In 1987, we were dissatisfied with the way substance abuse services were being offered and promoted for both adolescents and adults, thus we began Sameem Associates in order to offer more comprehensive and improved programs and facilities.

In the late 1980’s, states across the nation were cutting budgets and cutting necessary programs while at the same time, drug and alcohol abuse was increasing among all populations.  Teens however are a group that has always suffered when it comes to substance abuse services and that problem continues to exist today.

Sameem Associates Inc. has grown to be one of the premier outpatient addictions treatment clinics in the Northeast.  Sameem is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of certified and licensed clinicians.   Sameem offers comprehensive treatment in all areas of behavioral health, providing specialty services for adolescents and their parents, outpatient detoxification, the courts, college and professional athletes as well as trauma survivors.

Our website gives you a snap shot of both services and information from the community at large.  Our treatment programs continue to service both adolescents and adults in all areas of substance abuse care.  We continually offer state of the art information and treatment for substance abuse problems so that Sameem Associates is a resource for the entire community.

Matt Green
Joan Green

MATT GREEN, LMHC, ABD, CAGS has more than years experience treating patients with both psychiatric and addictive disorders. He has developed education, hotline and treatment programs for outpatient clinics, hospitals and human service organizations nationwide.

Matt is a co-director of Sameem Associates, Inc., one of the premier outpatient addiction treatment organizations in the Northeast.  He has authored several book chapters, manuals and professional articles.  He is also one of 31 Treatment Clinicians (TC) for the National Football League (NFL) Program for Substances of Abuse. (This program is a cosponsored by the NFL Management Council and the Players Association). He has also served as a consultant to various schools, government organizations, hospitals and corporations (such as Arrow Electronics, Titleist Footjoy, American Airlines, etc).

Matt chairs the City of Newton Substance Abuse Coalition (established in 1980) and serves on the advisory board for the city of Newton Youth Commission and as Special Advisor to the Mayor of Newton.  Matt has also been a frequent presenter at the Northeast Annual Conference for Group Psychotherapy, the Massachusetts Association for Drug and Alcohol Abuse counselors’ conference and at the national conference for the Substance Abuse Programs Administrators Association as well as at many hospitals sponsored programs.

Matt was a consultant to HBO (Home Box Office) in the filming of their award winning documentary, "How to Raise a Drug Free Child". He also appeared and consulted to the "HealthWeek" production of "Party Pills" a Newsweek Film Production in association with PBS (Public Broadcasting Systems); and taped a segment for CBS The Early Show with Bryant Gumbel. Matt was also featured on Boston’s WBZ Radio on the Jordan Rich Show.  The show discussed techniques for anxiety management and stress reduction as well as the latest in substance abuse treatment options.  Most recently, Matt was featured on Talking about Health with Dan Perkins on WEZE Radio – AM 590 discussing adolescent substance abuse.

Matt also traveled to the island of St. Martin in the Caribbean-Netherlands, Antilles for over 2 years to establish Turning Point, a substance abuse treatment center for the chain of islands.  This program was supported in part through private capital and in part by a coordinated effort between the Dutch and French governments.

In August 2004, John Kelly, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies and Matt Green collaborated on a pilot study for adolescents receiving treatment for alcohol and/or drug problems.  The study was funded by Brown University with the hope that it would provide enough data to then receive support for a larger study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) part of the National Institutes on Health (NIH).  The pilot program was completed in March 2005.  As of July 2006, Dr. Kelly, Associate Director of the MGH/Harvard Addiction Research Program (part of the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital), has been awarded a grant to embark on a 4-year study on adolescents in treatment for alcohol/drug problems by NIAAA.  Sameem Associates, Inc. will once again play a major role in this study. 

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Since the mid-1970’s Joan has been a driving force in the development of youth programs in the Greater Boston Area, initiating and developing a local Teenage Mothers’ Program, Summer Therapeutic Recreation program and Youth development program.   For over 15 years, Joan has been a clinical consultant to large city police departments (i.e. Boston), as well as federal agencies, such as DEA.

