James Plante is a licensed chemical dependance professional / Certified Community Support Professional / Certified Recovery Coach and Trainer of Trainers with over 30 years of hands-on experience with mental health and substances abuse populations beginning in 1996. His diverse knowledge of working with the severe and persistent mentally ill / homeless / incarcerated and post incarcerated individuals with addiction issues has given him a well-rounded and diverse approach to the population.
Spending the first 15 years of employment as a Case Manager Specialist has afforded him invaluable connections to Rhode Island’s services for substance use and mental health. Having dealt firsthand with addiction issues himself has given him an ability to relate to an individual on a different level. Having the belief that the individuals’ basic needs must be met prior to therapy has given his patients a sense of support and the ability to help triage the individuals’ specific needs to help remove barriers that hold individuals back from dealing with the root issues that cause them to want to use substances.
He is a warm and compassionate therapist that works not only on the substance abuse issues individuals face but all aspects of life that contribute to their inability to maintain control. Utilizing a holistic and spiritual focus, incorporating talk therapy and mindfulness strategies, coupled with addiction science and theory has helped individuals’ better control their impulses and therefore helping them to take a step back and make better choices. On a personal level, James enjoys outdoor life and also works on a horse farm to help him remain grounded and focused on his own addiction issues. He is an avid antique clock collector and believer that less is better in this stressful life.