Addiction Psychologist in Moscow — Consultation with Natalia Zentsova
Professional psychological help for people facing alcohol, drug, medication, gambling, or other addictions, and for their family members.
Natalia Igorevna Zentsova
Medical Psychologist, Doctor of Psychological Sciences
Professor, Department of Pedagogy and Medical Psychology, Sechenov University · Director and Scientific Supervisor of the Nakhabino Center
35,000 ₽ for 60 minutes. Sessions available in person in Moscow and online.
Book a Consultation
When to See an Addiction Psychologist
Addiction doesn't always start with daily use and obvious consequences. Often a person keeps working and living their usual life — while gradually losing control over their behavior.
You use alcohol, drugs, or medication more often or in larger amounts than you planned
You regularly promise yourself to stop but keep going back to use
You experience cravings or constantly think about the next opportunity to use
You use alcohol or other substances to relieve stress, fall asleep, relax, or numb difficult feelings
You've started hiding the amount you use from loved ones
You continue using despite problems with health, relationships, work, finances, or reputation
You feel irritable, anxious, low, or have trouble sleeping when trying to quit
Guilt, shame, and promises of "never again" follow after use
Loved ones say your behavior has changed
Former sources of enjoyment no longer interest you
The use is connected to trauma, PTSD, depression, loss, loneliness, or burnout
You don't need to wait until the consequences become critical. The earlier a person gets a professional assessment of the situation, the more chances there are to preserve health, relationships, career, and quality of life.
Types of Addiction I Work With
I work with adults and their family members.
A consultation can be held either for the person facing the addiction, or separately for their family members.
How a Psychologist Can Help with Addiction
Addiction affects more than behavior alone — it is tied to motivation, emotional regulation, habitual stress responses, relationships with loved ones, and traumatic experience.
It's not enough to simply forbid someone from using — it matters to understand what role it plays in their life.
In the consultation, we work through together:
What function the substance use serves
What situations trigger cravings
What gets in the way of sticking to a decision
What thoughts and states tend to precede a relapse
What self-regulation methods could be used instead of using
Whether a consultation with an addiction psychiatrist, an examination, detox, or rehabilitation is needed
A psychologist does not prescribe medication and does not replace a doctor. Where there are medical indications, I recommend a consultation with an addiction psychiatrist and help build a comprehensive care route.
International clinical guidelines regard psychological and behavioral interventions as an important part of comprehensive care for substance use disorders [1–4].
What Happens at the First Consultation
The first consultation lasts 60 minutes
A confidential discussion of the situation
We go through the history of use or addictive behavior, previous attempts to quit, consequences, and current condition.
Initial psychological assessment
I assess the severity of the problem, risk factors, and situations that trigger relapse. The assessment does not replace a medical diagnosis.
Defining the immediate goal
Stopping use, preparing for treatment, choosing a rehabilitation program, relapse prevention, or changing family members' behavior.
Building an individual plan
After the consultation, you receive a clear sequence of next steps.
Choosing the right format of care
The format is determined individually — based on the severity of the addiction, health condition, and available support.
Depending on the situation, the plan may include:
What Psychological Methods May Be Used
In my work I draw on a range of psychological approaches, choosing them to fit each specific situation.
No single psychological method can guarantee results on its own. Effectiveness depends on the specifics of the situation, the severity of the condition, motivation, and, when necessary, the involvement of doctors.
If a Loved One Denies Having an Addiction
Relatives often try to persuade, control, or cover up the consequences of use. That's understandable, but it doesn't always help — and can sometimes sustain the existing situation.
A relative can come to a consultation on their own — and that is already the first step toward change.
In the session, we'll work through:
How to talk to your loved one without blame or pointless conflict
What arguments might increase their motivation to seek help
Where the boundaries of your own responsibility lie
What actions unintentionally sustain the addictive behavior
How to stop hiding the consequences of the use
How to act in the face of threats, aggression, or dangerous behavior
When it is necessary to seek emergency help
A relative's consultation doesn't guarantee the person with the addiction will immediately agree to treatment, but it does allow chaotic actions to be replaced with a thought-out strategy.
Help with Complex and Long-Standing Cases
A dedicated part of my work is complex cases, where a person:
- has undergone treatment or rehabilitation more than once
- relapsed after a long period of sobriety
- refuses to cooperate with specialists
- combines substance use with PTSD, a depressive state, anxiety, or burnout
- needs help selecting a clinic or rehabilitation program
- wants an independent expert opinion
- needs confidential support that takes into account their professional and social status
In such situations, individual support can be offered: coordinating specialists, selecting a clinic, monitoring progress through the program, family consultations, and support after returning to everyday life.
For executives, business owners, and public figures
A confidential VIP support format is available — designed around professional status and heightened confidentiality requirements.
In-Person Consultation in Moscow
In-person sessions are held by prior appointment at:
10/6 General Ermolov Street, Moscow
Consultations and recovery programs can also be held at the Nakhabino Center in the Moscow region — after an initial assessment of the situation and clinical indications.
Online Consultation with an Addiction Psychologist
If you live in another city or outside Russia, the first consultation can be held online. The online format is suitable for:
If medical help is found to be needed during an online consultation, I recommend contacting a doctor or medical facility local to the client.
When Urgent Medical Help Is Needed
A psychological consultation is not suitable for emergency conditions. Seek medical help immediately if any of the following are present:
As well as marked tremor, sudden deterioration, or other severe symptoms after stopping alcohol or substance use.
In an emergency, call 112
With long-term regular alcohol use, abruptly stopping on your own can be dangerous. You should first consult a doctor — an addiction psychiatrist — or contact a medical facility.
About Me
For more than 20 years, my professional and academic work has focused on the psychology of addictive behavior, codependency, family crises, psychological trauma, and recovery after severe life circumstances.
My job is not to make universal promises, but to objectively assess the situation and offer a realistic, safe route to help.
I hold the position of Professor at the Department of Pedagogy and Medical Psychology at Sechenov University, and I am Director and Scientific Supervisor of the Nakhabino Wellness and Recovery Center. In my work, I combine academic psychology, years of practice, and an individual approach.
More About MePricing and Booking
35,000 ₽ first individual consultation, 60 minutes
- In-person consultation in Moscow
- Online consultation
- Consultation for family members
- Second expert opinion
- Individual psychological care program
- VIP support
- Help selecting a clinic or recovery program
All inquiries are handled confidentially.
Book a ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Can an addiction be resolved in a single consultation?
Can a psychologist prescribe medication?
Is it necessary to go straight to a clinic?
Can I get help without my addicted relative knowing?
Are consultations available online?
Is a full recovery from addiction guaranteed?
Is confidentiality maintained?
Take the First Step
We'll look at your situation without judgment or pressure — and work out what needs to happen right now.
Natalia Igorevna Zentsova
Medical Psychologist, Doctor of Psychological Sciences
Professor, Department of Pedagogy and Medical Psychology, Sechenov University
Consultation fee — 35,000 ₽ for 60 minutes
Book a ConsultationScientific and Clinical Sources
- [1] World Health Organization. Psychosocial interventions for alcohol use disorder and relapse prevention. View source
- [2] World Health Organization. Management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. View source
- [3] NICE. Psychosocial interventions for problematic drug use. View source
- [4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. Evidence-based principles of addiction treatment. View source