Outpatient Addiction Therapy for ILWU Members

Substance Use Therapy for Longshoremen and ILWU Members in San Pedro

As a licensed group practice offering individual outpatient therapy in the San Pedro Harbor area, Coastwise Health understands the unique challenges faced by longshoremen and ILWU members. Drug addiction and substance abuse among maritime workers often develop quietly, fueled by the physical toll of the job, irregular hours, and a workplace culture that can make it difficult to ask for help. Our individual outpatient therapy for substance use is designed to support the mental health and recovery needs of maritime workers while accommodating the demanding schedules of port operations.

Understanding the Longshoreman Experience

Working at one of the busiest ports in America comes with its own set of challenges:

High-stress work environment with constant safety risks
Irregular shift patterns that disrupt sleep and daily routines
Physical demands that lead to chronic pain and potential reliance on pain medication
Workplace incidents and trauma that can trigger PTSD and anxiety
Difficulty balancing work obligations with personal and family life
Industry-specific pressures including job uncertainty during contract negotiations

These stressors contribute to higher rates of drug addiction and alcohol dependence among longshoremen and port workers. Many ILWU members turn to substances as a way to cope with pain, stress, or the emotional weight of what they experience on the job. Recognizing the signs early and seeking outpatient substance use therapy can prevent these challenges from escalating into a crisis.

Our Approach to Substance Use Care

Individual Outpatient Therapy

For ILWU members and longshoremen working to address drug addiction or alcohol use, our individual outpatient therapy offers one-on-one talk therapy with a licensed clinician. Sessions are private and tailored to you, with attention to relapse prevention, coping skills, and any co-occurring concerns like anxiety, depression, or trauma. You meet with your therapist on a schedule that fits your life, returning home and staying connected to family and community in San Pedro.

Therapy That Works Around Your Shifts

Our outpatient therapy is built for working longshoremen who want effective support without stepping away from their careers. We offer day and evening appointments to accommodate rotating port shifts, and we keep the focus on relapse prevention, coping skills, and the individual counseling that helps recovery hold over time. For many ILWU members, this is the right balance of real support and the flexibility to keep earning a living.

Flexible Scheduling for Active Workers

Crisis support available when you need it most
Day, evening, and weekend appointments
Treatment schedules that accommodate rotating shifts and dispatch calls
Telehealth options for remote sessions when you cannot make it in person
A thorough understanding of port operations and job demands

Comprehensive Services

Our outpatient substance use therapy in San Pedro supports every aspect of recovery:

Individual therapy and counseling tailored to maritime workers
Evidence-based therapy for drug and alcohol use
Stress management techniques designed for high-pressure work environments
Trauma and PTSD therapy for workplace incidents and injuries
Family therapy to rebuild relationships strained by addiction
Group therapy sessions with peers who understand port life
Crisis intervention and safety planning
Coordination with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) providers for opioid and alcohol dependence

Insurance and ILWU Benefits

We work directly with ILWU insurance plans and make it simple to understand your coverage. Navigating insurance should never be a barrier to getting the care you need. We work with:

ILWU-PMA Welfare Plan (Blue Shield of CA – PPO)
Most major insurance providers
Worker’s compensation cases related to workplace injuries

Our care team handles the paperwork so you can focus on your recovery. Learn how your insurance can help or call us directly for a confidential conversation.

Why Choose Coastwise Health for ILWU Addiction Therapy?

Local Understanding

Located in the heart of San Pedro Harbor and owned by San Pedro natives, we have a deep understanding of the maritime industry and the local community. Our clinical team is familiar with the unique culture and demands of port work. We know what it means to be on dispatch, to work a night shift followed by a day turn, and to carry the physical and emotional weight of this profession.

Confidential Care

We maintain strict confidentiality and understand the importance of privacy in our close-knit harbor community. Many longshoremen worry about coworkers or supervisors finding out they are seeking help for substance use. At Coastwise Health, your therapy and recovery journey remain completely confidential. We do not share information with employers, union representatives, or anyone else without your explicit consent.

Experience with Maritime Workers

Our clinical team has extensive experience working with:

Active longshoremen and ILWU members at every classification level
Retired maritime workers dealing with long-term effects of substance use
Family members of ILWU members who are affected by a loved one’s addiction
Port-related employees including clerks, mechanics, and terminal operators

Getting Started with Coastwise Health

Taking the first step toward getting support is often the hardest. We’re here to make the process as straightforward as possible:

Call our confidential helpline at (424) 536-3002
Schedule an initial assessment at a time that works with your shift
Develop a personalized therapy plan with your clinician
Begin your journey to wellness through individual outpatient therapy

Our Commitment to the Harbor Community

As members of the San Pedro Harbor community, we’re committed to supporting the health and well-being of our maritime workforce. We understand that seeking help takes courage, especially in an industry where toughness is valued. But drug addiction does not discriminate, and getting help is the strongest thing you can do for yourself and your family. We’re here to provide the professional, compassionate care you deserve.

Location and Contact Information:

1366 W 7th St, San Pedro, CA 90732 | 424-536-3002

Available 24/7 for emergency support
Conveniently located near the ports
Easy access from all terminal locations

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We work with the ILWU-PMA Welfare Plan (Blue Shield of CA PPO), which covers substance use care including our individual outpatient therapy. Our care team can help you understand how your insurance can help, quickly and confidentially, so you know what is covered before you begin.

Absolutely. Our outpatient therapy is designed for working longshoremen. We offer day and evening sessions so you can attend treatment around your rotating shift schedule, dispatch calls, and overtime. Many of our clients maintain their full work schedules while receiving care.

No. Coastwise Health follows strict federal confidentiality regulations (42 CFR Part 2) that protect the privacy of individuals in substance abuse treatment. We will never contact your employer or union without your written consent. Your recovery is your business.

We provide individual outpatient therapy, which is one-on-one talk therapy with a licensed clinician. Sessions focus on relapse prevention, coping skills, and any co-occurring concerns such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. We do not run intensive day programs or residential care. If someone needs a higher level of care, we can talk through options in the broader continuum and help with the next step.

In most cases, we can talk through your coverage and complete an initial assessment within 24 to 48 hours. We understand that when someone is ready to seek help for drug addiction, timing matters. Call us at (424) 536-3002 and we will work to get you started as soon as possible.

Don’t let addiction or mental health challenges control your life. Reach out to Coastwise Health today to learn how we can support your journey to recovery while understanding and respecting the unique demands of your profession.

Who you would be working with

Substance use at Coastwise is individual therapy, not a program. You work one to one with a clinician who specialises in addiction, for as long as it is useful, and we treat the depression, anxiety or trauma that so often travels with it at the same time.

Angelo Mei, LMFT, CADC II

Addiction, long-term recovery and relapse prevention, grounded in ACT. Over two decades of his own sobriety.

Penn Shelton, LCSW

Addiction and recovery alongside the trauma and patterns underneath it. Works from his own long-term recovery.

Tell us what is going on and we will say honestly which clinician fits, or meet the full team.

Coastwise Health | Outpatient Addiction Therapy for Longshoremen and ILWU Members in San Pedro Harbor