About 101 Ways to Tell

Roger P. Watts, PhD, LADC, MAC, LSW, CCJS

Professional Profile

I am an accomplished psychology professor, clinical leader, addiction counselor, and communications professional. Integrating doctoral-level psychology training with extensive clinical practice and 39 years personal recovery, my multi-faceted expertise spans addiction studies, co-occurring disorders, group therapy, crisis intervention, across the continuum of care. My mission is to bridge scientific inquiry with the urgent needs of families in crisis.

Having spent over five years as a counselor at the Hazelden Center for Youth and Families, and holding addictions counselor and social worker credentials, I combine data-driven research with clinical empathy. I work to distill complex behavioral patterns—including 165 observable markers of addiction—into actionable insights.

Outside my practice, I am a native Bostonian, a former 2-star Michelin French cook, and an accomplished documentary photographer. I am in recovery for more than 39 years from alcoholism and addiction. I live with my wife Susan, a civil rights attorney, and have three grown children.

Academic Experience

Augsburg University (2012–2022): Assistant Professor of Psychology; taught undergraduate courses in abnormal psychology, introduction to counseling, and addictions.
Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies (2012–2016): Assistant Professor; taught graduate-level group counseling theory, co-occurring disorders, and supervised student interns
Concordia University, St. Paul (2015–2020): Contracted Faculty of Practice; taught sociology, child development, and lifespan developmental psychology.

Clinical Practice & Leadership

Private Practice & Consulting (2016–2022): Contract clinician with Drew Horowitz & Associates, corporate group dynamics trainer, textbook reviewer, and clinical training lecturer.
Lakeview Behavioral Health Center (2021–2023): Outpatient Counselor; provided remote individual and group therapy for patients with co-occurring disorders using CBT and 12-Step facilitation.
Gray Wolf Treatment Program (2016–2018): Clinical Director; designed and managed a primary care treatment program for adolescents and supervised five clinicians.
Hazelden Center for Youth and Families/Plymouth (2007–2014): Counselor/CDP II; provided therapy in adolescent extended care and intensive outpatient settings.
Prior Roles (1991–2007): Counselor at the Addiction Resource Center, ER Triage Evaluator at McLean Psychiatric Hospital, and Case Manager/Counselor for the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Communications & Public Service

Photojournalism (1981–1990): Contract photographer for Gamma-Liaison (New York/Paris); covered the White House, Congress, and global hard news assignments.
Federal Public Service (1976–1980): Press Advance Team member in President Jimmy Carter’s White House Press Office; Special Assistant to the Secretary of HHS and HUD, assisting with speechwriting, media relations, and policy advising.
Public Relations (1970–1976): PR and development leadership at Bentley College, Carney Hospital, and Seiler Foods.

Education & Credentials

Ph.D. in Psychology: Capella University, 2012 (4.0 GPA).
M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology: Cambridge College, 1996.
A.B. in Philosophy: Stonehill College, 1969.
Credentials: Master Addictions Counselor (MAC), Nationally Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS), LADC (inactive), LSW (inactive).

Publications & Board Service

Publications: Celebrating Serenity: Spirituality in Recovery from Alcoholism and The Broad Highway of Recovery.
Boards: Current affiliations with The Sober Network, Journal of Education and Development, and the Oaxaca (MX) Learning Center.