77/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.1★ from 210 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Best Addiction Counselors in Nanaimo, BC (2026)
48 addiction counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Nanaimo: EHN Edgewood Nanaimo, RP Score 77/100; 4.1★ from 210 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.
- 19
Most-reviewed: Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society, 206 Google reviews at 4.4★, the most of 48 ranked after EHN Edgewood Nanaimo; ranked #19.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
48 Nanaimo addiction counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 25 open Saturdays and 26 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.4★ across 48 rated practices.
Top 10 addiction counselors in Nanaimo at a glance
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EHN Edgewood Nanaimo | 77 | 4.1★ (210) | Nanaimo | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Overall |
| 2 | Into Action Recovery | Private Men's Addiction Treatment Centre | 68 | 5.0★ (66) | Burnaby, 71 km away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 3 | Last Door Addiction Recovery Treatment Centre | 67 | 4.6★ (146) | New Westminster, 74 km away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 4 | Pacific Interventions-West Vancouver | 66 | 5.0★ (9) | Vancouver, 61 km away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 5 | The Healing Institute | 66 | 4.4★ (37) | Nanaimo | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 6 | Pacific Interventions-Vancouver | 65 | 5.0★ (10) | Vancouver, 65 km away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 7 | Mental Health and Substance Use Centre | 65 | 3.7★ (6) | Nanaimo | — | — |
| 8 | Sunshine Coast Health Centre | 65 | 4.4★ (75) | Powell River, 76 km away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 9 | Downtown Eastside Connections Clinic | 64 | 4.5★ (28) | Vancouver, 63 km away | Sat · Sun | — |
| 10 | Pacific Interventions-Surrey | 63 | 4.7★ (23) | Surrey, 80 km away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
The 48 best addiction counselors in Nanaimo, ranked
Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
Based in Burnaby, 71 km away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 5.0★ from 66 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in New Westminster, 74 km away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.6★ from 146 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Vancouver, 61 km away
66/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Alcoholism treatment program”, 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Nanaimo
66/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.4★ from 37 Google reviews, based in Nanaimo.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Vancouver, 65 km away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Alcoholism treatment program”, 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Nanaimo
65/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Powell River, 76 km away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.4★ from 75 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Vancouver, 63 km away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.5★ from 28 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Surrey, 80 km away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Alcoholism treatment program”, 4.7★ from 23 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Surrey, 80 km away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Powell River, 80 km away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.3★ from 43 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Nanaimo
62/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Surrey, 80 km away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.8★ from 37 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in New Westminster, 74 km away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.0★ from 65 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Surrey, 80 km away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Vancouver, 65 km away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Nanaimo
60/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.3★ from 10 Google reviews, based in Nanaimo.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Vancouver, 65 km away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.4★ from 206 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Duncan, 49 km away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.6★ from 11 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Surrey, 79 km away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 55 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Vancouver, 61 km away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#23 Breath Control
Based in Nanaimo
56/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, based in Nanaimo.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Vancouver, 61 km away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in New Westminster, 75 km away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.9★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
All 48 addiction counselors
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #48, in RP Score order; each links to its profile.
Also serving Nanaimo
16 more addiction counselors within 80 km that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Alberni Valley Drug & Alcohol | 5.0★ (2) | 63 km |
| BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services | 3.0★ (2) | 69 km |
| Bc Mental Health-Addiction Svc | 32 km | |
| British Columbia Counselling Coop | In Nanaimo | |
| British Columbia Counselling Coop | 32 km | |
| DiscovHer Recovery | 5.0★ (2) | In Nanaimo |
| EHN Guardians Nanaimo | In Nanaimo | |
| Imagine Laserworks Port Alberni | 61 km | |
| LaserQUIT Nanaimo | 1.0★ (1) | In Nanaimo |
| Orchard Recovery Center Vancouver | 3.0★ (2) | 61 km |
| RE:ACT Centre Surrey | 5.0★ (1) | 80 km |
| Richmond Addiction Services Society | 59 km | |
| The Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions | 64 km | |
| Trafalgar Addiction Treatment Centres | 61 km | |
| Vancouver Island Therapy | 5.0★ (1) | In Nanaimo |
| Westminster House | 75 km |
How we ranked Nanaimo addiction counselors
We scored 48 Nanaimo addiction counselors on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Nanaimo data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Review volume | 5% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 5% | Share of Google reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 10% | Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availability | Measured |
| Specialty focus | 25% | How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 15% | Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Partnered | 5% | The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodically | Measured |
How to choose an addiction counselor
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure addiction counseling is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask which credential the counselor holds (for example a state addiction counselor certification, LPC or LCSW).
