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What Is An Intervention?

An intervention is a serious, well-planned conversation with a loved one expressing concern over his or her mental health problems and/or abuse of drugs or alcohol. The process needs to be supportive and heart-centered, free of anger, judgment or blame.

Interventions can be a one-on-one conversation, but are much more successful if several people are involved. After thorough preparation and action planning, a group of people that the individual loves and respects comes together to present a pre-planned conversation about the addiction and/or mental health problems that need to be addressed. Everyone joining the conversation is there to offer love, encouragement and hope with the unified objective of helping the loved one accept the treatment he or she needs.

It is a widespread misconception that you have to wait for your loved one to reach “bottom” before moving forward with an intervention. The truth is that most individuals in a worsening cycle of addiction and other untreated mental health disorders are at a point where they cannot see their problem clearly let alone create a treatment solution. It is also true that it becomes harder to reach a loved one the longer they remain in untreated and worsening chemical dependency and/or mental illness.

Experience has shown that it is a much better strategy for concerned family and friends to focus more on whether they have had enough of seeing the person they love continue to put themselves and others at risk, hurt themselves and keep self-destructing. Most intervention teams come together and take action when they can accept that they are at a “bottom” all their own — the point where they decide that they cannot and will not continue to see the person they love slip away in worsening health and at risk for bad outcomes.

Reach out for a confidential consultation if someone you love is having a hard time accepting the help they need.  Contact …

The Intervention Process

1.  Reaching Out

Interventions are a powerful way to address many addictions and disorders—from the abuse of prescription medication, alcohol, food, gambling to sex addiction and mental health issues such as mood, thought and process disorders. The primary goal of intervention is to help a loved one who is at risk or in danger due to their ongoing behavior and untreated illness receive the highest quality help of a qualified professional or treatment program. Jeffrey’s cases may involve legal issues but this is not necessary. Often an intervention is necessary to avoid legal crisis. As a former impaired professional now in longterm personal recovery, Jeffrey is often a good match for the aspiring professional or the struggling professional whose career is in jeopardy.

Every intervention journey begins with a person reaching out with love and concern for someone they love. A phone consultation with Jeffrey is strictly confidential and provided at no charge. He will assess your situation and recommend an appropriate course of action, which may include a referral to another appropriate helping professional if it is not a case he can with confidence handle.

When you place your first call, you may be experiencing a lot of difficult and unsettling emotions – fear, anger, frustration, embarrassment, or helplessness. However, the very fact that you have begun to search for professional support and information from an experienced interventionist shows that you are motivated and that you are not helpless. You are taking critical and life-saving action. Jeffrey will help you move from crisis to solution.

2.  Plan of Action / Logisitics

Selection and preparation of the team members who will participate in the actual intervention meeting with your loved one is a critical component of intervention planning. Jeffrey will work with your schedules and together you will develop a plan of action, calendaring mutually convenient meeting dates and action items well in advance to ensure that all participating family, friends and colleagues can participate. Travel arrangements and meeting rooms need to be in place. Jeffrey makes sure that every detail is properly arranged and that every participant is coached and trained to communicate to the loved one in more effective ways.

Individual and group phone or video calls help bring the intervention team together and help everyone align in better health and wellness for the loved one. Intervention goals are identified and contingency plans must be made. Preparation materials and concrete examples of good intervention sharing are also provided well in advance of the intervention meeting. The team learns how to engage the loved one in a heart-centered conversation that is at every level more invitational than confrontational.

3.  Assessment / Preparation 

Jeffrey will take from the intervention team a complete background and history concerning their loved one. Assessment needs to take into account the problems being observed presently and over time, prior diagnosis and treatment history, the family history of mental health and substance use, any potential traumatic events and so forth. The vocational, educational and relationship history is also part of the assessment. This helps develop an intervention strategy and is necessary to make appropriate recommendations for further action and treatment.

Collateral issues are often presented and need to be addressed as well as the primary issues as part of the intervention planning and overall strategy. Examples of such issues are: the loved one’s medical conditions, employment situation, work commitments, criminal charges, probationary restrictions, professional licensing issues, marital/custody issues and academic concerns. Beyond this there may be co-addicted partners and friends to consider. Good intervention strategy must take these factors into account as every potential obstacle needs to be anticipated and resolved. Otherwise, the loved one may have real or imagined obstacles that may delay or derail an intervention meeting. Having solid contingency plans in place often proves essential to intervention success.

Jeffrey makes his best recommendations of mental and behavioral health treatment programs that appear to be a good match based on the assessment, the desired location and the resources the family has for treatment. Insurance often needs to be considered as does the limited availability of many programs. The client will select with Jeffrey’s guidance the best program for their loved one.

Treatment arrangements for the loved one are critical and need to be in place prior to the intervention meeting. Factors that need to be considered here may include: any detoxification needs, psychiatric stabilization needs, travel arrangements to and from the selected treatment program, escort to and from the facility, verification of insurance benefits prior to admission, determining the costs of treatment, and coordinating a treatment plan and admission with the selected treatment center.

Unfortunately, undisclosed financial relationships between interventionists and treatment programs have become increasingly common in the field. Jeffrey is a member of the Network of Independent Interventionists, which means he prides himself on remaining free of financial influences or other considerations that can compromise professional recommendations and judgment. Because Jeffrey is not employed by and does not receive payment of any kind from any of the treatment centers he recommends, he is able to make unbiased and ethical treatment recommendations to guide you in your decision-making process.