In addition to her clinical work, Joan, along with Matt Green, coordinated clinical resources for clients of Robert Stutman & Associates Inc., a substance abuse in the workplace-consulting firm. In their work with Stutman Associates, they traveled throughout the United States and the Caribbean, establishing 24/7 hotlines as well as training and teaching in hospitals, clinics, school systems and government agencies.

Joan is frequently invited to speak on the subject of “Intervention Strategies for Chemical Dependent Adolescents”.  She has spoken at many local, regional and national conferences including the Substance Abuse Programs Administrators Association in St. Louis, MO, the National Council on Alcoholism in Washington DC and the Governor’s Alliance Against Drugs conference.

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STEVEN ADELMAN, MD is currently the Director of Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates.  Dr. Adelman has served as an addiction consultant to the National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, as well as to a number of healthcare organizations, professional sports franchises, and law firms.  He has successfully treated impaired physicians, athletes, lawyers and executives.

Dr. Adelman has published extensively in the field of addiction, and has extensive experience interacting with the public online on two addiction-related websites that he designed and operated.  He also established three popular online “Ask the Doctor” forums on MedHelp International.

Dr. Adelman graduated from Harvard University, received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and was Chief Resident at Harvard Medical School’s prestigious McLean Hospital.  He is ASAM certified in Addiction Medicine and ABPN certified in addiction Psychiatry.  He has served on the faculty at UMass Medical School, Harvard Medical School and Ben Gurion University in Israel. 

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PATRICIA DELUCA, RN, MS, CS is a clinical Nurse Specialist who specializes in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.  In addition to her work at Sameem Associates, she cares for a wide variety of patients, both inpatient and out patient, at McLean’s Hospital, Franciscan Children’s Hospital and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates.

Patricia’s expertise focuses on substance abuse treatment, severe depression, woman’s issues, panic disorder and anxiety as well as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).  She has extensive group therapy experience with DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), early recovery and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. 

Patricia co-authored “The Effects of Ginkgo Biloba For SSRI Genital Anesthesia” in Currents in Affective Illness.  She has worked with nationally known physicians and psychiatrist who are experts in psychopharmacology and substance abuse.

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CHERYL HUNT, Psy.D.   is a clinical psychologist and a trauma specialist. Dr. Hunt is a staff psychologist at the Trauma Center in Boston, MA.

Cheryl has worked in numerous mental health settings including hospitals (inpatient as well as emergency rooms) and various outpatient clinics. She trained and worked at the award winning Victims of Violence Program at the Cambridge Hospital and was Chief Psychologist at the Women's Treatment Program at Metro West Medical Center. Cheryl has held an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School and currently is on the clinical faculty at the Trauma Center in Boston (affiliated with Boston University Medical School).

In addition to trauma treatment, Cheryl also specializes in substance abuse treatment and is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).  Cheryl employs EMDR with patients who experience acute stress disorder as well as post traumatic stress disorder.  Cheryl has presented at numerous academic conferences in psychology locally and nationally.

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SUZANNE BRENNAN-NATHAN, LICSW specializes in the treatment of trauma and addictive behaviors.  She is currently the clinical director of the south area office of Sameem Associates Inc in Sharon, MA.  Suzanne was the founding director of the award winning Child Sexual Abuse Team at Cambridge Hospital.  She has worked as a victim specialist in a variety of clinical settings and directs a group treatment program for Adult Children of Alcoholics.  Suzanne also has experience as an expert witness and guardian ad litem.

Suzanne has served on the faculties of several universities including Harvard Medical School, Boston College and Boston University.  Suzanne has also lectured throughout the Greater Boston area on addictions, the psychology of trauma, child abuse as well as the psychology of women.

