St. John’s Riverside Hospital, a leader in Behavioral Health Services, is proud to offer a virtual substance use and addiction program designed for working professionals in high-stress, safety-sensitive fields—including skilled trades, union workers, transportation employees, healthcare staff, construction workers, active-duty military, and veterans.
This program provides specialized, culturally competent care for individuals struggling with substance use or gambling disorders. Our counselors are trained to understand the real-world pressures faced by those in physically demanding, high-risk, and high-responsibility roles—especially individuals managing trauma, stress, or PTSD while balancing the expectations of their jobs.
Key Components
- Collaboration with professionals experienced in working with union members, tradespeople, healthcare workers, and other high-stress professions
- Evidence-based practices that address the impact of trauma, stress, and job-related pressures
- A strong focus on helping individuals remain employed and maintain stability in their work and daily lives
- Flexible, virtual individual therapy sessions tailored to each person’s needs and schedule
- Treatment approaches may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization, and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness techniques
- Emphasis on building resilience, strengthening coping strategies, and supporting long-term recovery
- Holistic support, including stress management, physical wellness, and nutritional guidance
- Partnerships with unions, employers, and community organizations to provide well-rounded support systems
Our Goals
Reduce Stigma
Promote understanding and acceptance of mental health and substance use challenges across working communities
Enhance Access
Ensure that individuals in demanding professions can easily access high-quality, confidential care
Foster Recovery
Support each person’s path toward stability, resilience, and long-term wellness—both on and off the job
Get Started
- Call Marc Friedberg, Assistant Director of Outreach, at 914-999-0398.
- The patient is scheduled for an initial virtual assessment. A TEAMS link will be sent for the patient to complete the assessment. Registration occurs during this assessment.
- Any patient referred for a toxicology screen will present to St. John’s Occupational Medicine Department at 967 North Broadway.
- A counselor makes a treatment recommendation and emails that the first session will occur virtually. The schedule is discussed and agreed upon by the counselor and participant.