The Advanced inter-Disciplinary Alcohol liver Program and Treatment (ADAPT) Program

The Advanced inter-Disciplinary Alcohol liver Program and Treatment (ADAPT), is a patient-centered, integrated care and research program at Columbia University Medical Center for patients with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD).

The ADAPT clinic is one of only a few integrated ALD clinics in the country that provides collaborative, evidence-based, holistic care from multiple experts in a single visit for alcohol use disorder and ALD.

If you or a loved one could benefit from our services, please call 212-305-0914 for appointments and more information.


Who We Treat

To deliver patient-centered, integrated care and research focused on alcohol-associated liver diseases. Through clinical multidisciplinary patient care and research innovation, ADAPT at NYP Columbia aims to improve patient outcomes across the continuum of care – ranging from early detection and management of alcohol use disorder to advanced liver disease treatment and transplant readiness - by translating evidence-based practices into real-world, compassionate, and equitable care.

Conditions We Care For

ADAPT addresses patients with:

  • Recurring, unremitting Alcohol Use Disorder
  • Liver dysfunction / Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
  • Need for coordinated interdisciplinary care: (Hepatology, Psychiatry, Addiction Counseling)
  • Ongoing alcohol use
  • Limited insight and health literacy
  • Psychosocial instability
  • Minimal support systems
  • Non-adherence to current outpatient care or treatment recommendations.
  • A goal for sobriety, liver maintenance and a return to their regular healthcare provider. 

Treatments We Offer

Our services include:

  • Integrated hepatology and liver transplant medicine; FibroScan, complete Metabolic and Hepatic function panel, 1:1 medical consult and follow ups.
  • Psychiatric assessment and medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD)
  • Alcohol counseling, relapse prevention, and care/referral coordination
  • Alignment with social work and family engagement
  • Culturally responsive and trauma informed care delivery

The 3 Stages of Alcohol Use Disorder and How We Can Help

Alcohol Use Disorder is a medical condition where a person finds it hard to stop or control drinking, even if it’s causing harm to their health, relationship, or responsibilities. When someone is also living with liver disease, continuing to drink alcohol can make things worse, sometimes dangerously so. But there is hope. With the right treatment at the right time, recovery is possible.

Stage 1: Active Use – Your Body Needs a Break

What it looks like

  • Drinking regularly or heavily; feeling unable to stop; signs of physical illness like fatigue, yellowing skin (jaundice), or confusion.

What you may feel

  • Out of control, scared, ashamed, or maybe even like nothing can help.

Recommended care

  • Inpatient detox or rehab (hospital or residential stay)
  • Medical supervision of liver safety
  • Mental health and addiction counseling
  • Medications to reduce cravings or ease withdrawal
  • Family support and social work services

Why this matters

  • If you have liver disease, stopping alcohol use is not just about recovery – it’s about staying alive. Your liver works hard to keep your body clean and strong. Giving it a break from alcohol gives it a chance to heal

Stage 2: Early Recovery – You’re Starting to Heal

What it looks like

  • Not drinking for a few weeks or months; beginning to think clearly; trying to stick to healthy choices.

What you may feel

  • Hopeful, nervous, or overwhelmed.

Recommended care

  • Outpatient counseling (weekly, or biweekly)
  • Group Support (AA, SMART recovery, or therapy groups)
  • Help managing stress, sleep, diet, and emotions
  • Ongoing liver monitoring, with your doctor
  • Optional medications to support your recovery.

Why this matters

  • Every stage of recovery is a step toward better health, peace of mind, and a life that feels more like yours.

Stage 3: Sustained Recovery – Protecting Your Progress

What it looks like

  • No alcohol use for 12+ months or more; healthier habits; stronger routines; clearer thinking

What you may feel

  • Proud, cautious, curious about what’s next.

Recommended care

  • Check-ins with your counselor or care team
  • Relapse prevention planning
  • Liver-friendly living tips: nutrition, medication safety, activity
  • Community / Peer led Groups, giving back
  • Ongoing medical care with your liver doctor

Why this matters

  • You are not alone. We are here to help you take the next step, wherever you are.

Our Team

Image:
Dr Gene Im

Gene Im, MD
Transplant hepatologist and Director of ADAPT

 

Image:
Dr Akhil Shenoy

Akhil Shenoy, MD
Transplant psychiatrist

 

Image:

Anthony Masiello
Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor

 


Our Locations

CUIMC/Presbyterian Hospital and Vanderbilt Clinic
622 West 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
Get Maps & Directions »
 


Make an Appointment

For new and current patient appointments, call:
212-305-0914