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LUIS T. SANCHEZ, M.D. is a staff psychiatrist at Sameem Associates, Inc. Dr. Sanchez received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School.  He completed a general medical internship and psychiatric residency at the Cambridge Hospital.  He has held numerous positions in the Greater Boston area including; Medical Director of Special Treatment Team for Addictions, Cambridge-Somerville Unit at Westborough State Hospital; Chief of Psychiatry at Central Hospital in Somerville, MA; Associate Medical Director at Pembroke Hospital, Pembroke, MA; Medical Director of the Addictions Treatment program at Waltham-Weston Hospital, Waltham, MA; Medical Director at the Division of Addictions at Cambridge Hospital; Medical Director of the Addictions and Dual Diagnosis Unit at the Arbour Hospital.

In addition to his work at Sameem Associates, Dr. Sanchez is currently the Director of Physician Health Services (PHS), a corporation of the Massachusetts Medical Society, which provides support and monitoring for physicians with a range of health issues including substance abuse, mental health and medical problems.

Dr. Sanchez is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has added qualifications in Addiction Psychiatry.

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CHARLES J. REILLY, Ed., D., is a clinical psychologist and addictions specialist. Former positions include: Director of Psychology and Forensic Services, Medfield State Hospital, Medfield, MA; Clinical Director, Newton Guidance Clinic, Newton, MA; Clinical and Administrative Director, Cambridge Psychiatric Associates, Cambridge, MA; Clinical and Administrative Director, Human Resource Institute at Lawrence, MA; Associate Clinical and Administrative Director, Human Resource Institute at Lowell, MA.

Dr. Reilly is currently the Director of Psychology and Forensic Services at Metro Boston Inpatient Services, Lemuel Shattuck Hospital.  He is certified by the American Psychological Association and the Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders as an Addictions Specialist. Dr. Reilly is also a Designated Forensic Psychologist, a licensed Rehabilitation Counselor and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

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FREDERIC SCHIFFER, MD is a staff psychiatrist for Sameem Associates, Inc. Dr. Schiffer focuses his work on ambulatory detoxification, psychopharmacological treatment, as well as individual therapy. He is also leading a research component with other members of the Sameem staff.

In addition, Dr. Schiffer is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Harvard Medical School and is Associate Attending Psychiatrist at McLean Hospital. His writing has been published in the field's most prestigious publications, including the Journal of Neuropsychiatry, Comprehensive Psychiatry, and the Harvard Review of Psychiatry. He is also the author a book Of Two Minds: A New Approach to Better Understanding Your Emotional Life (Simon and Schuster, 1999).

Dr. Schiffer also maintains a clinical practice in adult psychiatry in Newton, MA and continues to conduct research on the ground breaking clinical applications of dual-brain psychology.

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BARRY POMERANTZ, LICSW, CAS, MSW is a senior clinician at Sameem Associates specializing in Family Therapy and has extensive experience treating adolescents.

A graduate of Boston University School of Social Work, Barry has been a senior clinician at Children’s Hospital and Family Service. He consults to a number of independent day and boarding schools in New England and maintains a private practice in Newton, MA.

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PATRICIA COSSIO, MD is a psychiatrist and psychophamacologist at Sameem Associates, Inc. Dr. Cossio specializes in the assessment of the medical and medication needs of patients with psychiatric disorders and dual diagnoses.

Dr. Cossio received her Medical Degree at the University of Chile in 1970. She completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry at Boston State Hospital, and the Peter Brent Brigham Hospital. She has been a staff psychiatrist at Medfield State Hospital, Newton Wellesley Hospital and has been affiliated at the Children's Hospital in Boston. Dr. Cossio maintains an appointment as an Instructor in Psychiatry at the Harvard Medical School and has supervised at the Massachusetts General Hospital. She has consulted to numerous clinics and hospitals throughout her career. Dr. Cossio also maintains a private practice in Brookline, MA.

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CRAIG BENNETT, LICSW has over years of experience in the field of mental health. Craig is a practitioner of individual, couples, family and group psychotherapy for all age groups.   Craig works primarily in the South area, Sharon, MA, office of Sameem Associates, Inc.

Craig received his MSW from Simmons College School of Social Work. He is a Board Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work. He is proficient in working with individuals who have concerns about substance abuse. Craig is accomplished in both short and long-term psychotherapy with an emphasis on solution focused treatment.