4.  Team Meeting / The Invitation 

All participants of the intervention will meet with Jeffrey to prepare for the intervention meeting to follow with their loved one. Depending on the circumstances and the complexity of the case this meeting can take from a few to several hours. Usually the preparation meeting is the day before the intervention meeting with the loved one. Sometimes the preparation meeting takes place in the morning with the intervention meeting to follow if the intervention team prefers to move forward with both meetings on the same day.

The team is encouraged to bring to this meeting and share with the group their notes on the intervention sharing they plan to offer the loved one. Individual coaching and preparation materials have been provided in advance so that by the time of the meeting everyone understands what makes good intervention sharing and what does not. The team unites and strengthens as participants share the impact of the loved one’s mental health or addiction problems on their lives. Everyone is informed of the treatment decision and post-intervention plan. All team members understand and agree on what their role will be during the intervention. The team learns the importance of staying united and consistent in their messaging and their actions.

Jeffrey will prepare everyone for possible conflict and resistance. Contingencies and conflict resolution will be discussed so that the team understands how to navigate past obstacles and keep finding the best way forward. The team has agreed on the consequences that will follow if the loved one refuses despite all best efforts to accept the invitation to necessary treatment. This usually involves explaining to the loved one who refuses to change that they will be making certain changes to take better care of themselves and to stop supporting worsening mental health and/or addiction.

The team will also discuss and decide at the preparation meeting on the best invitation to give the loved one to come join the intervention meeting. In most cases, a more productive and less argumentative meeting results from an invitation from a couple team members to join the team with a clear explanation of what needs to be discussed. Surprise interventions that begin with deceiving the loved one tend to be counter-productive, combative and make it hard to re-establish trust and confidence in the team or the interventionist.

It is often a well-taken concern that the loved one may refuse to meet or run off when presented with the invitation to meet. If this is a likely possibility it is nonetheless usually possible to invite the person to come join the team for a meeting. The team may be ready outside the loved one’s home, for instance, ready to come in and meet if there is a refusal to meet or a likelihood the loved one may leave. Thorough preparation and discussion at the group level will lead to a decision on the best way to move forward.

5.  The Intervention Meeting 

The actual intervention meeting, usually referred to as the family meeting, will usually take place in the morning or early afternoon, lasting anywhere from a couple to several hours. Facilitated and guided by Jeffrey, a safe environment is created for the members of the team to express to the loved one their love and concern in a non-judgmental and factually supported manner. This format allows the interventionist to deliver a highly focused and unified message that addresses the loved one’s worsening illness and self-destructive path.

The team shares their heart, hurt and hope with the loved one. Contingencies and obstacles will be addressed with logical and healthy solutions. This is followed by another invitation — to accept the treatment that has been offered and that has been arranged for the loved one. This process is a highly successful and motivational method that serves as the first critical step on the road to recovery.

6.  Ongoing Support 

Following a successful intervention meeting, Jeffrey continues to work with the family, team members and the treatment program to provide the loved one with maximal support. Everyone is encouraged to work on their better health and wellness while their loved one is in treatment so that family healing and recovery can replace old patterns and behaviors. The loved one and the treatment program often benefit from Jeffrey’s ongoing support and advocacy for the highest quality care. Phone or video support continues with the client with regular updates and ongoing team support while the loved one is in treatment. Any conflicts in treatment are resolved so that the loved one is supported and can continue to stay engaged in the process. Treatment programs can always do better when they are aware of any problems and given the chance for improvement.  Clients with this kind of collateral support and encouragement are also more likely to remain in treatment.

Aftercare is critical to maintaining longterm mental health and substance recovery. Jeffrey helps the client and their loved one work with the treatment program to develop a solid plan of action for next steps. Whether returning home or moving to the next level of care, the loved one will find that there is guidance and support from Jeffrey and a team that has stayed focused and prepared to address any challenges that may arise.

To discuss your unique situation and the intervention process in more detail, reach out for a confidential consultation. Contact

I was so lost before running in to Jeffrey. He was referred through a colleague that is an attorney but doesn’t quite have the same resources as Jeffrey. He was very helpful working my friend through rehab and guiding our family through this treacherous process. He is an Excellent resource to have.

Grace J.
Mount Hope, Kansas

I am the father of an adult addict who could not control his addiction. My son died at the age of 25 from an overdose. I want to let people in need know that Jeffrey Merrick is without a doubt the best source of quality information in regards to addictions. He has helped my family during the insanity and after the death of my son. Jeff has also been a true friend for my three other children, allowing them to be able to gain their trust in him as they now often call on his kindness and understanding to help them through these hard times. Jeff has been a beacon of light in the darkest times for me and was a champion for my son before his death. He handled all legal matters that inherently become a reality as the disease of addiction progresses. I would recommend Jeff to any friend or family member sooner rather than later.

Thomas P.
Fresno, California

We immediately saw Jeff Merrick’s passion for helping recovering addicts get their lives back on track. He took the time to explain what we could expect every step of the way. His knowledge, humor, and genuine concern for both of us and our daughter greatly helped us through a very difficult situation. Jeff was able to work through several courts to get multiple charges and sentences cleared up for our daughter. We were extremely happy with the outcome and highly recommend his services to anyone.

Jane & Rick P.
Newport Beach, California

If one needs an attorney with the courts for alternative sentences, an interventionist for the family and a friend in your darkest hours be it for yourself or a loved one, Jeff Merrick is your person.  We became friends in my quest to get my son some help with his court cases and to overcome some serious resistance my son had to the treatment he needed. Jeff is passionate in all he does, knows the 12 step program and was a total Godsend for myself and my son. Having someone like Jeff in my corner in those hours was truly a blessing.

