Virtual Care Professional Addiction and Mental Health Services

Meet the Team: Natasha Merlo Natasha is a registered and experienced clinical social worker and psychotherapist with over a decade of experience working with adults who have co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.    Natasha provides psychotherapy, treatment, and support to individuals, families, and groups impacted by drug or alcohol addiction, problem gambling, as well as mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.  She is also skilled in helping clients navigate stress-related concerns and relationship difficulties.   Her therapeutic approach is informed by Person-Centred and Psychodynamic theory but generally adopts a holistic and integrated approach, drawing from a range of modalities and techniques, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness when appropriate.   Natasha’s goal is to provide compassionate care and guidance on your journey to healing and personal growth. Location: ZA Education: B.S.W (Social Work) (UNISA) B.A (Hons) (Psychology) (SU) MSocSc. (Clinical Social Work ) (UCT) Neuro-Based Coaching (BBCC®) (NeuroLeadership Institute) Services Offered: Addiction Counselling Trauma Counselling Aftercare Services Family Counselling Services Outpatient Services Psychotherapy Services

Evidence-Based Guide to Creating a Pre-Assessment Form for Addiction Treatment A pre-assessment form for addiction or substance abuse treatment is a vital tool for gathering critical information about a client’s background, substance use history, and treatment needs. Below is a step-by-step guide to designing an evidence-based pre-assessment form. https://lnkd.in/eWU4uTXG

As a Case Manager, Nikki leads a team of professional Recovery Coaches and Peer Recovery Specialists, delivering addiction prevention and treatment services to individuals, families, and organisations. She also coordinates and facilitates international training programs for Recovery Coaches and Peer Recovery Specialists. With a Postgraduate qualification in Addiction Care from the University of Cape Town, she is currently pursuing a Master Coach Certification through the International Coaching Federation. Additionally, she is a Certified Systemic Wellness Practitioner, Trauma-Informed Specialist, and Relationship Coach, possessing extensive skills and competencies in wellness programs, adolescent mental health, and professional development. In her role as a Case Manager, she also consults and works as an Addiction Counsellor at various treatment centres, providing individual and group counselling to clients facing substance use disorders and mental health issues. As a Systemic Wellness Facilitator and Recovery Coach at Mauni, she facilitates Systemic Wellness groups for families and loved ones affected by substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Nikki's mission is to support individuals suffering from substance use disorders or mental health issues by educating, motivating, and inspiring them to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. Passionate about empowerment, she strives to help people live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives. Education & Accreditation: UCT (University of Cape Town) Postgraduate in Addiction Care ICR International Coaching Register ICF International Coaching Federation ISSUP International Society of Substance Use Professionals U-ACT (SA) Accredited International Recovery Coach Trainer POCKET REHAB (USA) Accredited International Peer Recovery Specialist Trainer ILS Certified International Systemic Wellness Practitioner/Coach MAUNI (NL) Certified International Case Manager & Family Wellness Practitioner. Location: ZA Services Offered: Addiction Counselling, Trauma Counselling, Aftercare Services, Family Counselling Services, Outpatient Services, Addiction Treatment External Supervision Services, Recovery Coaching

As a Case Manager, Nikki leads a team of professional Recovery Coaches and Peer Recovery Specialists, delivering addiction prevention and treatment services to individuals, families, and organisations. She also coordinates and facilitates international training programs for Recovery Coaches and Peer Recovery Specialists. With a Postgraduate qualification in Addiction Care from the University of Cape Town, she is currently pursuing a Master Coach Certification through the International Coaching Federation. Additionally, she is a Certified Systemic Wellness Practitioner, Trauma-Informed Specialist, and Relationship Coach, possessing extensive skills and competencies in wellness programs, adolescent mental health, and professional development. In her role as a Case Manager, she also consults and works as an Addiction Counsellor at various treatment centres, providing individual and group counselling to clients facing substance use disorders and mental health issues. As a Systemic Wellness Facilitator and Recovery Coach at Mauni, she facilitates Systemic Wellness groups for families and loved ones affected by substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Nikki's mission is to support individuals suffering from substance use disorders or mental health issues by educating, motivating, and inspiring them to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. Passionate about empowerment, she strives to help people live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives. Education & Accreditation: UCT (University of Cape Town) Postgraduate in Addiction Care ICR International Coaching Register ICF International Coaching Federation ISSUP International Society of Substance Use Professionals U-ACT (SA) Accredited International Recovery Coach Trainer POCKET REHAB (USA) Accredited International Peer Recovery Specialist Trainer ILS Certified International Systemic Wellness Practitioner/Coach MAUNI (NL) Certified International Case Manager & Family Wellness Practitioner. Location: ZA Services Offered: Addiction Counselling, Trauma Counselling, Aftercare Services, Family Counselling Services, Outpatient Services, Addiction Treatment External Supervision Services, Recovery Coaching

