Freedom Institute

Freedom Institute, a nonprofit based in New York City, offers outpatient treatment and recovery services for individuals grappling with alcoholism, addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders. Established in 1976 by a recovering alcoholic who recognized the impact of her own illness on her family, Freedom Institute provides evidence-based and holistic approaches to addiction treatment. Services are available both in-person and via telehealth, ensuring flexibility in meeting clients’ needs.

Their comprehensive care is designed for adults, young adults, and families affected by substance abuse, addressing dependencies on alcohol, stimulants, hallucinogens, opioids, and other substances. Treatment programs include an intensive outpatient program (IOP), weekly outpatient groups, as well as individual, group, and family therapy sessions. The center's treatment philosophy integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Relational Family Therapy, both aimed at helping individuals and their families navigate the recovery process. This unique combination, alongside their renowned Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP), forms the clinical foundation of their services, making Freedom Institute’s approach both innovative and highly effective.

Freedom Institute emphasizes holistic care, offering complementary therapies such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and art therapy to treat the whole person and their support network. The individualized treatment plans cater to each client’s specific needs, whether through medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which is available upon assessment, or through peer-based support programs that foster community and long-term recovery.

Freedom Institute’s IOP is particularly notable for its focus on skill development in areas such as emotion regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. This structured yet flexible program is customized based on a thorough assessment of each individual's situation, ensuring that treatment aligns with their unique clinical needs and long-term goals. The IHRP model, developed by Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, allows for a compassionate, collaborative approach to recovery, accepting all positive changes, whether they involve abstinence or harm reduction. This model integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relational psychoanalysis, and mindfulness, offering patients a spectrum of strategies to address their substance use and the personal issues that often accompany it.

Freedom Institute also extends its care beyond the IOP through its Sustaining Recovery aftercare services, which incorporate DBT and Relational Family Therapy to ensure ongoing support for individuals seeking long-term sobriety. These aftercare services are designed to help clients maintain stability, focusing on personal development, relationship building, and professional growth. Each client’s journey through recovery is supported by a tailored combination of therapeutic and practical services, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in their new sober life.