Howard Marlin

I've spent over 30 years working in addiction counseling, crisis intervention, and behavioral health — from psychiatric hospital milieu therapy and emergency services to private practice. My approach is shaped by both extensive clinical training and a deeply personal understanding of the road through addiction and recovery. I bring a no-nonsense, compassionate style to every session, and my clients know they're working with someone who is genuinely invested in their success. I'm a Licensed Addictions Specialist (LADC1), a Nationally Certified Intervention Professional (CIP), and a Recovery Coach Professional — and at this stage in my life, I'm as energized and committed to this work as I've ever been.

My work is rooted in reality therapy and cognitive behavioral principles — I believe in setting clearly defined goals, making better choices, and taking purposeful action. I draw on motivational interviewing, solution-focused brief therapy, strength-based approaches, and structural family therapy, which means I meet you exactly where you are and build on what's already working in your life. I'm certified in the Love First and ARISE intervention models.

In our first session, you'll get an honest, focused conversation about where you are and where you want to go. I'll take a full history, ask the questions that matter, and by the time we're done you'll have a clear sense of what working together will look like and what the path forward is. I don't sugarcoat, but I do make space for you to feel genuinely heard. I offer 99% of my sessions via telehealth, so you can connect from wherever you are — whether you're on Martha's Vineyard, the mainland, or anywhere in Massachusetts.