Welcome to ITG Academy

Where compassionate care meets comprehensive solutions, ITG Academy stands as a cornerstone of The Promise Counseling Center's substance use treatment program. Proudly serving the underserved and minority residents of the vibrant DC Metro area, we are committed to providing more than just treatment—we offer a truly personalized, intimate approach to recovery.

Nestled in PG County, ITG Academy is a beacon of hope, dedicated to making quality care accessible to all. What sets us apart is our focus on small, intimate group settings where every individual receives the personal attention they deserve. Unlike larger programs, our small groups foster deeper connections, allowing us to tailor care to the unique needs of each participant. This ensures a more focused, meaningful recovery experience—where you're not just another face in the crowd, but a valued individual.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to bridge the gaps in traditional treatment programs, ensuring every individual receives the support they need for lasting change.

At ITG Academy, your well-being is our priority. From the moment you step through our doors, you'll feel the warmth of our welcoming atmosphere and the dedication of our team. We understand the complexities of recovery, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of services on-site. From housing assistance to medical and dental care, mental health treatment, medication-assisted therapy, and more—we're here to support you every step of the way.

We also believe in collaboration and community, partnering with organizations to provide additional resources and services tailored to your needs. At ITG Academy, you're not just a patient—you’re a valued member of our family, and we’re here to help you reclaim your life in a supportive and intimate environment.

Choose ITG Academy for compassionate care, personalized solutions, and a pathway to lasting recovery.

Your journey starts here!

our Mission Statement

At ITG, our mission is to deliver effective and high-quality substance use treatment to Maryland residents and others in the DC Metro area, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented communities.

We are dedicated to fostering healing and empowerment for individuals who are often overlooked, mistreated, or forgotten. By leveraging strategic planning, problem-solving, and professional development, we employ evidence-based practices combined with a humanistic, culturally sensitive, and holistic approach.

Our commitment extends to treating the whole person and engaging family and community partnerships. ITG aspires to be a leader and innovator in substance use treatment, exemplifying excellence and integrity in all that we do.

our Core Values

Integrity

We uphold the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct in our work and relationships.

Compassion

We approach every individual with empathy and kindness, understanding their unique challenges and needs.

Education/Knowledge

We are dedicated to continuous learning and sharing our expertise to enhance our services and support our clients.

Quality

We are committed to delivering superior treatment and services, striving for excellence in every aspect of our work.

Growth

We promote personal and professional development, both within our organization and for those we serve.

Accountability

We take responsibility for our actions and decisions, ensuring transparency and reliability in our practices.

Innovation

We embrace new ideas and approaches to advance the field of substance use treatment and improve outcomes for our clients.

Driven by Purpose, Committed to Impact

ITG’s goal is to educate the community on best practices for treating substance use, provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment for service recipients to receive compassionate evidence-based care, and provide solutions for community members to reduce their risk of developing a substance use disorder.

What Can I expect at ITG?

Evidence based treatment

Trauma informed care

Holistic services

To be treated with dignity and respect

Compassionate and culturally sensitive services

Clean and safe environment

Why Choose Us?

Types of Services Available

  • Substance Use Counseling

  • Mental Health Treatment

  • Case Management

  • Peer Recovery Support/Coaching

  • Alcohol and Drug Testing

  • Evaluations and Referrals

  • Medication Assisted Treatment

  • Primary Care Services

  • Dental Services

  • Group Therapy

  • Individual Therapy

  • Transportation (some restrictions may apply)

  • Telehealth

Services Offered

Virtual and In Person

Appointments

No Wait-list

Online Scheduling

Evening Hours

Available

Integrated

Care

Housing

Resources

All Services

At ITG Academy, treatment at every level is tailored to meet the individual needs of each service recipient. Upon completing a full assessment and evaluation, our team determines the appropriate level of care based on the assessment results, the clinician’s judgment, and other personal considerations.