The Need for Trauma-Informed Care in Addiction Treatment: A Holistic Approach Addiction is often rooted in complex emotional, psychological, and physiological factors, with trauma being one of the most significant contributors. Research consistently shows a strong correlation between trauma and substance use disorders (SUDs). In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlights that individuals with addiction often have a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) or other forms of trauma. This underscores the need for trauma-informed care (TIC) as a fundamental approach in addiction treatment programs and workplaces. Trauma-informed care recognizes the profound impact of trauma on an individual’s behavior, emotions, and overall mental health. It shifts the focus from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” This empathetic perspective can significantly enhance the effectiveness of addiction treatment and create safer, more supportive environments for both clients and staff. https://lnkd.in/eAEqzmbd

Need an Addiction Professional or Consultant? Book an online session with one of our trusted team of addiction and mental health professionals providing a variety of services including: - Addiction Counselling - Trauma Counselling - Aftercare Services - Family Counselling Services - Outpatient Services - Psychotherapy Services - Employee Assistance Program Consulting - Addiction Treatment External Supervision Services - Recovery Coaching Help has never been more easily available as now, utilising technology to access services from the comfort of your home. Contact us now for bookings at: Site: https://lnkd.in/d8GYYK4H Email: [email protected] WA Business: ‭+27 (82) 496-3635‬ #addictionhelp #addictiontreatment #AddictionRecovery #counselling #traumacounseling #recoverycoaching #addictioncounselling #familycounseling #clinicalsupervision #mentalhealthhelp

The Polyvagal Theory, Trauma and Mental Health Have you ever been in a situation where you felt uncertain but couldn’t really pinpoint why? Perhaps you looked around at everyone else in the room, but they appeared to be unbothered. Unfortunately, you were unable to shake the feeling that something was ‘off.’ While you don’t always realize it, your body is constantly taking in social cues from the environment. When you’re around other people, you’re interacting with them and picking up facial expressions, tones of voice, and body language. This is all part of the human experience. As you’re experiencing these interactions, your sense of self is being shaped. You’re learning about who you can trust, who you should stay away from, and who makes you feel good about yourself. Even though you may not be able to understand all of these feelings, your body is processing this information all the time. https://wix.to/QsKQfMC #polyvagal #mentalhealth #addiction #addictiontreatment #recovery

Need an Addiction Professional or Consultant? Book an online session with one of our trusted team of addiction and mental health professionals providing a variety of services including: - Addiction Counselling - Trauma Counselling - Aftercare Services - Family Counselling Services - Outpatient Services - Psychotherapy Services - Employee Assistance Program Consulting - Addiction Treatment External Supervision Services - Recovery Coaching Help has never been more easily available as now, utilising technology to access services from the comfort of your home. Contact us now for bookings at: Site: https://lnkd.in/d8GYYK4H Email: [email protected] WA Business: ‭+27 (82) 496-3635‬ #addictionhelp #addictiontreatment #AddictionRecovery #counselling #traumacounseling #recoverycoaching #addictioncounselling #familycounseling #clinicalsupervision #mentalhealthhelp

Need Addiction Help? Book an online counselling session with one of our trusted team of addiction and mentalk health professionals providing an array of services including: - Addiction Counselling - Trauma Counselling - Aftercare Services - Family Counselling Services - Outpatient Services - Psychotherapy Services - Medical Services - Employee Assistance Program Consulting - Addiction Treatment External Supervision Services - Recovery Coaching Help has never been more easily available as now, utilising technology to access services from the comfort of your home. Contact us now for bookings at: Site: https://lnkd.in/d8GYYK4H Email: [email protected] WA Business: ‭+27 (82) 496-3635‬ #addictionhelp #addictiontreatment #AddictionRecovery #counselling #traumacounseling #recoverycoaching #addictioncounselling #familycounseling #clinicalsupervision #mentalhealthhelp

Find a Range of Online Addiction Professional Services: ACCSA's New Virtual Care Platform At Virtual Care, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate addiction-related professional services both in South Africa and abroad. Our team of experienced and licensed professionals offers a range of vital services, including addiction counselling, aftercare support, screening and assessments, as well as medical consultations tailored to individual needs. Additionally, we provide consultations for organisational employee assistance programs to support businesses in addressing addiction-related issues in the workplace. Through our user-friendly website, we strive to make accessing these crucial services seamless for our clients. Our online platform facilitates easy booking for our range of services, ensuring a streamlined and efficient experience. We are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and organisations affected by addiction and mental health. Contact us now for bookings at: Site: https://lnkd.in/d8GYYK4H Email: [email protected] WA Business: ‭+27 (82) 496-3635‬ https://wix.to/vq6h4QC #addictionhelp #addictiontreatment #AddictionRecovery #counselling #traumacounseling #recoverycoaching #addictioncounselling #familycounseling #clinicalsupervision #mentalhealthhelp