Alcohol Counseling in California

Support that’s compassionate, practical, and aligned with your goals

California has a strong social culture — wine nights, craft breweries, weekend getaways, industry events, and constant celebrations. For many adults, drinking fits seamlessly into social life… until it doesn’t. You may notice alcohol creeping into your stress relief routine, your evenings, or your ability to cope.

If you’re re-evaluating your relationship with alcohol, curious about cutting back, or ready for support in reducing or stopping drinking, you’re in the right place. I’m Erin Oden, LCSW, and I provide online alcohol counseling for adults across California, offering a compassionate, evidence-based approach that meets you exactly where you are — no judgment, no labels, no pressure.

This page walks you through how alcohol counseling works, common signs of problematic drinking, and the types of support that help people make lasting changes.

When Drinking Starts to Feel Like “Too Much”

Alcohol problems don’t always look dramatic — and they don’t always look like what people imagine when they think of addiction. Many adults function well on the outside while quietly struggling with:

• Drinking to cope with stress or emotions

• “Unwinding” with alcohol most nights

• Difficulty stopping once you start

• Regretting choices made while drinking

• Using alcohol to sleep

• Feeling shame, guilt, or secrecy

• Relying on alcohol during anxiety or overwhelm

• Frequent hangovers or fogginess

• Drinking more than intended

If any of this resonates, counseling can help you understand what’s happening underneath the surface — and build healthier, sustainable coping tools.

Alcohol Use in California

California has some of the highest rates of casual drinking in the U.S., especially in regions like:

• Los Angeles

• Orange County

• San Diego

• Bay Area

• Wine Country

• Coastal cities with strong nightlife

Social pressure, work culture, and lifestyle expectations make it easy for drinking habits to escalate slowly.

You’re not alone — and change is absolutely possible.

How Alcohol Counseling Helps

Alcohol counseling provides a structured, supportive space to explore:

• Why you drink

• What triggers your drinking

• How alcohol affects your relationships, mood, and self-worth

• What you want your drinking habits to look like

• How to build coping strategies that actually work

My approach supports multiple paths, whether you want to:

• Cut back or drink less

• Practice moderation

• Take a break from alcohol

• Explore long-term sobriety

• Address emotional patterns connected to drinking

• Reduce shame and increase self-trust

There’s no “one right way.” Therapy is tailored to your goals.

Common Signs Alcohol Is Becoming a Coping Tool

People often seek counseling after noticing patterns like:

Emotional Signs

• Drinking to numb or avoid feelings

• Increased anxiety or irritability

• Guilt or shame

• Feeling out of control

• Using alcohol to disconnect

Physical Signs

• Poor sleep

• Headaches or fatigue

• Increasing tolerance

• More painful hangovers

Behavioral Signs

• Making rules to limit drinking… then breaking them

• Drinking more than intended

• Hiding alcohol use

• Isolating or withdrawing

• Difficulty relaxing without drinking

Therapy helps you understand these patterns without judgment — and supports you in shifting them.

Therapy Approaches for Alcohol Use

My work combines therapy and practical skill-building so you can feel supported emotionally and empowered with tools.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

Helps you identify triggers, restructure thoughts, and create new coping responses.

ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)

Supports emotional regulation and values-based behavior change.

Motivational Interviewing

Helps clarify your goals around drinking without pressure or shame.

Trauma-Informed Therapy & EMDR

Addresses underlying trauma that may be fueling alcohol use.
Many clients discover their drinking patterns make more sense once trauma is explored safely.

Harm Reduction Strategies

For clients who want to reduce — not stop — alcohol use.
This includes:

• Tracking patterns

• Setting limits

• Developing alternative coping tools

• Managing urges

• Building accountability

Relapse Prevention

For clients choosing sobriety, we work on:

• Understanding triggers

• Emotional tools for cravings

• Identifying high-risk situations

• Strengthening support systems

• Building long-term resilience

You are always in the driver’s seat.

Anxiety, ADHD & Alcohol Use

Alcohol often intersects with other concerns — especially anxiety and ADHD.

Anxiety

Many clients drink to quiet:

• Stress

• Overthinking

• Sleep problems

• Social anxiety

• Emotional overwhelm

Therapy helps you build coping strategies that don’t worsen anxiety long-term.

ADHD

ADHD brains often use alcohol to regulate feelings of:

• Restlessness

• Emotional intensity

• Rejection sensitivity

• Overstimulation

• Stress or pressure

I integrate ADHD-specific strategies to help address both sides of the equation.

Online Alcohol Counseling Across California

Accessing support is easier through online therapy. You can join sessions from anywhere private in the state — your home, office, or wherever you feel comfortable.

Online counseling offers:

• Privacy

• Convenience

• Flexibility

• No commuting

• Comfort in your own environment

• Consistent scheduling

Sessions are held through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.

Insurance & Payment Options

I am in-network in California with:

• Aetna

• UnitedHealthcare and subsidiaries

• Lyra Health (EAP)

Private pay is available in all states using debit, credit, or HSA/FSA.
Superbills are available for out-of-network plans.