About Program Director Fred Stevens

Fred Stevens, an independently licensed and certified counselor/therapist, has been in the helping profession for over thirty years. After working in a municipal court system where he began to develop counseling skills listening to people and evaluating their concerns, Fred worked in three Cleveland social service organizations for eight years. His experience in those agencies included individual counseling, group therapy, and clinical assessments for court mandated clients with personal issues related to substance use and their mental/emotional health concerns. As a result, Fred became certified and now licensed as an Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC).

He acquired invaluable experience by helping chemically addicted homeless men learn how to make positive, life saving changes in their lives. Fred continued this employment after graduating with a Master's Degree in Education from Kent State University, in the Community Counseling Program, and receiving his license as Professional Counselor. He improved his therapeutic skills through adolescent and family group work in a suburban counseling center. Fred is actively involved in his profession by attending conferences and continuing education seminars.

Fred manages and operates Safety Through Education, a State certified Driver Intervention Program he started for DUI offenders referred from the courts. Since 2001, the Safety Through Education Program has helped over 5,000 people! Safety Through Education's relaxed and caring approach helps create a positive atmosphere where effective learning can occur during a meaningful weekend experience. Group educational discussion sessions focus on traffic safety, alcoholism and drug abuse, and many other DUI related issues. Guest speakers with different life perspectives contribute to the program's effectiveness. Safety Through Education is a helpful alternative to incarceration for persons arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any drug of abuse.

Fred has a calm, respectful approach and he genuinely listens to people. In fact, clients have often told Fred that he really does care about them. Fred uses this understanding, compassionate philosophy as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) in his private counseling practice. Fred's enthusiasm as an independent practitioner helps clients become hopeful that their lives will improve. His specialties are assessment and individual counseling/therapy services for clients with alcohol and drug use issues, stress, depression, anxiety, anger, and other related types of mental and emotional health conditions. Fred also provides group counseling services. By completing the Cleveland Center for Cognitive Therapy's advanced training program, Fred is certified in the Clinical Practice of Cognitive Therapy.

Fred also manages and operates H.O.P.E. Counseling, a State certified Treatment Program he started for individuals with chemical dependency issues and related mental/emotional health concerns. H.O.P.E. Counseling helps clients satisfy all probation/court requirements for assessment, treatment (outpatient and intensive outpatient), and counseling. If you are interested in learning more about these professional services, please log on to www.hopecounselingprogram.com.

Client Comments

"The knowledge Fred Stevens brought into the program was incredible. The group was great! I actually enjoyed the fact that they let people say what they felt in a non-judgmental manner."

"The program was a great experience! I will take a lot from this weekend to use and pass on to everyone I know."

"During this weekend I realized through not only the speakers but with my time speaking with Fred that while I do not have an alcohol problem I do need to make more responsible choices while socially drinking."

"I really like hearing all the stories from past clients in the program. Fred does a great job at bringing in many different types of people who went through a similar experience."

"I enjoyed the laid back atmosphere in the group and the openness by Fred which helped everyone to get along really well."

The Safety Through Education Driver Intervention Program is a 72-hour residential program certified by the State of Ohio. The program is an alternative to incarceration for persons who have been arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any drug of abuse. The purpose of Safety Through Education is to provide intervention services mandated by the legal system for DUI offenders. The program helps individuals recognize the seriousness of DUI and the need to change their drinking and driving practices. Safety Through Education accomplishes this through education and referral services. The ultimate goal of the program is to help reduce the amount of DUI cases in the community by promoting safety through education.