Medical care helps patients get through the physical side of detox. The work that supports recovery after that depends heavily on licensed addiction specialists. At Surfpoint Recovery, qualified rehabilitation care includes credentialed counselors, licensed social workers, and clinical staff trained in substance use disorder treatment.
What a Licensed Addiction Specialist Actually Does
A licensed addiction specialist does much more than lead group sessions. Their work starts at intake, when they review a patient’s substance use history, mental health background, family situation, support system, and goals. That information helps shape the treatment plan.
During the stay, the specialist tracks progress and adjusts the plan as needed. In individual counseling, they work with the patient on personal patterns, triggers, trauma, relationships, or mental health concerns connected to substance use.
In group therapy, they guide structured conversations that help patients build accountability, coping skills, and insight. The goal is not just to talk about addiction. The goal is to help patients understand what recovery will require after they leave treatment.
The CASAC Credential: What It Means for Patients
CASAC stands for Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor. It is the New York State credential for addiction counselors. Earning it requires clinical hours, supervised practice, and an exam.
An Advanced CASAC reflects more training and experience beyond the standard credential. For patients, this matters because it shows the counselor has met a defined professional standard.
Vincent Marchese, our Program Director, holds an MSW from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Work and an Advanced CASAC. His approach is harm reduction-oriented and person-centered. That means treatment is shaped around the patient’s goals, dignity, and real-life circumstances, not a rigid one-size-fits-all model.
Individual Counseling: Where the Most Personal Clinical Work Happens
Group therapy is a major part of treatment, but individual counseling is where patients can talk through the details of their own story. At Surfpoint Recovery, patients work one-on-one with a licensed clinician to look at what has driven their substance use and what has made past attempts at recovery difficult.
For patients with trauma histories, individual sessions allow trauma-informed care to be applied carefully. For patients with co-occurring mental health concerns, counseling helps connect mental health treatment with addiction recovery.
Our individual counseling may use cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention training. The approach depends on the patient’s needs, the intake assessment, and what comes up during treatment.
Group Therapy: More Than Shared Experience
Clinical group therapy at Surfpoint Recovery is structured and led by licensed clinical staff. It is not just an open conversation. Each group has a purpose, whether that is building accountability, practicing coping tools, understanding behavior patterns, or preparing for life after treatment.
Recreational group therapy adds another path to the same work. Sylvia Foldes-Berman, our Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Board-Certified Music Therapist, leads creative and recreational programming for patients who may connect more through music, art, or expression than through talk therapy alone.
Patients have specifically mentioned the Just For Today group in reviews. That kind of feedback matters because it shows which parts of the treatment stay with people after they leave.
Discharge Planning: A Specialist-Led Process
Discharge planning is not just paperwork handled at the end. At Surfpoint Recovery, it starts on day one and is led by licensed addiction specialists.
The plan is based on the patient’s real situation, including where they live, what support they have, what insurance covers, what substances they have used, and what mental health needs must continue to be addressed. The specialist helps identify outpatient programs, support groups, medication continuity, and crisis resources.
Patients do not leave with a random list of phone numbers. They leave with a plan built during treatment by someone who understands their case.
Our Licensed Clinical Team at Surfpoint Recovery
Our clinical programming is led by credentialed professionals with real experience in addiction treatment. Alet Coke, our Clinical Director, oversees therapy programming, counselor supervision, and the quality of clinical care.
Vincent Marchese, our Program Director, holds an MSW from Fordham University and an Advanced CASAC. Sylvia Foldes-Berman, MS, LCAT, MT-BC, leads recreational and creative therapy programming.
Every clinician on staff works under the appropriate New York State professional license and follows OASAS and HIPAA requirements. You can meet our full team on our facility page.
Related Topics:
.jpg)