Randy H.
Altadena, California

James Russell Lowell said, “All God’s angels come to us disguised”. Our angel appeared in the guise of legal counsel for our son’s transgressions; as a sober coach for our son; as an interventionist, and as a caring advocate. Jeffrey Merrick possesses the gifts of keen intuition and immense empathy. His words soothe a tortured heart, and his messages lift downtrodden spirits. Jeffrey  lives his own personal life in recovery, which enriches his impact on those whose lives have been wrecked by addiction. From our initial contact with this extraordinary man, we felt an intense connection. Jeffrey continues to play a multi-faceted role in the recovery of our son and supports us in our own personal healing. His law profession, intervention training, personal insight, and amazing talents have each surfaced at just the precise moment of need.

Greg & Linda G.
Kansas City, Missouri

We know first hand how attuned Jeff is to his clients, possessing a great deal of empathy tempered with intellect, background and forward thinking. We have the highest praise for this man!

Sandi & John C.
Roanoake, Virginia

Without the help, caring, and love of Jeffrey Merrick, my son would not be alive today. My son was on his final downward spiral in his horrible addiction. My husband and I had tried everything known to man to help our son. Nothing worked. No rehab, doctor or medication could get through to him. Tragically, my husband was killed in a plane crash ten days after our son turned 20 years old. My worst fears were realized as my son went totally over the edge.

Jeff was recommended to me and I called him immediately. He took charge right away, was honest with me about what was going to happen and what I would need to do to help get my son to one last rehab. Though both my son and I were struggling with our broken hearts, I had to be strong and turn my son over to Jeff and what he said to do. It was so hard. My son fought Jeff at every turn. I had to hang the phone up on my son and tell him not to call me again unless he listened to Jeff. I couldn’t have done what I did without Jeff guiding me everyday and helping me stay strong. I had called Jeff to help my son, but he helped me as well, and just as much.

Jeff got him on a plane and flew with him to Florida. He took him to a wonderful rehab that deals with grief as well as addiction. We just celebrated his first year of being sober in five years. I have spoken with Jeff several times and we have emailed and kept in touch over this last year. Jeff is in it all the way with the families that he helps. He has many resources and shares them with you. I highly recommend Jeff to anyone who needs his services. You couldn’t have a better friend in your corner and he will do anything in his power to help you and your loved one.

Mary C.
Raleigh, North Carolina

I want to tell you that in the most sincere way I can say via email, rather than in person, I don’t know how I would have survived and dealt with the past 3+ months without you. I have spoken and worked with many many professionals in the field of addiction and psychiatry in regards to [my daughter’s] extensive issues and no one has come close to helping me deal with all that’s evolved with addiction, legal and mental health issues. You have been wonderful. Thank you.

Melody T.
Boston, Massachusetts

When my sister and I realized that our brother was an addict we were devastated. We had no idea how to handle the situation. We were terrified. We got busy networking and by the grace of God we found Jeff. He spent several hours with us evaluating my brother’s needs and helping us find the appropriate treatment program for him. Jeff guided and coached us as a family into stronger boundaries, and as a united team we had a successful intervention. We were able to break through my brother’s denial and resistance, put real consequences into place, and offer him treatment as the only solution. My brother agreed to enter treatment, came to understand we would only support him in recovery and he is still sober today. I don’t know what we would have done without Jeff. He was there for all of us any time we needed him, and almost a year later, he still is. I will always be grateful to Jeff for saving my brother’s life.

Paula A.
Los Angeles, CA

For years we have watched our son struggle with jobs, relationships, and general life management. We thought there might be a problem with alcohol and that an intervention could help, but we weren’t sure. We contacted Jeffrey Merrick initially just to have him help us decide if an intervention was necessary/appropriate. He guided us with many questions until it became quite obvious that alcohol was a serious problem.

Jeffrey met with us many times before the intervention (via Skype), guiding us along the process, helping us with book suggestions, video links, and helping us organize the details of the actual day. When the day came for the intervention, we felt VERY prepared and confident in our part. Jeffrey also with the other members of the intervention team, so they, also, knew exactly what was expected.

The first twenty minutes of the intervention were worth Jeff’s entire fee. He addressed my son (and the rest of us) with such compassion, understanding, and love, that he set the tone for the rest of the morning. We were all very nervous and stressed out, but he managed to keep everyone on track with his loving guidance, so that the intervention proceeded quite beautifully. Our son agreed he had a problem, and he and Jeff left that afternoon for the treatment program.

Jeff has continued to support us through the treatment period. We Skype’d with him almost every week, as he keeps us apprised of the recovery process, and what to expect in the future.

Jeffrey Merrick made an enormous difference in our lives. He is in recovery himself, so he really understands the disease of addiction. He is compassionate but firm, loving but smart; he doesn’t fall for any manipulations or lies. What a gift it has been to work with him, and to see our beautiful son get sober.

I highly recommend Jeffrey to anyone needing an interventionist. His background as a lawyer, a recovering user, and a compassionate heart make him ideal for this work.

Kay D.
Colorado Springs, Colorado

William is 5 months sober today because of the time you took to answer my call in November last year. Thank you, thank you!

Robert L.
West Hollywood, California

My family and I have been blessed to work with Jeff for the last seven months. My family reached out to Jeff to hold an intervention for my drug addiction and get me into a treatment facility. Jeff has been supportive of my journey the whole way through and goes above and beyond to stay in touch with my family and keep them updated and answer any questions they may have. He also helped me with legal issues I had hanging over my head and worked to make sure my record stayed as clean as possible. Jeff is personable, compassionate, and invested in his clients’ lives, and never fails to inspire and encourage. I am honored to know him and I would highly recommend Jeff to anyone.