What makes ITG Academy unique is our commitment to small, intimate group settings. By keeping our groups smaller than those typically found in larger programs, we create a more personal and focused environment where each participant receives the attention and care they deserve. This approach allows us to deliver more meaningful and individualized support, ensuring that treatment is truly centered on each person's journey.

In addition to our substance use treatment programs, Mental Health Services are provided on-site when possible. If certain services, such as Medication-Assisted Treatment, are unavailable within our organization, we refer participants to trusted partner providers, ensuring that all necessary care is coordinated seamlessly.

All programs include regular random UA testing to support accountability. Failure to participate in UA testing may result in discharge from the program or termination of services. Our goal is to provide holistic, individualized care to every participant, promoting abstinence, harm reduction, and sustained recovery through evidence-based practices.

At ITG Academy, we believe that by focusing on small, supportive groups and personalized care, we can help each individual achieve lasting recovery in a way that’s both compassionate and effective.

PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION SERVICES (PHS/PHP)

ASAM Level 2.5 Program

Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers intensive, structured care for individuals aged 14 and older who are struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Designed for those who need more support than traditional outpatient services but do not require 24-hour supervision, our PHP bridges the gap between inpatient care and less intensive outpatient options.

INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT RECIPIENT TREATMENT (IOTX/IOP)

ASAM Level 2.1 Program


Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides a vital step down from the intensity of inpatient, residential, or Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), offering structure and support while allowing individuals to maintain their daily responsibilities. This program is ideal for those who need ongoing treatment but can manage some aspects of daily life on their own.

OUTPATIENT RECIPIENT TRATMENT (OTX/IOP)

ASAM Level 1 Program

Our Outpatient Program (OP) offers a lower-intensity level of care for individuals who are managing their recovery in a non-residential setting. This program is well-suited for those who have completed more intensive treatment programs, have a less severe substance use disorder, or have maintained stability over an extended period.

EARLY INTERVENTION TREATMENT (EI)

ASAM Level 0.5 Program

Our Early Intervention Programs are designed for individuals who have not been diagnosed with a substance use disorder but may be at risk of developing one. These programs aim to reduce that risk through education, awareness, and early-stage counseling.

Alcohol-Related Treatment Programs
DUI/DWI TREATMENT

Treatment for alcohol-related issues is customized based on individual needs and varies in intensity. An assessment is conducted to determine the most appropriate level of care. This includes services for individuals needing to meet specific requirements, such as those mandated by the court or Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

Building Futures Program

The Building Futures Program is designed to support individuals transitioning back into the community after incarceration, offering comprehensive services that help participants rebuild their lives and create a stable, successful future. Our program is centered on providing the tools, resources, and support necessary for reintegration, sobriety, and personal growth.

Program Goals

ITG’s goal is to help individuals improve the quality of their life by reducing their substance use and learn ways to cope with daily stressors without the use of substances.

Office Hours/On Call Policy

ITG office hours

Monday-Thursday: 9AM to 6PM

Friday: 10AM to 3PM

Saturdays are by appointment only.

After hours times are available by appointment only (primarily for IOP, PHP and DUI/DWI programs).

  • Services will be rendered onsite as well as virtually via telehealth (when applicable)

  • Staff is available on call for crisis situations 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

  • For after-hours emergencies, contact: 240-847-4844 and follow the prompts.

  • If you have an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

United by Purpose, Driven by Passion

ESTHER POPOOLA,

LCADC, LMSW, MAC, SAP

I am the founder of The Promise Counseling Center and ITG Institute.

I am a Social Worker and Substance Abuse Professional.

I was raised in Prince George’s County and love it! I am a PG girl through and through. I started “The Promise” and “ITG Institute” after witnessing the deterioration of families and the effects relationships have on individuals. I have worked in healthcare for over 20 years. My career started in Emergency Services: volunteering with the West Lanham Hills VFD, working in the ER at Doctor’s Community Hospital and the Surgical Care Unit at Children's National Medical Center.