- Ask whether they work with a physician if medication for addiction treatment is part of your plan.
- Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
- Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
- After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.
Questions to ask an addiction counselor
- Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- How much of your work is addiction counseling?
- Do you offer individual sessions, groups or an intensive outpatient program?
- What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
- Do you offer online sessions?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?
Terms explained
- PhD / PsyD
- Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
- Licensed psychologist
- A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
- Psychological associate
- In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
- LPC / LMHC / LCPC
- US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
- LCSW
- Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
- LMFT
- Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
- RP / RCC
- Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
- PSYPACT
- An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
- Telehealth
- Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
- CBT
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
- DBT
- Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
- ERP
- Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.
Addiction counselors in Nanaimo: frequently asked questions
Who is the best addiction counselor in Nanaimo?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked addiction counselor in Nanaimo, BC is EHN Edgewood Nanaimo with an RP Score of 77/100. It has 4.1★ from 210 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Into Action Recovery | Private Men's Addiction Treatment Centre (#2) and Last Door Addiction Recovery Treatment Centre (#3) follow. We ranked 48 addiction counselors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many addiction counselors are there in Nanaimo?
RankedPsychologists ranks 48 addiction counselors serving Nanaimo, BC. 6 of them are based in Nanaimo; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 16 within 80 km are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
What should I do if I need help right now?
In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.
Which addiction counselors in Nanaimo work on weekends?
25 of 48 ranked addiction counselors post Saturday hours and 26 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are EHN Edgewood Nanaimo (#1), Into Action Recovery | Private Men's Addiction Treatment Centre (#2) and Last Door Addiction Recovery Treatment Centre (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Nanaimo addiction counselors have?
The median Google rating among 48 rated addiction counselors in Nanaimo is 4.4★, with a median of 14 reviews. EHN Edgewood Nanaimo has the most, 210 reviews, and ranks #1. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank addiction counselors?
Each addiction counselor gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do addiction counselors outside Nanaimo count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 80 km of the Nanaimo city centre, our service radius for addiction counselors. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.
Can addiction counselors pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?
No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.
How are addiction counselors in Nanaimo ranked?
Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on addiction counseling and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.
What is the difference between outpatient addiction counseling and rehab?
Outpatient counseling means regular sessions while you live at home and keep working; intensive outpatient programs meet several times a week. Residential rehab and medical detox happen in a facility. Withdrawal from alcohol and some drugs can be medically dangerous, so speak to a doctor before stopping if you drink or use heavily every day.
Can I see an addiction counselor online?
Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.
What if I need help right now?
Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.
Update log for Nanaimo
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 48 addiction counselors serving Nanaimo.
More addiction counselors and Nanaimo pages
Addiction counselors near Nanaimo
- Addiction counselors in Parksville, BC16 ranked
- Addiction counselors in North Cowichan, BC59 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Duncan, BC61 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Salt Spring Island, BC77 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Richmond, BC75 ranked
- Addiction counselors in West End, BC73 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Vancouver, BC73 ranked
- Addiction counselors in West Vancouver, BC68 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Ladner, BC82 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Port Alberni, BC14 ranked
Other specialties in Nanaimo
- Psychologists in Nanaimo5 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Nanaimo74 ranked
- Couples therapists in Nanaimo21 ranked
- Family therapists in Nanaimo25 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Nanaimo5 ranked
- Eating disorder therapists in Nanaimo7 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Nanaimo8 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Nanaimo19 ranked
- All psychologists in Nanaimo