Step By Step Recovery LLC is a family run organization. Husband and wife, Joel Bergman and Cheryl Collins-Bergman, have over 30 years of combined experience treating substance abuse.

About Us

Joel Bergman, LMHC, CAP, SAP, QSMHC
I have worked in the field of addiction for the past 20 years. I am a Certified Addiction Professional and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in FL.  I received my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2011 from Springfield College in Tampa and am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Human Services Administration at NOVA Southeastern University. I received my Substance Abuse Professional certification (SAP) in 2020. I am also a Qualified Supervisor for Registered Mental Health Interns in FL.
I have worked with adolescent, adults, and professionals throughout my career at both for profit and non-profit treatment agencies. I have worked with patients from detox to inpatient to partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient services. After leaving my position as Clinical Director of a for profit agency for the past five years, I am now focusing on strictly outpatient services in my private practice.
In addition to working for established agencies, I have worked with my wife in our own treatment agency for the past fifteen years.  Together we run our Transitional Living Program, facilitate interventions for families and friends of addicts and have provided trainings to many professionals in both New York and Florida.

Cheryl Collins-Bergman, LMHC, QSMHC, Ed.S.
I have worked in the addiction field for over 20 years. I have worked with adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. I received my Master’s Degree in Psychology in 1993 and my RN in 1998. I have been licensed in NY and FL as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Registered Nurse. I am also a Qualified Supervisor for Registered Mental Health Interns in FL. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2011 so I no longer practice as a nurse but do work as an Adjunct Professor for Springfield College's School of Human Services. Prior to that, I taught Behavioral Health and Nursing full-time for Hillsborough County School District in Adult Education for seven years. I enjoy educating families, friends, concerned community agencies, and professionals on the difficulties those affected by addiction face.