I gained valuable knowledge and skills working and treating those in crisis. More importantly, I observed how important relationships and support are when experiencing pain (emotional or physical) and the many ways both staff and patients use unhealthy means to cope. I learned that people in pain, do not talk about it and if they do, they prefer to talk to people that look like them or have shared experiences. After working in hospitals and other healthcare agencies, I stumbled upon the world of human services and addiction treatment. I always say that this field chose me, I did not choose it.

It was through my work in alcohol and drug treatment, that I gained an overwhelming understanding of how family issues and lack of support can affect a person’s self-worth, progress, and growth.

I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in outpatient, inpatient, hospital, and criminal justice settings. After working several years in substance use treatment, I noticed huge disparities in how minority patients received treatment and their access to quality care.

Simply put, the quality of care was severely lacking and cultural considerations were missing. In addition, minority staff were often overlooked or devalued. Leadership and management in the agencies I worked, did not look like me and their decisions/management style were often insensitive, discriminatory, and biased.

Finally in 2019, I made the decision, to be more active (and aggressive) in being the change I wanted to see. “The Promise” and “ITG Institute” are the culmination of years of experience and research. I am focused on providing holistic and integrative care to Black people and other minorities in a way that is accessible, creative, and effective. I am committed to providing a work environment that nurtures, empowers, strengthens, and supports Black professionals. There is no crab in the barrel mentality over here. I am committed to helping my community get more comfortable with asking for help, believing it will come, and trusting it. I am committed to training Black professionals working in human services to be competent, have integrity, and to perform their jobs with excellence.

Family is whatever we choose it to be. Relationships occur in all areas of our lives (home, work, school, etc.). Often, people struggle with their own identity and purpose outside of relationships. Often, they get lost in relationships and when they end, they have unresolved trauma, grief, or pain. Often, they are bound by the family history that includes violence, abandonment, abuse, infidelity, pressure, or neglect. Through “The Promise” and “ITG Institute”, my mission is for you to identify and honor THE PROMISES you have made to yourself, first and foremost. Because if you do not know yourself and honor yourself, everything else will feel unsatisfying.

I am a disruptor and fiercely passionate about helping people improve the quality of their life. I lead people in transitioning from a spectator to an active adventurer/participant in their life, exploring their potential and pushing through perceived limitations. I have a talent for understanding people’s needs and reshaping their perspective towards themselves and their world. Everyday, I trust in The Promises of God for my life and the gifts He has blessed me with... which allows me to serve you!

Our Amazing Team!

Esther Popoola, LCADC, LMSW, MAC, SAP

🩵Therapist/Clinical Supervisor

🩵Substance Use Professional

🩵SAP Provider/DOT Violations

🩵Licensing, Accreditation, & Program

Development Consultant for SUD Programs

Donta Dinkins, CSC - AD

Substance Abuse Counselor

Donta Dinkins has been an addiction counselor for almost four years. He finds this career to be both demanding and rewarding. His current credentials are CSC AD. He currently working on his Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a concentration in Addiction Counseling.

A father of four children, two boys and two girls. His current education and professional goals are to achieve his Masters degree and obtain his LCADC.

Mark Humprey

Housing Coordinator and Peer Support

A dedicated peer support and community resources manager at In The Gap Academy. He studied communications at Morgan State University. Mark leverages his knowledge and experience to empower individuals on their recovery journey.

Having achieved over 10 years of sobriety himself, he is passionate about helping others navigate the challenges of recovery and find stability in their lives. Mark’s commitment to service and community makes him an invaluable asset to the ITG team.

Contact Us

If you’re seeking support for what you’re going through, you’ve come to the right place.

Give us a call, or send us a message and

we’ll get back to you soon.

ITG Office Hours

Monday-Thursday: 9AM to 6PM

Friday: 10AM to 3PM

Saturdays are by appointment only.

8401 Corporate Drive, Suite 420, Landover MD 20785

[email protected]

240-847-4844

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Contact Us

240-847-4844

8401 Corporate Drive, Suite 420, Landover MD 20785