Amanda L.
Costa Mesa, California

Jeffrey has truly been a blessing to our family during a very stressful and uncertain time with our daughter. Jeffrey has been working with us as an interventionist and care advocate since July, 2018. 

He has always shown compassion and commitment to helping our family through many trials. He always brings integrity and calm to formulating interventions. He has an amazing resource network of treatment facilities and care advocates all across the country. He is very thoughtful in alignment of treatment facilities that best meet his clients’ needs. He cares deeply about his clients and is always ready to help in any way he can.

You are never prepared when dealing with an adult child with addiction and Jeffrey brings wisdom and expertise that helps greatly. He has been instrumental in helping encourage our recovery as parents as well. He uses a very holistic approach caring for the family as a whole. We are so grateful for Jeffrey for all he has done to help our family and our daughter.

Stacy & John R.
Rancho Santa Fe, California

Jeff was my interventionist and criminal defense attorney five years ago. When we met I was utterly defeated and my parents were horrified and heartbroken. Not only did Jeff personally talk me off of several ledges, he supported my parents and made the legal process less scary. I was a convicted felon with several open cases in multiple counties but Jeff was able to work out a deal where all of my cases were closed and past felonies expunged. Today I am almost five years sober and I have no criminal record whatsoever. I got a second chance at life. I love this man and will sing his praises always.

Laurel H.
Los Angeles, California

Our son has struggled over the years from serious mental health and substance abuse disorders.  He was facing criminal charges and was in custody in Orange County recently for a theft that occurred during a complete mental breakdown.  Jeff Merrick came highly recommended to us as someone who would help not just with the legal issues but who was also knowledgeable about how the legal issues intersect with both addiction and mental disorders. Together we were able to bridge our son to much needed treatment, and the case was ultimately dismissed in exchange for the continuing care our son’s long-term recovery still very much depends on. Jeff was able to maximize alternative sentencing options, promote ongoing treatment and build strategic partnerships with my son’s treatment team, the Court and the District Attorney. We would not have been able to navigate both the out-of-state court system or the mental health system without his guidance and advocacy.  He is a committed and knowledgeable advocate for his client’s care, and understands the importance of family health and wellness to recovery.  We would recommend Jeff highly to anyone needing his assistance.

Dana H.
Nashville, Tennessee

Jeffrey Merrick is truly an angel in my life! I was referred to Jeffrey and right away I knew he would have my best interests at heart. He is passionate, dedicated, and responsive. He is always checking in with me to make sure I’m keeping up with my DUI classes and other terms. I came to Jeffrey with a pretty bad DUI case, a hit and run and crashed into 3 cars. Jeffrey got the hit and run charge dropped and now all I’m having to do is a few classes. I know people with similar cases and they are doing WAY more than I am. Jeffrey is very quick and very sharp, and not only that I have built a great relationsip with him because unlike most attonerys I can actually talk to him which is absolutely amazing! In addition to being a wonderful attorney, he also went far beyond my expectations by genuinely expressing concern for what I was experiencing. I could go on and on about him but once you talk to him in the first minute you will know he’s the one you want.

Amanda E.
Santa Monica, California

Jeff’s knowledge and support as I was going through a difficult legal matter was superb and simply the best! He was always responsive and looking out for my best interest and how to further help me during a difficult time. I am forever grateful for Jeff and what he has done for me.

Lane B.
Ventura, California

My brother-in-law was a struggling crack addict who was in denial about his situation and unwilling to seek treatment. He didn’t recognize the negative effects of his behavior on himself and others. Jeff Merrick, as an interventionist, presented a structured opportunity to make changes before things got even worse. Jeff’s resolve along with his knowledge and compassionate caring nature for both the team members and patient were outstanding.

Jeff plans out the process and keeps everyone informed as to their duties and responsibilities.He gathers information, builds an intervention team, and helps them to decide on specific consequences.

Communications between Jeff and team members is an integral part of the process.He manages the process and gets team members thinking along the same lines when it comes to consequences. He is always there to answer questions and explain what will happen next in the intervention process.

I’m happy to report my brother-in-law has been drug free for almost one year, and is working and contributing to society. Without Jeff, the outcome would have been far different.

Steve A.
Palos Verdes, California

About one year ago my son entered a rehab for drug and alcohol abuse and was doing quite well.  Unfortunately, he relapsed after being clean for nine months and had legal problems stemming from his relapse –  so I was referred to Jeffrey Merrick, Attorney and Interventionist.   Immediately during our initial conversation I was impressed by Mr Merrick’s calm mannerism yet “direct approach to the facts on hand” attitude. He was straightforward, explaining what to expect regarding the case, and at the same time he was positive, professional, and reassuring, always returning a phone call ASAP -how rare is this!  His knowledge of the law, in addition to his understanding compassion of the circumstances was such a comfort.  He is an articulate, confident and smart, as well as a unique individual, giving his time, skills, effort and guidance to my son and all the family with kindness.  Mr Merrick has helped initiate a “real” change in my son’s attitude, and has encouraged him through the ups and downs of his addiction. This is something you ordinarily do not find in an attorney –  just as I previously mentioned “a unique individual”.

Donna N.
Brooklyn, New York

Jeffrey did a very good job assisting my family in finding placements (rehabs) for a member of my family who desperately needed help. Jeffrey was always available to provide his support, knowledge and research into our best options. He put in extra time helping us especially during stressful times.

