Comprehensive Evaluation & Recovery Planning
With over 30 years of experience treating addictive disorders, Dr. Wendy Coughlin brings professional certification, academic training, and personal understanding to the treatment of substance use disorders. Her approach integrates medical, behavioral, and psychological care to support sustained recovery.
Expertise & Credentials
Dr. Coughlin is a Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional and a Certified Addiction Counselor. She is certified as a Master Addiction Counselor with the National Association of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) and by the Florida Certification Board as a Masters Certified Addiction Professional.
Family Court Matters
Substance use disorders often cause problems in families and may contribute to separation or divorce. When children are involved, courts may require an assessment of parental fitness that includes substance use evaluations. These assessments may involve:
- Diagnostic interviews
- Objective testing and toxicology
- Document reviews
- Collateral references
Treatment recommendations may range from individual therapy to mutual-help groups to Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) or inpatient care.
Monitoring recovery can include tools like Soberlink, ignition interlock devices, SCRAM monitors, random drug screens, or collateral documentation.
The “Chutes and Ladders” Program:
Dr. Coughlin has developed a phased system that adapts to each family: parents who maintain abstinence gain more parenting time (“up the ladder”), while those who relapse temporarily return to supervised timesharing (“down the chute”) until recovery resumes.
DUI/BUI & Suncoast Safety Council Services
As a provider for the Suncoast Safety Council, Dr. Coughlin delivers required treatment services following DUI or BUI charges.
- Services are individualized, not group-based, ideal for those whose needs prevent participation in group sessions.
- All services are face-to-face and scheduled according to client need (twice weekly, weekly, or biweekly).
If you have been charged with DUI or BUI, consult your attorney and/or the Suncoast Safety Council before scheduling with Dr. Coughlin, as initial evaluation by the Council may be required.
Professionals Resource Network (PRN) & Impaired Nurses Program (IPN)
Dr. Coughlin is an approved evaluator for both PRN and IPN.
- These programs support healthcare professionals with substance use or mental health disorders.
- If you have not yet reported to PRN or IPN, contact Dr. Coughlin for a consultation before scheduling — referral through your professional support network is usually required.
A Message from Dr. Coughlin:
“Addiction is not a moral failing, it's a disease that requires medical, psychological, and behavioral care for lasting recovery.”
