Learn More About Our New Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Jeffrey Huttman

National Recovery Month is here, and we have exciting news to share!?

We are happy to announce our new Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Jeffrey Huttman ! Dr. Huttman has over two decades of experience in substance use disorder and mental health, with?a unique understanding of the full range of mental health conditions and treatment options.?

Throughout his career, Dr. Huttman has maintained a private psychology practice aside from working as a Clinical Director of a psychiatric hospital, Chief Executive Officer of a full continuum treatment center, Clinical Director of a private residential treatment center, and Chief Clinical Officer of a treatment center for co-occurring disorders. His most recent position has been the Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of an addiction telemedicine practice.

His expertise is in substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders, acute psychological conditions, anxiety, and trauma. In his long-time dedicated journey in clinical psychology, he has gained experience dealing with patients with unique challenges. His caliber and expertise have helped him build an eclectic style of approaching patients. For example, Dr. Huttman treats each patient with a customized plan combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness training.

Our Q&A session with Dr. Huttman told us he believed that the treatment provided by professionals should be at the level one would want for their loved ones, and we couldn't agree more. At Next Level Recovery Associates, we ensure that our patients get a secure feeling and a sense of comfort as we work with them. We are so glad that Dr. Huttman will be managing our clinical side. His sense of compassion toward patients best matches our mission and value at Next Level Recovery Associates.?

In this month's Q&A session with Dr. Huttman, we were delighted to learn in-depth details about his professional journey.?

1. You started working as a behavioral health technician in the mental health industry by age twenty. What makes you passionate about this field and your work as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist?

In all honesty, I began working as a tech in a PHP program for children because I needed a job to help put myself through college. However, I quickly realized that the difficulties the children presented posed significant obstacles to their future happiness and were in no way their fault. Some of the licensed providers seemed tired, disheartened, and lacked empathy. The children needed help provided by compassionate individuals. I became invested in their success and wanted to be that help. I connected with them because I was honest and sincere in my interactions. As I proceeded in my training and career as a psychologist, I was fortunate to remain passionate about helping other human beings to make personal improvements. I always try to think about the care I want for my loved ones in similar circumstances.?

2. How would you define a successful Clinical Psychologist?

A successful Clinical Psychologist stays current on relevant research and treatment modalities, develops expertise in specialty areas, and remains humble and genuine. It doesn't matter how much you know if you don't build rapport and take the time to provide help so that the patient is willing to receive it.?

3. What are you looking forward to most in your new Next Level Recovery Associates position?

Having worked in numerous inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, I enjoy working on multidisciplinary teams. I'm looking forward to a team approach to helping individuals and their families regain healthy functioning in a mainstream environment.?

4. Please share your first experience working with Amanda Marino and Blake Cohen.

I was lucky enough to work with Amanda and Blake in the early years of their treatment careers. I had just opened a treatment center specializing in co-occurring disorders, and they were eager to learn and aid individuals seeking care to find help. Blake began as a behavioral health tech who soon asked to increase his involvement by taking weekend calls with patients and families seeking help. Within less than a year, Blake earned a promotion to the admissions director for the entire facility. Amanda began as a spiritual fitness yoga and meditation instructor who wanted to make a difference by giving back to those new to sobriety. Within less than a year, Amanda's recognition promoted her to outreach director. They were both young and bright, with endless energy and optimism. I watched them pursue higher education, advanced certification, and training while evolving into industry experts. They rapidly outgrew their roles at the center, moving into positions with greater access to improving the lives of others.?

5. What was your most challenging case in the past, and how did you accomplish a suitable outcome?

There were too many in almost thirty years working in behavioral health. Within inpatient treatment, the most challenging cases usually start with a patient experiencing substance-induced psychosis. However, one that stands out is outpatient therapy. The first session began with the patient's disclosure that he hated me due to my religion and wanted me and everyone similar to me to die an excruciating and graphic death at his hands. I don't know why I didn't consider involuntary psychiatric hospitalization, but I'm glad I didn't. Instead, I looked at my fear and desire to convince him otherwise. I stayed working with him and gradually helped this patient to address the underlying reasons for his co-occurring substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. As a result, this individual has completely turned his life around and maintains a high-level job, healthy relationships, and long-term sobriety with an active 12-step engagement. These are the kind of cases that makes me love what I do.

6. September is National Recovery Month; what advice would you give someone struggling with substance use disorder ashamed to seek help?

Anybody seeking to make a change and improve their life is courageous. There's an unfair stigma around being in remission from a substance use disorder that would never impact somebody in remission from a medical diagnosis. I view an individual maintaining active recovery as having great strength. There's nothing weak or shameful about asking for help. Staying in your addiction and succumbing to a life of misery without trying to get better is the easy path. Once you seek help, you move from being an "addict" to being in recovery. Some of the most robust and productive people I know exemplify great daily strength in recovery.

Click here to learn more about Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Jeffrey Huttman.