size-fits-all experience. He therefore takes an eclectic approach to meet each client where they are.


"I believe therapy should never be a one-size-fits-all experience. Each person brings their own unique history, challenges, and way of seeing the world, which is why I take an eclectic approach to meet you where you are. Depending …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Yael Katz

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • Remote only
  • $100 - $200 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Yael Katz is an LMHC in MA. She uses art therapy, CBT, and mindfulness to treat anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, and life transitions.


"In my practice, I adopt a compassionate and understanding therapeutic approach. I firmly believe that the key to successful therapy lies in establishing a safe and accepting space where clients can freely explore their thoughts and emotions. By …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ™Œ Affirming
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Estee Esses, LMSW

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW

  • Remote only
  • $150 - $150 Per Session

Estee Esses, LMSW works with parents of children of all different ages. Parenting can feel overwhelming at times, particularly when there is a challenging issue.


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Yechiel Aharonof

Therapist, Sex and Pornography Addiction,

  • In-office Jackson
  • $250 - $250 Per Session
  • 4 reviews

Yechiel Aharonof, LCSW, supports teens, adults, & families through addiction & trauma using TF-CBT, ACT, MI, & more, with deep respect for religious values.


"My main goal in therapy is to make sure you feel like a whole person, not a diagnosis, not a project, and not something that needs to be fixed. I don’t believe your struggle defines you. You are …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🌎 Holistic

Chanan Davis, LMFT

Therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

  • In-office Lakewood
  • $220 - $220 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Chanan Davis, LMFT stays committed to using powerful actionable healing modalities to help his clients reduce suffering and improve their lives.


"Multifaceted and Flexible: I draw from a wide range of powerful therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual. My approach is goal-oriented, yet deeply intuitive and attuned. I look beyond surface symptoms to explore underlying issuesβ€”like trauma, nervous system …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ™Œ Affirming
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Eli Kaufman, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Passaic
  • $300 - $350 Per Session

Eli Kaufman, LCSW is an experienced trauma specialist. He creates a safe environment in which individuals & families work through their unique life circumstances.


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  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • 🧘 Calm
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Levi Rapoport

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • In-office Brooklyn
  • $150 - $150 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Using Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, I teach people to second-guess the unhelpful rules they have written in their personal constitution.


"I believe deeply in human potential and one’s ability to see oneself beyond their behaviors and thoughts. Using Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, I teach people to second guess the unhelpful rules they have written in their personal constitution. …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Elliott Blitenthal

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Las Vegas
  • $175 - $175 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Elliott Blitenthal is a Frum Therapist in Queens


"My approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and personalized to each client’s unique needs. I work holistically, combining mind and body, using modalities like EMDR, parts work (IFS-inspired), mindfulness, and CBT tools. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and psychedelic …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🧘 Calm

Penina Flug, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • In-office Boca Raton
  • $250 - $300 Per Session
  • 9 reviews

Penina Flug, LCSW specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy and works with individuals, couples, and families from an attachment-based perspective.


"My approach to therapy centers on Emotionally Focused Couples and Family Therapy for adults. This method is particularly effective in fostering deep, lasting connections, making it a cornerstone of my practice. Additionally, I incorporate a tailored approach to …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Eli Goldberg

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, CASAC

  • In-office Jerusalem
  • $200 - $250 Per Session

I draw from various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, and psychodynamic to tailor my approach to each client's unique needs.


"My approach to therapy is based on creating a safe and welcoming space for clients to explore their inner selves and find solutions to their challenges. I draw from various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, and …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ™ Spiritual
  • 🧘 Calm

1-1 Breakthrough Session

1-1 Breakthrough Session by Raina Balsam, Coach

You will be cleansed, healed, and blown away from your new insight after our session. Access a deeper level of yourself to reach incredulous joy and a satisfyingly soothing, rich,…

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Understanding and Addressing Drug and Substance Abuse within the Jewish Community

Drug and substance abuse is a pressing concern across various communities, with the Jewish community facing its own specific obstacles. While the broader understanding of addiction exists, the intricacies of cultural norms, religious practices, and community dynamics within the Jewish community add layers of complexity. Drug and substance abuse within the Jewish community can affect individuals regardless of age, gender, or background, highlighting the need for awareness and targeted interventions.

Strategies for Addressing Drug and Substance Abuse in the Jewish Community

Effective support and treatment for Jewish individuals struggling with drug and substance abuse necessitate approaches that are culturally and religiously attuned. This encompasses therapy that respects religious beliefs and cultural practices, community support networks that provide a sense of belonging and understanding, and accessible addiction treatment resources. Tailored interventions and recovery programs are developed to address the specific facets of drug and substance abuse within the Jewish community. It's crucial to seek professional guidance to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring a path towards sobriety, healing, and improved quality of life. It's important to note that our professionals are experts in their fields, bringing both specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of cultural nuances to their work

Our directory features professionals, including Therapists, Psychiatrists & Coaches, who offer culturally sensitive support for those navigating Drug/Substance Abuse within the Jewish community.

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