Matthew Shugart

Welcome. My name is Matthew and I want to be on your team. I’m super passionate about helping people build more authentic, happy, and fulfilling lives. I love to work with people who are committed to getting better, but I will meet you wherever you are mentally and spiritually when you start this new chapter. I think it’s important to know I’m open to working with people from all backgrounds and identities. I specialize in recovery from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders, but I also work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and eating disorders. I have been through a lot myself and not much surprises me. My therapeutic style is open-minded, understanding, empathetic, and honest. I work collaboratively with clients to set realistic goals for recovery that are manageable and empowering. Although I always strive to provide practical and helpful support, I also value humor in the therapeutic process. I use a variety of modalities, including person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, existential, positive psychology, and transactional analysis, to tailor my approach to each person. I began my career in therapy later in life, after my own recovery from drugs, alcohol, and an eating disorder. I started working in mental health and substance abuse recovery in 2016. I pursued a masters’ with Hazleton-Betty Ford, and graduated with a degree in integrated recovery for dual diagnosis in 2020. My wife and I moved to Atlanta from Michigan in 2009 and we currently live in EAV with our dog, Helmet. When I’m not “therapizing” you can find me looking at street art, listening to music, and seeking a deeper spiritual connection. ~ Matthew sees adults and teens. His rate is $120 per session, with some sliding scale spaces available in an effort to remove financial barriers to treatment. Align Wellness's sliding scale spots are prioritized for trans and BIPOC clients. We can provide documentation for insurance reimbursement. As an APC, his work with clients at Align Wellness is under the clinical supervision of Melanie Storrusten, LCSW.