Jeffrey was compassionate as he listened to our families needs. Through his resourcefulness he was able to find the best placements and care for our family member who needed help.He still continues his support for my family whenever we need it.

We highly recommend Jeffrey as an interventionist and sober support person.

Shelly R.
Marina Del Rey, California

Today is the eve of my second year of recovery. I want to thank Jeff Merrick for the important role he played in a critical time in my early recovery. He helped me put my recovery first, introduced me to the local recovery community and helped me prevail in an extended professional licensing board action and investigation that threatened to take away my ability to practice medicine. He helped me build a positive record and plan of action, advocated for my continuing recovery and helped me continue the work I am meant to do. He also helped me liaison and strategize with an impressive array of other professionals and experts to present a winning case. I am grateful for his patient, loving and honest support and encouragement for me to grow and keep moving forward. Anyone needing his expert assistance should know they can count on him and that he truly cares about their success not just as clients but as human beings.

Dr. Stewart L., MD
Hancock Park, California

Jeffrey Merrick assisted our family when my son was the victim of a serious crime. He represented my son with the court process which can be very intimidating. Using his extensive legal background, he counseled my son with his testimony so that he gave a truthful and clear testimony which assisted the prosecuting attorneys make their case successfully. Jeffrey is an excellent attorney with great compassion.

Ron D.
Los Angeles, California

Jeffrey was my defense attorney on a few cases I had in different counties. These charges came at a time when I was really struggling with my sobriety. Jeffrey helped me get the cases resolved and off my record. He also gave me support while I was in treatment. Now I work in the recovery field myself and often recommend his services to clients with legal issues.

Marike B.
West Hollywood, California

Wow where to start … Six months ago my family received a strong recommendation from a very esteemed residential treatment center to work with Jeffrey Merrick. I was beyond my rock bottom, and the last thing I wanted was another clinical stranger passing their judgments on me, my decisions and my illness. To top off all of that, a global pandemic had just unfolded. I felt like I was drowning in unknowns, but it is without exaggeration that I say Jeff has been an anchor through it all. Not only did he meet me exactly where I was mentally, he brought me to higher ground using his impeccable network of his own experiences, relevant colleagues, comprehensive understanding of sobriety in Los Angeles, and unmatched emotional intelligence and empathy. Today I am not only six months sober, but the epicenter of a wonderful community of folks who have shown me how to genuinely care about myself — and it all started with Jeff.

Drew M.
Brentwood, California
Legal Crisis & Intervention

Many criminal cases result in jail or even prison without a legal intervention, an alternative sentencing plan that changes the conversation and presents a solid plan for treatment. Guilt and punishment may seem inevitable in these cases. A loved one may seem like more of a criminal defendant than someone you know anymore. It can be hard for a parent or a spouse let alone law enforcement, a prosector or judge to tell the difference between criminal thinking and the thinking of a loved one in the grip of substance use or mental health disorder. Often these days these disorders are co-occurring, fueling behaviors that result in arrests, custody and serious charges. These are the loved ones so trapped in their distorted thinking and anti-social behaviors that even family and friends may be thinking jail or even prison are the only viable options left. Often clients have lost so much hope for a better outcome that their families and friends are ready to give up as well. The reality is that most criminal defendants in jail and prison today have untreated addictive and mental health disorders. For most of these individuals their criminal records are getting more extensive as their illnesses and behaviors get less manageable and harder to treat.

Certain behaviors by friends and family members, however well-intentioned, may not only be unhealthy but harmful when a loved one is facing criminal charges. Posting bail is a good example of what is quite often the first step in an unhealthy direction. Hiring a lawyer without securing an agreement of a loved one to help themselves is another common mistake. In fact, legal help without an intervention plan in place may defeat the chances of loved ones ever entering the treatment they need.

Legal assistance, as with other well-intentioned help that may be enabling an untreated addiction or mental health disorder, should not be provided to loved ones unconditionally. Securing an agreement to enter a treatment program may be a necessary first step not just to a legal defense, but to recovery for your loved one suddenly turned criminal defendant. Many loved ones are too deep in their distorted and impaired thinking to imagine let alone accept treatment even when facing criminal charges and the very real possibility of jail time.

Legal crisis is a critical juncture for heroic parents and families to partner with a skilled interventionist and alternative sentencing attorney. Jeffrey's work often begins with a loved one in custody or facing the jail time that everyone agrees is inevitable. Motivation for necessary and healthy change at this juncture may never again be so high. Often the real jail for that loved one is worsening addiction and mental health problems. Often the real solution is not just getting out of jail or out from under criminal charges, but treatment and recovery, This is the best time to create a plan of action that achieves each of these goals.

Changing the conversation starts with having a new conversation. Contact

Opportunities for Intervention

Many clients wanting to avoid custody and other legal consequences just don’t want the help they need to address their underlying substance and mental health disorders. This is because for many drug, alcohol and mental health affected clients there are layers of denial and the distorted thinking that come from unaddressed and worsening illness. Legal charges and dire consequences are often minimized or ignored altogether just as the other negative consequences of clients' choices and behaviors. These clients are often incapable of seeing their substance use or mental health problems or the need for treatment. Families, spouses, employers and friends are often left feeling hopeless, especially when even an arrest and looming criminal charges are still not enough to get their loved one’s attention.

Many families and friends find themselves at this loud and confusing intersection – at a standstill where legal crisis, substance use and mental health disorder collide. Add to this the stonewalling of a loved one suddenly turned defendant who still cannot seem to agree that it is time to get help, even with an arrest, criminal charges, the prospect of losing a professional license or even doing hard time. Sometimes that loved one runs off, doesn’t show up for court hearings and there are bench warrants, police at a parent's door with a search warrant. Everyone stays stuck.

