Helping People Help Themselves

Guided Self-Change Healthy Lifestyles Program. The Guided Self-Change (GSC) Healthy Lifestyles outpatient program at Nova Southeastern University's (NSU) College of Psychology offers a unique short-term, evidence-based, non-12 step alternative treatment not available elsewhere in Florida. The GSC program has been recognized in the Surgeon General's report Facing Addiction in America (November 2016) as an appropriate treatment for individuals who have mild alcohol or drug problems. It also is included on the American Psychological Association's (APAA) Division 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology website listing of Empirically Supported Treatments.)

The GSC program is a motivational cognitive-behavioral harm reduction treatment that was established in 1984 in Canada by Drs. Linda and Mark Sobell and brought to Nova Southeastern University in 1996. Both Dr. Linda Sobell and Dr. Mark Sobell are licensed psychologists in Florida and are Board Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology, American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).

Services are offered for individuals concerned about their use of alcohol, other drugs (prescribed and non-prescribed), and tobacco products. The program also offers services for individuals who want to develop a healthier lifestyle, lose weight, exercise more, quit smoking cigarettes, quit gambling, deal with sleep difficulties, and reduce internet or video game use. This evidence-based, motivational harm reduction program empowers people to take responsibility for their own change and utilize personal strengths for setting and achieving goals.

The program has been evaluated in over 12 clinical studies. Services are available in English and Spanish. A sliding fee scale is available. The number of sessions is variable and is determined by individual needs.

Individuals who are interested in services or more information can call the program directly at (954) 262-5968 or email us at gsc@nova.edu. Individuals are usually seen within 24-48 hours of their first call to the program. The program is open Monday through Thursday 9 am to 8 pm and Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

Se ofrece terapia en inglés y español.