Patrick Varney, MA, MS, LPC, LIAC, Phoenix, AZ

What patients are saying

Overall rating

4.93

Average wait time

4.97

Bedside manner

4.95

“I was very apprehensive about going. But pushed myself to and found it very relaxed and easy to talk with him.”

Suzanne W.January 23, 2025

“This was my 1st appointment, and I will definitely be going back!! He was so kind, understanding, and a great listener. He provided material that I could use to further my sessions. Thankful to have found him. ”

Martha C.More than 1 year ago

About Patrick Varney

Focus areas

Addiction Consultation

Depression

Internet Addiction

Anxiety

Drug Addiction

Psychotherapy

Couples Therapy

Gambling Addiction

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)

Individuals

Families

Adults (25-64)

Couples

Seniors (65+)

Groups

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Cognitive Processing (CPT)

Christian Counseling

Culturally Sensitive

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Identity

Gender

Male

Sexuality

Straight

Faith

Christian

Ethnicity

White

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Patrick Varney

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Independent Addiction Counselor (LIAC) in Arizona. I’ve worked in the addictions and mental health field since 1997, have been licensed in Arizona since 2014, and am in long‑term sobriety myself, so I understand both the pain of addiction and the hope of recovery. I specialize in substance use disorders, behavioral/process addictions (gambling, gaming, spending, work), and sex and pornography addiction. My work with sex addiction is neuroscience‑informed and draws from Dr. Patrick Carnes’ Gentle Path and betrayal trauma frameworks, often including the gentle uncovering of childhood sexual trauma, attachment wounds, secrecy, and shame. I also treat PTSD and complex trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship and attachment issues, and the unique stressors faced by professionals and first responders. I view addiction as a coping strategy—a way to manage deeper emotional pain—and I focus on both reducing harmful behaviors and healing the roots underneath. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, trauma‑informed and attachment‑focused therapy, somatic and grounding therapies, and relapse‑prevention and recovery‑oriented work. I hold basic certification in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and provide Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma. I am trained as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP and CCTP‑II), allowing me to work effectively with both single‑incident and complex, developmental trauma. My style is direct, honest, and compassionate. Sessions are collaborative and nonjudgmental—you can speak openly about cravings, slips, sexual behaviors, pornography use, work stress, or relationship conflict without fear of shame. Early sessions focus on what brings you to therapy, your goals, and a clear plan. Over time, we work on insight, emotional regulation, boundaries, healing betrayal and attachment trauma.

What should a new client know about working with you?

My therapeutic style is easygoing yet direct. I take an empathetic, client-centered approach that fosters a genuine partnership focused on healing, growth, and building a more fulfilling life. I am in long-term sobriety and deeply understand the fear, shame, and hope that can come with seeking help. I believe having a safe, nonjudgmental space to process past and present pain is essential, and I tailor treatment to your specific needs, using the techniques that work best for you. My philosophy is that people can change, learn, and adapt new ways of coping with life’s stressors, restoring purpose and meaning. Sometimes small shifts in beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can lead to powerful change. I also believe that untreated traumatic experiences often resurface and take over our lives in the present, which is why addressing trauma is a core part of my work. In my experience, many people struggling with addiction are also coping with underlying issues such as stress, anxiety (including social anxiety), anger, trauma, abandonment, depression, or major life transitions. When we treat these underlying concerns, the intensity and distress of the addiction often decrease. Since working in the field since 1997 in both public and private settings, I know that “one size does not fit all.” I draw from a range of strategies and evidence-based approaches so we can find what truly fits you, your values, and your goals for change.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

When we begin working together, our first few sessions focus on understanding you as a whole person—your history, current struggles, strengths, values, and goals. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in now, what you’ve already tried, and what “better” would realistically look like for you. From there, we collaboratively create a treatment plan that feels practical, meaningful, and attainable. I’m an eclectic therapist, which means I pull from multiple evidence‑based approaches rather than forcing one model to fit everyone. I often use family systems work, communication skills, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Gottman‑informed approaches for couples and families. For individual work, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and existential therapy. Because trauma and attachment injuries are so commonly intertwined with addiction and mental health issues, I also incorporate specialized trauma treatments such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy, along with somatic and grounding techniques to help regulate the nervous system. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP and CCTP‑II), I pay close attention to safety, pacing, and stabilization so we’re not just “reopening wounds” but actually helping them heal. Your beliefs, culture, and recovery path matter. I frequently integrate spiritual counseling when desired, and am comfortable working alongside 12‑step programs, faith traditions, medication‑assisted treatments, Rational Recovery, or secular approaches. Throughout therapy, you can expect clear feedback, collaborative goal‑setting, and regular check‑ins about what is or isn’t working so we can adjust. The process is flexible, focused, and always centered around helping you build a more grounded, connected, and sustainable life.

Is this doctor in your insurance network?

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In-network insurances

Aetna

BlueCross BlueShield

UnitedHealthcare

200+ more in-network plans

Out-of-pocket fees and assistance

Initial session: $150 for 55 minutes

Ongoing session: $150-200 for 55 minutes

Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork

More information on payments and coverage

Payment for services is due at the time of your session. I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Aetna, and United Healthcare (in‑network only) for clients located in Arizona. All clients outside of Arizona are seen on a private‑pay basis. Private pay is processed through SimplePractice (Stripe) using major credit or debit cards. Current rates are: $150.00 per individual session (50–60 minutes) $200.00 per couples or family session (50–60 minutes) $60.00 per person for a 120‑minute group Telehealth session You will receive invoices and receipts through the client portal, and I can also provide a detailed superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out‑of‑network reimbursement, depending on your plan.

Popular visit reasons

Anxiety

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Depression

Gambling Addiction

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Therapy

Anxiety

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Depression

Office location

Patrick Varney, MA, MS, LPC, LIAC also offers online video visits for patients

Phoenix Foundations Recovery

4539 N 22nd St, Ste 204, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Get directions

Education and background

Practice names

Phoenix Foundations Recovery

Education and training

Grand Canyon University, Master's in Addiction Counseling
University of Ottawa, Master’s in Counseling

Professional memberships

American Counseling Association

Awards and publications

Patrick Varney is a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor in the state of AZ.

NPI number

1699366849

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.

Overall rating

4.93

Wait time

4.97

Bedside manner

4.95

Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here

46 reviews

Most relevant

I was very apprehensive about going. But pushed myself to and found it very relaxed and easy to talk with him.

January 23, 2025Suzanne W.Verified patient

Professional competent. Patrick was able to put me at ease and the time was used to set goals and objectives.

May 16, 2024Yvonne O.Verified patient

Very kind, experienced, and understanding. Provides good tools to get through difficult situations.

More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit

patrick was very nice and welcoming. I instantly felt comfotable discussing my issues with him

January 18, 2024Maxwell P.Verified patient

Had an excellent experience, and intend on returning.

March 6, 2024Justin P.Verified patient

Excellent care and I have two more appointments scheduled.

March 30, 2023Christopher S.Verified patient

First appt, so just expressing area' we need help.

May 15, 2024Eric S.Verified patientVideo visit

This was my 1st appointment, and I will definitely be going back!! He was so kind, understanding, and a great listener. He provided material that I could use to further my sessions. Thankful to have found him.

More than 1 year agoMartha C.Verified patient

Patrick was amazing. He made me feel comfortable to communicate in a safe space and was an excellent listener. Looking forward to my next appointment