Where there is resistance to necessary treatment, the offer of legal assistance may provide the missing motivation a client needs to accept necessary treatment. Bailing a loved one out of jail without a plan of action in place for recovery is often a mistake. In some cases resolving a criminal case without addressing the underlying addiction or mental health problems is not helping a loved one. It may be a grave mistake to remove obstacles, consequences and potential partners in recovery that a loved one’s life may literally depend on. Failing to address underlying addiction and mental health disorder, however common this may be in the criminal justice system, is not good lawyering.. Missed opportunities for recovery, worsening substance use and mental health disorders, new cases and unnecessary time in jail are just some of the consequences.

Criminal cases and even an arrest resulting in custody for these loved ones are often disguised opportunities for intervention. This is because legal crisis is often an interruption of a cycle that is often accompanied by external motivators for necessary change. As intimidating as the players in the criminal justice system can be, they can often through the right legal and intervention strategy becomes key partners in a client’s recovery. The judge, the prosecutor, a probation officer and even the jail can each motivate a client to step into a plan for recovery. Court approved and even ordered drug or mental health treatment may help clients not only avoid incarceration and conviction, but motivate them to enter the treatment they could not accept on their own. Understanding the need for treatment and presenting a real plan of action become a winning strategy for clients in and beyond the courtroom.

This is where having a skilled interventionist and lawyer in one professional can help everyone get unstuck. Helping clients with legal problems is what every lawyer does. Helping legal clients with recovery problems is what Jeffrey does best. Contact

From Standstill to Solution

As a skilled interventionist and attorney, Jeffrey helps bridge a loved one into a win-win solution where both legal and recovery goals can be achieved. Rather than hoping a criminal case or even jail may be what is required to get a loved one’s attention, the truth is that for most clients this will not be enough.There will usually be additional, more serious cases if underlying addiction or mental health disorders are not addressed through quality treatment. Just as these disorders get progressively worse, so do criminal behaviors. Criminal records and sentences only get longer without proper treatment. Treatment, however badly needed, often does not happen without the work of intervention. Even where there is long-awaited willingness to change, legal crisis may seem like an insurmountable obstacle to treatment.

Not making a choice can be a fateful decision – not just for clients needing help but for their families and friends who only want to help but do not know how. Great care and planning is required to respond to a loved one’s legal crisis without contributing to a cycle of untreated mental health or addiction. Bailing a loved one out to treatment with safeguards in place is often a much better strategy than doing nothing and waiting for a case to play itself out. Bailing loved ones out without a solid intervention plan in place can despite the best of intentions just return them to high risk mental health and additive behaviors. Timing is critical.  The window for opportunity is narrow. Motivation for change diminishes over time along with the availability of alternatives to criminal punishment.

Jeffrey's direct experience is that intervention, professional collaboration and alternative sentencing can all come together to transform a legal crisis into lasting recovery. The criminal justice system can be very receptive to treatment solutions, but today's defendant often lacks the knowledge and motivation to create them. Recovery resources and programs that work well with clients having legal considerations can be difficult to find. With the right intervention strategy and legal plan of action, even the most resistant loved ones can be bridged to treatment and motivated to engage in longterm recovery. Prosecutors, judges and even the threat of jail time can help supply missing motivation and give new value to the experience.

Loved ones in recovery don't just look better in court. Judges and prosecutors know from experience that these clients do better. Clients with legal issues don't just win in court. These clients stay engaged longer in treatment, which studies have consistently shown directly correlates to better recovery outcomes.

Jeffrey is a strong voice for wellness in and outside the courtroom. He guides employers, families, spouses and clients from crisis to structured opportunities for change. Contact

I have known Jeffrey Merrick for the past 6 years on a professional and personal level. I have partnered with him on multiple cases and he is always my first call when it comes to advocating for my clients with the courts. He navigates the legal system with deftness and ease, guiding the families with whom we have worked into long term solution. Whenever I think of Jeffrey, I think of a man who is caring, fair, ethical and does whatever he can to help the families he works with move past the problem and into the solution. There are few people that I will summarily recommend, but Jeffrey is one of them.

Sean Firtel, RAS, CIP
Interventionist. CEO & Founder, West Coast Recovery Centers

Jeffrey Merrick is one of the most capable interventionists and treatment facilitators I have come into contact with since I started working at the Prescott House 15 years ago. We specialize in complex dual diagnosis clients and most of our clients come from out of state. A lot of our clients are in need of an intervention process and many have legal issues as well as a result of their behaviors. I feel that Jeffrey is the Swiss-Army knife of interventionists because he can  operate at so many levels. His standing as an attorney can prove to be quite useful in persuading the criminal justice system to consider treatment instead of incarceration. Jeffrey is very adept in the tricky intervention environment and is able to break through the sometimes elaborate walls of denial that those in need of treatment build around themselves. He is also able to help fractured families to begin the healing process. I would definitely recommend his services as a consultant, a legal advocate or an interventionist.

Dave Frey
Admissions Facilitator, Prescott House

I have worked with Mr. Merrick in both capacities on a professional level and find his approach and experience extremely beneficial when dealing with people in crisis.

Simon Stone
Cornerstone of Southern California

Having strong and cohesive relationships with other professionals working in the addiction and mental health field are vital for the health of my clients. The ease in collaborating with Jeff is one reason we frequently call on him. His combination of legal skill and compassionate interventions can be difficult to find in one person. Additionally, Jeff’s dedicated follow through has proven valuable for the long-term needs this vulnerable population often require.

