Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP) and LPC-R
Sanders is a highly qualified and dedicated professional in the field of substance abuse treatment. With a rich educational background and over three decades of experience, she has become a prominent figure in the world of addiction counseling and support. Her qualifications include being a Licensed Eligible Professional, Counselor Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, and Nationally Board-Certified Master Addiction Counselor.
Ms. Sanders earned her Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University, showcasing her commitment to advancing her knowledge and skills in her field. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science from Blue Field College.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ms. Sanders has specialized in a wide range of areas, including substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, group facilitation, individual counseling, assessments, and working with high-risk populations affected by HIV/STDs. Her experience spans both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, where she has made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Her expertise extends to various therapeutic approaches, including Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotional Therapy ( RBT) , Solutional Focus Therapy, American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) principles, and Motivational Therapy. This comprehensive skill set allows her to provide holistic and effective care to her clients.
During her tenure as the Director of Services at Forest Hill ARTs Inpatient Treatment, Ms. Sanders played a pivotal role in developing and implementing a 3.5 inpatient program. This program included psycho-educational groups, relapse prevention strategies, and treatment entry criteria, all while overseeing clinical staff with a focus on quality care.
Ms. Sanders continued to expand her influence at HCA Behavioral Health System, where she worked as a behavioral specialist. In this role, she conducted Telehealth Assessments for various emergency rooms within the HCA network, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of her clients.
With a passion for helping those with co-occurring disorders, Ms. Sanders provided a combined 13 years of clinical and non-clinical substance abuse services. Additionally, she conducted HIV testing for clients of the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority, further showcasing her dedication to public health and well-being.
Ms. Sanders has also contributed her expertise as a non-clinical recovery specialist, focusing on skill-building, operational management, and relapse prevention, at both Rubicon Women Treatment and MCV/ VCU Center for Prenatal Addiction residential services.
Currently, Ms. Sanders serves as the Clinical Director at The New YCAPP, where she continues to make a difference in the lives of her clients. Her responsibilities include conducting assessments, facilitating Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health Skill Synchronously, and performing court-ordered substance abuse assessments in her role as a Social Science Clinician. Furthermore, she provides supervision, reviews clinical documentation, and oversees treatment team case presentations, ensuring the highest standard of care for those she serves.
Ms. Sanders is actively engages in professional organizations, including the National Association for Addiction and Drug Abuse, the Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals, and The WISE Ministry, which focuses on the mental health of the community she resides. Her commitment to her field is further exemplified by her service on the boards of the Chesterfield County Disability Service Board, where she has held both Chair and Vice-Chair positions, and the Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals.
Joyce A. Sanders’s extensive experience, dedication to her clients, and active involvement in professional organizations make her a respected leader in the field of substance abuse treatment and counseling. Her passion for helping individuals on their path to recovery continues to drive positive change in the lives of those she serves.
