Alicia MacGowan, L.C.S.W., L.A.A.D.C.
San Pedro Licensed Psychotherapist
Founder/Clinical Director & Interventionist
Mental Health Professional since 1992
Professional Experience
Saint John’s Health Center Chemical Dependency Center
Inpatient & Outpatient, Clinical Associate
Assisting individuals with achieving sobriety and restoring family unity through the process of Alcohol/Drug Rehabilitation provides a foundation for continued sobriety and relapse prevention.
Bay Area Addictions Research and Treatment & Drug Addiction Services of Hawaii
Methadone Maintenance/Detox Counselor
Heroin/opiate addiction can be a lifelong challenge and for some methadone maintenance may be the only way to begin to stabilize their life. Methadone maintenance is essentially a Harm Reduction Approach to treatment. Another Harm Reduction Approach which I often utilize in my practice is “Controlled Drinking.”
Del Amo Hospital, Children’s Unit
Psychiatric Social Worker
Supported children and families in crisis to stabilize and then develop a plan for returning home.
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Psychiatric Social Worker II
Assisted patients with schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder & anxiety disorders to manage their illness and empower them to have more influence over their situations.
San Pedro Mental Health Center
Dual Diagnosis Committee Chairperson
Developed policies and procedures for counseling individuals with a mental illness and drug/alcohol problem (dual diagnosis).
Recovery NOW L.C.S.W., Inc.
Founder/Clinical Director
Provide individual, group & family therapy and psychotherapy housecalls for all mental health concerns and drug/alcohol problems. Counsel family members struggling to understand the nature of a loved one’s addiction, mental illness and/or the trauma of growing up in a home where alcohol/drugs were/are prevalent. Too often, family members are caught between “Tough Love” and a desire to support. Assist with psychological services for residents residing at a board and care for the chronically mentally ill. Provide Interventions for matters related to substance abuse and mental illness.
Education
Loyola Marymount University
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Major – Psychology
Minor – Alcohol & Drug Studies
California State University of Long Beach
Master of Social Work Degree – Emphasis on Children, Youth & Families
Masters Thesis: The Levels of Alcohol Dependence Among Participants in a DUI Diversion Program
License and Certifications:
Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) – Board of Addiction Examiners
Completed Internship for Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADAC)
California Association of Alcohol And Drug Counselors (CAADAC)
Licensed Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LNR# 27203)
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCS# 21303) – Board of Behavioral Sciences
Completed training for certified ARISE Interventionist (CAI)
Professional Organization Affiliations:
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD)
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
National Association of Forensic Counselors (NAFC)
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
“Education and valuable life experience together serve to enhance my ability to assist clients. My skills are not limited to my specialties, since my approach is flexible and responsive to whatever challenges a client may be encountering.”