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CARIE GAVIGAN, Ph. D. is a staff psychologist at Sameem Associates.  She specializes in psychotherapy and substance abuse treatment for adults, young adults and adolescents.  Dr. Gavigan provides individual, couple and group psychotherapy. She specializes in addiction and substance abuse treatment as well as assertive communication.
 
She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Forham University where her dissertation focused on motivational issues in substance abuse treatment.  Carie has worked in a variety of settings including Pembroke Hospital, Stepping Stone Day Treatment Center, Psychiatric Institute at Malden Hospital, as well as other residential youth settings. In addition to her training as a psychologist, Dr Gavigan also holds a masters degree in Art Therapy and is an adjunct professor at Lesley University where she teaches in both the graduate Expressive Therapies and Counseling Psychology departments.  Dr. Gavigan also maintains a private practice in Newton, MA.

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JODI SCHWEBEL, MA, LMHC, ATR is a staff clinician in the South area (Sharon, MA) office of Sameem Associates.  Jodi specializes in individual, couples, group and family therapy with an emphasis on women’s psychology.  Jodi graduated with a master’s degree in Expressive Therapy from Lesley College. She has worked for over 15 years in both clinical and administrative roles within h day treatment community, including Riverside Community Care in Newton, Center for Community Counseling and Education in Walpole, Westwood Pembroke Health Systems and Westwood Lodge and the May Institute both in Norwood. 

Jodi is a registered Art Therapist and a Licensed Allied Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts.

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SUE KORBER, RN, MS, CS is a clinical nurse specialist with more than years experience working with children, adolescents and adults.  She currently prescribes medication to both children and adults in our Newton and Sharon locations.  Sue has extensive training and expertise in psychopharmacological treatment of affective disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), dual diagnosis and substance abuse treatment.

Sue has been on staff at Children’s Hospital in Boston, Tufts New England Medical Center, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates and Charles River Health Management. Sue also directed the Mental Health program at the Brighton Marine Health Plan serving children, ages 0-17, who are dependents of military personnel.

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DEBORAH SOSIN, LICSW, conducts individual therapy and facilitates recovery groups at Sameem Associates.  Deborah is a clinical supervisor at North Charles Institute for the Addictions in Somerville, Mass., and has a small private practice.  She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings in the Greater Boston area, including New England Memorial Hospital and Children's Hospital.  Deborah’s work focuses on adolescent girls, women’s issues, trauma, family systems and eating disorders. Her experience also includes training and supervising mental health professionals in group work with adult sexual abuse survivors.

A 1982 graduate of Smith College School for Social Work, Deborah also served as faculty field advisor at Boston College Graduate School of Social Work and is currently on the clinical faculties of Boston University School of Social Work and Simmons College School of Social Work. She published “The Diary as a Transitional Object in Female Adolescent Development” in Adolescent Psychiatry (1983), based on her original research, and has given talks on the subject in the Boston area and at the 1985 International Conference on Adolescent Psychiatry in Paris, France.   Deborah is the former publications director at Hebrew College in Newton and is a freelance writer and experienced editor.  She is currently working on a book drawn from her 1960s teen diaries.

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HARRIET SCHEFT, MD is an addictions psychiatrist whose focus is in the area of medication management and Suboxone (medication treatment for opioid dependence) maintenance.  She is currently the Medical director/Staff psychiatrist at the VA Medical Center in Jamaica Plain, MA as well as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New England Medical Center.

Her focus at Sameem Associates is working with patients on psychiatric medication management and a Suboxone maintenance program.

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CHANNAH SCHAFER, LICSW is a staff clinician at Sameem Associates.  Channah has over years experience as a solution oriented therapist.  She specializes in the mind-body connection using a holistic approach to her therapy.  Channah works well with all types of patients - children, adolescents, families and seniors.

Channah’s expertise is in meditation and relaxation, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), PTSD (Past Traumatic Stress Disorder) as well as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).  She also maintains a private practice in Sharon, MA, for more information visit www.healingmatters.net

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