Carson Winn, LCSW
Alo House Recovery Centers

I have known Jeff Merrick for ten years and have worked with him in many capacities. Jeff has a gift for working with families and directing them towards the healthy change that is needed for them to grow. As a gifted attorney, Jeff has the ability to also intervene on complex legal cases that so many times are an added roadblock to recovery. He is an honest and ethical man who I would recommend to anybody struggling with an addicted loved one and the legal consequences of their behaviors.

Kathy Oyler, CIP, CAT
Divine Interventions

Jeff Merrick provides a unique combination of expertise and skills to clients facing and professionals treating substance use and mental health disorders. Being a seasoned criminal defense attorney and alternative sentencing specialist allows Jeff to partner with the courts, bridging clients out of the criminal justice system and into necessary treatment. From extensive training and practice of intervention, Jeff understands and provides for the motivational and social needs of his clients and their families. Add to this Jeff’s personal and professional commitment to recovery and you will find a professional uniquely prepared to help clients and families facing the most difficult situations.

David Lisonbee
CEO & President, Twin Town Treatment Center

Jeffrey Merrick is one of the best. Whether you are having a legal problem or your loved one needs an intervention for substance abuse and/or mental health, Mr Merrick navigates with skill, grace and compassion. I would not hesitate in hiring him.

Dr. Louise Stanger, Ed.D, LCSW, BRI II, CIP
Founder/Director, All About Interventions

I have worked with Jeff Merrick on a few matters and have always found him to be the ultimate professional interventionist. His skills are made even more effective because of his compassion and commitment to his clients. Jeff brings years of experience and expertise to the table, and is also a genuinely concerned, caring individual who miraculously always seems to be able to be there when needed. His huge success appears effortless, but is clearly a result of extreme dedication and skills.

Edward C. Stark, Esq.
Attorney At Law / Professor of Law / Cron, Israels & Stark

With the current landscape of the criminal justice system, now more than ever we need more professionals like Jeffrey Merrick. Mr. Merrick is a skilled criminal defense attorney and interventionist. Often the first time we are able to identify there is a concern regarding substance use or mental health the individual in need has recently has interaction with law enforcement. Mr. Merrick helps navigate the criminal justice system in a professional and compassionate way. We as a society are not able to incarcerate our way out of mental health epidemic. Alternative sentencing options used by Mr. Merrick are essential for helping those in need.

Adam McClean
Sabino Recovery / National Care Advocate

Jeffrey Merrick was a great person to find in this industry. The combination of interventionist and attorney-at-law is ideal for many of our clients. I have worked closely with Mr. Merrick on both mental health and drug and alcohol abuse cases where his communication, his assistance to the family and my program was above and beyond. He resolved the case and allowed our patient to stay in treatment with minimal interruption. Working with Mr. Merrick is also a pleasure – he is funny, witty and truly cares about what he does.

Lindsey M. Means
Chief Operating Officer, A Mission for Michael

I met and worked Jeff Merrick several years ago and immediately could see he had a great passion for his work. His ability to connect with and guide families in tough times was impressive. Jeff is armed with a very unique set of skills and continues to perfect merging them. His legal background with his family work and his intervention skills are what makes what he does so special. Jeff’s work does not end when he drops off a client, actually it has just begun. He follows-up on the client and when possible will show up to support and assist if a client needs it. It’s a pleasure knowing Jeff personally as well as working with him professionally.

Manny Rodriguez
Director, La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center

I know Jeff Merrick as a personal friend, and as an accomplished professional as a lawyer and interventionist. I can state absolutely that Jeff offers his clients a unique and exceptional background of knowledge, integrity and professionalism. Jeff is one of the few individuals that I have absolute confidence in, and I routinely refer to. On a personal level, Jeff represents the qualities of great moral character and intellect demanded of a professional in the law, as well as in the addiction treatment community. Jeff’s dedication to our profession, and his demeanor reflect well on him, and I believe brings great credit to the legal community and addiction treatment community. I strongly recommend Jeff to all who need his help.

M. David (Mick) Meagher, Esq.
Attorney At Law, Interventionist

Over the past ten years I have worked on numerous client cases with Jeffrey Merrick. I can honestly say that I have never met a man that cares so much about the families and clients he represents. Jeffrey will go above and beyond to make sure his client’s needs are met. He is one of the most honest and ethical men I have ever had the pleasure of working with, he will never compromise his values and will never lead a person down the wrong path.

The combination of personal and professional experience give him with the utmost competence to fight addiction head on. Whether he is representing the family or the client, they will always have the best possible care.

Kim Self, M.A.

I have worked with Jeff Merrick for almost 12 years now. The clients I have referred him have not only had great outcomes with court issues but also and more importantly Jeff assists client in their recovery. His intervention work is as excellent as his legal expertise. He assists families in helping their loved one get back on the right path. Jeff definitely has the client’s best interest at heart in both of his areas of expertise.

Ashton Abernethy
AVA Billing & Consulting

Jeff Merrick is a long awaited hope in this industry. He has both the intervention and professional legal experience to help clients navigate their darkest hours and emerge hopeful, with a plan for recovery. I have worked with Jeff and would recommend him to anyone.

Jamie C. Vance
Addiction Professional

Jeff is a consummate professional who possesses integrity and compassion when dealing with clients. I have worked with him personally and professionally. I highly recommend Jeffrey Merrick.

