Dr. Andrew Tatarsky

Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, psychologist, has developed integrative harm reduction psychotherapy (IHRP) for treating the spectrum of risky and addictive behavior. IHRP brings psychoanalysis, CBT, and mindfulness together in a harm reduction frame.

The therapy has been described in his book, Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Problems, and in a series of papers.

Dr. Tatarsky holds a PhD in clinical psychology from the City University of New York and is a graduate of New York University’s Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy.

He is founder and director of the Center for Optimal Living in NYC, a treatment and training center; founding member and past-president of the Division on Addiction of New York State Psychological Association, and a member of the Medical and Clinical Advisory Boards of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. Dr. Tatarsky, psychologist, has trained professionals in harm reduction both nationally and internationally.

Area of interest

• Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP)
• Integrating psychoanalysis CBT and mindfulness into substance use treatment
• Approaches focused on risk reduction rather than mandatory abstinence

Website

• Linkedin
• Freedom Institute
• Center for Optimal Living

Publications

• Tatarsky, A. (Ed.). (2007). Harm reduction psychotherapy: A new treatment for drug and alcohol problems. Jason Aronson. ​​- Tatarsky, A., & Marlatt, G. A. (2010). State of the art in harm reduction psychotherapy: An emerging treatment for substance misuse. Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, 66(10), 117–122. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20709
• Tatarsky, A. (2010). Integrative harm reduction psychotherapy: A case of substance use, multiple trauma, and suicidality. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 66(2), 123–135. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20672
• Tatarsky, A. (2003). Harm reduction psychotherapy: Extending the reach of traditional substance use treatment. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 59(2), 187–198. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.10123
• Tatarsky, A., & Kellogg, S. (2012). Re-envisioning addiction treatment: A six-point plan. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 30(1), 109–128. https://doi.org/10.1080/07347324.2012.635529

Affiliations

• Founder and Director, Center for Optimal Living, New York City
• Professor of Professional Practice, New School for Social Research, New York City
• Founder and Past President, Division on Addiction, New York State Psychological Association
• Member of Clinical Advisory Boards, New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)