Real Recovery - Bridging the Gap in Substance Use and Mental Health Recovery

This professional has a unique and powerful combination of lived experience and academic achievement, including a Ph.D., which they bring to their work in addiction recovery and mental health services. With over four decades of experience in the Bay Area, they have worked directly with vulnerable populations, providing leadership and guidance in substance use disorder treatment, homelessness intervention, and community outreach. Their passion for working with others and their firsthand understanding of addiction allow them to connect deeply with the communities they serve.

Their qualifications include being a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor V (CATC V), and they have held various supervisory roles where they led clinical teams, developed staff training programs, and ensured quality in service delivery. In recent roles, such as SUD Counselor Supervisor at HealthRight 360 and Internship Coordinator at Center Point, Inc., they provided strategic leadership, supported peer mentorship, and contributed to innovative programming in outpatient care.

 Their work demonstrates strong managerial and social work skills, with a consistent focus on supporting both staff and clients.

Throughout their career, they have also contributed to public health efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving in leadership roles for San Francisco’s Department of Public Health and Homelessness and Supportive Housing departments. They coordinated case investigations, worked closely with community-based organizations, and led programs serving thousands of unhoused individuals. Their commitment to equity, multicultural awareness, and community empowerment is evident across all their roles, reflecting a lifelong dedication to improving systems of care for marginalized and underserved populations.

Real Recovery LLC stands poised to revolutionize the field of online recovery services, bringing an innovative, empathetic approach to the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD). Founded by Ennis Johnson, a veteran in the realm of recovery and substance use education, Real Recovery aims to extend its reach to individuals grappling with addiction, especially those re-entering challenging environments post-recovery. Our unique value proposition lies in our commitment to providing highly personalized and effective online treatment, tapping into the power of the latest digital communication platforms like Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet to deliver our services. At the core of Real Recovery is our founder, Ennis Johnson, Ph.D., MBA, LAADC, CATC V, who brings over two decades of personal recovery experience and three decades of direct engagement with addiction issues. His profound personal and professional background shapes our mission and vision, driving us to become the premier online provider of substance use disorder treatment. Our services are deeply rooted in evidence-based practices and are tailored to meet our clients where they are in their recovery journey, respecting their individual needs and circumstances. Real Recovery is distinguished not just by the qualifications of its founder but also by our philosophy of treatment. Unlike conventional recovery programs that may adhere rigidly to predetermined paths, we focus on adaptive, client-centered strategies that address the psychological, emotional, and situational factors affecting each client. This approach is supported by our use of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy.