“See, some are smaller, some are fatter, some grow to the left, some to the right, some even have lost some petals. All kinds of observable differences. You see, Harold, I feel that much of the world’s sorrow comes from people who are this, [pointing to a single daisy] yet allow themselves to be treated as that [gesturing to a field of daisies].” – Maude from Harold and Maude

What I Believe

I was particularly drawn to substance abuse counseling because there are so many misconceptions about addiction. Unfortunately, even within the field of addiction counseling, many counselors work from a more rigid, cookie-cutter perspective. So, allow me to set the record straight from my point of view:

• Not everyone who struggles with their use of alcohol or drugs needs total abstinence or a 12-step program to make the changes they need to.
• You don’t need to self-identify as an addict or alcoholic to be willing and ready to change your behaviors.
• Though cultural stigma is real and can be painful, substance abuse is ultimately your psyche’s way of coping with underlying challenges— whether that entails past trauma, difficult family dynamics, negative beliefs about yourself, or other mental health issues that need to be more effectively addressed.
• Addiction does not discriminate based on age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, or intelligence— we are all susceptible. And if we wouldn’t call an affluent college professor a “junkie” because he’s gotten addicted to his prescribed Xanax, we should treat the person who’s an IV drug user and experiencing homelessness with the same dignity and respect.

Human First

I bring years of training and professional experience to my client work— but more importantly, I bring my humanity and an open-minded, genuine, and non-judgmental approach.

When I’m not working, I’m hanging out with my wife and our dog, hiking and bouldering with friends, listening to podcasts and books, or pondering my next tattoo— a huge part of my personal expression.

Professional Bio

Gage Blanck-Singer is a highly skilled and licensed mental health professional with a wealth of experience in the field. He holds multiple licenses including those as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), and a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS).

Gage received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Lycoming College and went on to earn a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University with a specialization in Trauma and Crisis. With over a decade of experience in community mental health, Gage has established a strong reputation for his work in addiction counseling.

His commitment to excellence in the field was recognized in 2020 when he was awarded the Behavioral Healthcare Hero Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the support of behavioral health.

Gage’s clinical approach is a blend of cognitive behavioral, humanistic, trauma-informed, and person-centered therapies. He is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care to each of his clients and is committed to helping them achieve their mental health and wellness goals.