David Mallow
Recovery GPS

Jeffrey is a compassionate, skilled attorney and interventionist who combines great training with an uncanny ability to motivate complex cases towards change. This ability coupled with his legal practice has been instrumental in helping clients of mine get access to the help they need. It is the presence of someone as caring as Jeffrey who carries the appropriate leverage that can make the difference in the difficult Interventions. I strongly endorse and recommend him. He is as good as it gets!

John Morris
Reach Aftercare

Jeffrey Merrick is one of the rare attorneys who is not only professionally invested in his clients’ cases, but also emotionally invested in his clients’ lives. Jeffrey is the first person on my speed dial to collaborate with on cases where clients need diversion or alternative sentencing options. He is passionate and committed to client’s recovery and I’ve personally worked with Jeffrey in obtaining successful outcomes for clients in need of recovery resources, placement and intervention. He has always been a great resource for myself and my clients and I am pleased to call him a trusted colleague.

Nafisé Nina Hodjat, Esq.
Managing Attorney, DUI Partners

I have been a colleague with Jeffrey Merrick in the field of Addiction Recovery for many years. We have had close communication in assisting many members of the community through his Professional Intervention services to get help and stay the course through treatment. I have had on many occasions some clients needing legal assistance which he has guided them through with care and precision. I would highly recommend the services of both intervention and legal assistance from Jeffrey. He is a devoted professional in our field.

Samantha Stone
Cornerstone of Southern California

Jeff Merrick is like no other Substance Abuse Professional that I have ever had the opportunity to work with – being that he is both an Intervention Specialist and Attorney at Law. This combination has proven extremely beneficial to many of our clients. Jeff has always provided incredibly insightful direction to my clients facing legal challenges. Jeff is one of those incredibly passionate and caring professionals that will help me and guide me with legal challenges even when he wasn’t going to take on the case himself. Those are ethics. That is true passion for helping others. With respects to being an Intervention Specialist, Jeff is extremely knowledgeable, trusted, respected and ethical. He is respected in his professionalism, and his follow through with families is impeccable. Jeff is an overall incredible professional who I would highly recommend to any family in need of his specific services.

Christopher Bennett, CADC-II, CIP, BRI-I
Chris Bennett Interventions

I’ve been fortunate to have worked with Jeff on several occasions and usually the more difficult cases. What makes Jeff so effective is his breadth of experience. As an interventionist and lawyer with years of his own personal recovery, Jeff is uniquely qualified to handle any and all aspects of the intervention process. Jeff is very compassionate and works equally well with clients and their families.  With a very large network of substance abuse and mental health professionals, Jeff is able to ensure that the best possible treatment is available. I highly recommend you give Jeff a call.

Jerry Rude
Director, Life Adjustment Team, Outpatient Programs

I have been a recovery professional for several years and routinely recommend my friend and colleague Jeff Merrick to clients and families in crisis. He is a committed, knowledgeable and seasoned attorney who consistently gets great results for his clients and motivates them to make better choices. Where the client has substance abuse or mental health disorders, and so often these days clients are struggling with both, Jeff is a strong voice in the courtroom for client care and alternative sentencing. Jeff is also one of the best interventionists in the field and an invaluable resource not just to families with treatment resistant loved ones, but to the treatment programs they go to. He stays connected to the clients and families he works with, and understands that intervention, like recovery, is a process and a family affair.

Meg Higgins, CADAC
Certified Drug & Alcohol Counselor

One of the most principled, innovative and effective attorneys I have ever worked with. The real deal.

Ed Spatola
New Found Life

Jeffrey Merrick is an excellent interventionist, attorney, and legal advocate in support of treatment and recovery. I have had the pleasure to work side by side with Jeffrey on multiple cases, in which his ability to address legal concerns, communicate effectively with district attorneys, navigate the criminal justice system, and act as a liaison to the court on behalf of his clients, all come together to create an extraordinary skill — and one that is much needed in the field of addiction intervention. Jeffrey is also an excellent interventionist in his own right, who is passionate about recovery and dedicated to the families he works with. I am honored to call Jeffrey both a colleague and a friend.

Jenny Rodin
Hope Interventions

Jeffrey has repeatedly demonstrated a level of competence and professionalism that is rare in the Addiction Recovery industry. His legal expertise combined with his depth of knowledge of the dynamics of addiction, makes Jeffrey uniquely qualified to serve as an advocate for treatment as an alternative to incarceration when a clien’s case is being adjudicated. I have thoroughly enjoyed my relationship with Jeffrey and I look forward to our continued collaboration.

Rick Hubbard
Origins Recovery Centers

I am a Licensed Social Worker and Interventionist that works in the mental health and substance abuse field for over a decade. For the last several years I have collaborated with Jeff Merrick with many complex cases. I am pleased to give Mr. Merrick my highest endorsement. Jeff always goes above and beyond to help my clients and their families. He’s fantastic on keeping our clients informed with every aspect of the cases. Jeff demonstrates a sophisticated knowledge of case law, navigates well with the courts, and the intricacies that are involved. He’s always extremely responsive by email and phone, responding immediately every time. When my clients and their families engage with Mr. Merrick they are very lucky to have him working for them.

Jonathan Rauch, LMSW, CASAC-T, CIP
CDI Interventions

The complex and critical manner in which successful interventions are expedited depends solely on the knowledge and experience of the interventionist. The intervention is the suffering person’s first step of surrender into the recovery process. Jeff Merrick is professional, compassionate, extremely knowledgeable, and most importantly, invested in the recovery process of the addict and the addict’s family.

Janine Fox CATC II, CAADE
Wildwood Recovery